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Windows Phone 2017 Volumes to Decline 80.9%- Report

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As worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to rebound slightly in 2017 with expected growth of 3.0% over the previous year, it is all bad news for Windows Phone as Microsoft is yet to get a formidable hardware partner.

Thus, Windows Phone shipments continue to fall and overall enthusiasm for the platform show no immediate signs of recovery.

According to a new forecast from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, in 2016, year-over-year growth was 2.5%, marking the lowest growth the industry has ever experienced.

With several major devices entering the market this year, IDC anticipates shipment volumes will grow to 1.52 billion in 2017.

And IDC expects this momentum to carry into 2018, when smartphone shipments are forecast to grow 4.5% year over year, fueled by improved economic conditions in many emerging markets and a full year of new iPhone shipments from Apple.

“2016 was an interesting year for smartphones with some high-growth markets down and other mature markets like the U.S. and China outpacing global growth rates,” said Ryan Reith, program vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Device Trackers. “Looking ahead, we continue to believe several factors will enable the smartphone market to regain some of its momentum. First and foremost is that less than half the world’s population is currently using a smartphone, and markets like the Middle East & Africa, Central & Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia still have plenty of room to grow. In addition, as consumers continue to demand more from their smartphones we expect to see a large portion of the installed base that is currently using low-end devices begin to seek a more robust experience on more capable devices. Media consumption, gaming, augmented and virtual reality, and constant connectivity are drivers of this trend.”

The other big topic in the smartphone industry is the intense fight for the high end of the market. Samsung has made a lot of noise with its recent Galaxy S8 and S8+ device launches, further proving that last year’s Note 7 debacle is not going to alter the company’s plans for remaining number one.

And all signs point to late 2017 being one of Apple’s biggest, if not the biggest, product announcements with the highly anticipated next round of iPhones. Despite the massive growth of the low-end smartphone market in the past few years, IDC still fully expects the high-end market will continue to hold its place in the industry.

Advancements in computing, display technology, cameras, and storage will continue to create the need for high-end users to refresh their devices.

“With the ongoing fight at the high end, vendors will need to find a way to innovate ahead of the curve to attract new users and increase shipments while driving profits,” said Anthony Scarsella, research manager with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. “The display looks like it could be the next battlefield for the smartphone over the next couple years. We have seen both Samsung and LG opt for new borderless 18:9 displays and Apple could be set to join the party later this year. As smartphone owners continue to consume media on their devices, the screen (bigger, brighter, and bolder) will be an integral part of the overall design language for each vendor. From flexible to foldable and everything between, 18:9 displays look to be just the beginning of what’s to come.”

Platform Highlights
Android: The discussion around Android’s share of the smartphone market became irrelevant a few years back when it became clear that devices running Google’s OS would continue to capture roughly 85% of the worldwide smartphone volume.

What is interesting is to look at the many micro-trends going on within the platform. Despite a slew of very attractive high-end Android products, IDC continues to see Android average selling prices (ASPs) decline and expectations are that the 1.5 billion Android phones that ship in 2021 will have a collective ASP of $198.

Looking closer at 2018, the Middle East & Africa region for Android devices is expected to be the fastest growing at 10% year over year, which will well outpace the forecast for worldwide growth of 4.1%.

iOS: Coming off the first year in which iPhone shipments declined, expectations are that 2017 volumes will grow 3.8%. IDC slightly lowered its 2017 projections for Apple in this forecast to 223.6 million, while increasing its 2018 volumes to 240.4 million.

All signs point to late 2017 and certainly 2018 being very strong for Apple as much of its installed base seems ready for a refresh and the next round of iPhones is not likely to disappoint its fans.

Windows Phone: Windows Phone shipments continue to fall as the lack of new hardware partners, developer support, and overall enthusiasm for the platform show no immediate signs of recovery.

IDC expects 2017 volumes to decline 80.9% to just 1.1 million units. Microsoft has yet to fully commit to any “Surface”-style attack for smartphones or to push new vendors to embrace the platform, leaving little hope of mounting a full scaled comeback in the years to come.

 


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CerAwards 2026: CeraVe & Konga Health Reward Top Creators with Paris Trips and N12M in Prizes

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The intersection of dermatological excellence, technological innovation, and creative storytelling reached a fever pitch on April 23rd as the inaugural Cerawards Africa 2026 took centre stage in Lagos. Orchestrated by CeraVe, the world’s #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, in an exclusive strategic partnership with Konga Health, Nigeria’s leading distributor of premium skincare and beauty products, the event celebrated emerging creators with CeraVe-sponsored trips to Paris, N2 Million and other amazing prizes.

CerAwards 2026: CeraVe & Konga Health Reward Top Creators with Paris Trips and N12M in Prizes

CerAwards 2026

Making its debut on the African continent, CerAwards 2026 chose Nigeria as its first destination, a decision made possible through the direct result of the robust infrastructure and market trust built by Konga Health. This partnership between both brands reflects a shared commitment to driving accessibility, authenticity, and innovation within the beauty industry, while placing Nigerian talent firmly on the global stage.

Hosted by renowned media personality Bisola Aiyeola, the event delivered a seamless blend of entertainment and industry relevance. From the outset, it was clear that CerAwards was not just another awards ceremony, but a platform designed to reshape narratives, connecting skincare, storytelling, and commerce in a uniquely Nigerian way. The gala brought together the beauty industry elites, Nollywood stars, top influencers, and a new generation of digital entrepreneurs, all united by a singular vision of excellence.

Delivering his address at the event, Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, emphasised the strategic importance of innovation and excellence in building sustainable industries.

“What we are witnessing today is the convergence of technology, creativity, and commerce,” he stated. “At Konga, and particularly through Konga Health, we are committed to pursuing excellence in everything we do, ensuring that Nigerians have access to genuine products while also creating platforms that drive economic value. Technology remains the backbone of modern economies, and initiatives like CerAwards demonstrate how it can unlock new opportunities for growth, especially among young creators.”

CerAwards 2026 attracted over 800 entries from content creators across the country, reflecting the depth of talent within Nigeria’s digital and creative economy. Following a rigorous screening process by a distinguished jury comprising Funke Akindele (Nollywood actress, producer and director), Uzor Arukwe (award-winning actor), Anais Routhiau (CeraVe Africa), Ijeoma Balogun (CEO, Redrick PR), Subuola Oyeleye (Founder, Beauty Hut Africa), and Yvonne Enwerem (VP, Konga Health), the top 64 entries were shortlisted.

The competition, which recorded over 65,000 public votes, eventually expanded beyond its initial structure to accommodate 28 finalists, underscoring the exceptional quality of submissions.

Participants competed across six categories: Educational, Original, Viral Video, Cleansing, Body Moisturising, and Let’s Get Creative. The award categories spanned the full spectrum of the CeraVe experience, from educational content to viral creativity.

The awards produced six grand prize winners. Three exceptional creators won the ultimate “CeraTicket,” an all-expenses-paid trip to France to experience the heart of global beauty: Perpetua Ugwuegede (Body Moisturising), Boluwatife Lawal (Educational Content), and Iyanuoluwa Sowemimo (Let’s Get Creative). Three winners received N2 Million worth of premium content creation gear: Beryl Inegbenose (Original Content), Precious Ernest (Cleansing), and Joseph Shaka Momodu (Viral Video). The 1st runners-up were each awarded N1 million, while several other participants walked away with N500,000 in consolation prizes and gifts.

The event also featured special Nollywood Recognition Awards presented to Funke Akindele and Uzor Arukwe for their outstanding contributions to the film industry, further cementing the intersection between beauty, storytelling, and entertainment.

Beyond the awards, CerAwards 2026 represents a broader shift in how beauty brands engage with consumers in Africa. Through its partnership with Konga Health, CeraVe has tapped into a robust commerce and distribution ecosystem that prioritises authenticity, accessibility, and customer trust.

For Konga Health, the success of CerAwards reinforces its position as a trusted gateway for premium beauty brands and a champion of Nigerian creativity. As the platform continues to expand its offerings and partnerships, it remains focused on delivering value that resonates with modern consumers.

Under the leadership of Yvonne Enwerem, VP of Konga Health, the platform has become the exclusive custodian of CeraVe’s brand integrity in the region, ensuring that consumers are protected from counterfeits while enjoying seamless access to world-class dermatological solutions.

Ultimately, CerAwards 2026 has not only celebrated excellence, it has redefined what is possible when global brands and local platforms work together.


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Elon Musk Launches XChat with Video Calling to Take on WhatsApp, Messenger

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Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has launched a new stand-alone messaging app on iOS devices, called XChat.

Elon Musk Launches XChat with Video Calling to Take on WhatsApp, Messenger

Elon Musk

This app will help users connect their existing X contacts for calling, chatting, and sharing files. This move shows how Musk’s previous idea of creating a single ‘everything app’ seems to shift to a different strategy now.

This newly launched app comes with features such as audio and video calling, text messaging, group chats, and file sharing.

Moreover, it features privacy-focused tools like disappearing messages, the option to delete and edit messages for everyone, and a feature that blocks screenshots.

Looking at these features, the XChat seems to take on WhatsApp and Messenger.

However, the tech firm said that the app has no tracking or ads.

In terms of privacy, X claimed that the instant messaging app is end-to-end encrypted and comes with a PIN.

This app is currently available to iOS users only, and more updates are expected in the near future, as teased by Benji Taylor, the X’s lead designer. The launch of this app reflects a shift in Musk’s strategy about turning X into an ‘everything’ app that will include payments, shopping, messaging, and more combined in one place.

However, the focus of xAI seems to be different now as the company seems to be developing several different apps instead of combining everything into one.

This approach may help X to reach users through their various services rather than a single platform.

While XChat focused on messaging currently, the tech firm is also reportedly testing a separate payments system, which is not available to the public so far.

More features and updates to the instant messaging app are likely to be arriving in the coming months as X continues to grow its ecosystem with more apps.

 

 


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Globacom Unveils Two New TVCs Showcasing the Future of Connectivity

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Technology Company, ​Globacom has unveiled two vibrant television commercials, “Road Trip” and “Department of Imagination,” reinforcing the telecommunications giant’s dedication to providing seamless, reliable connectivity for every lifestyle.

​These engaging campaigns illustrate how Glo remains an essential partner in both our daily routines and our boldest future aspirations.

​​“Road Trip” captures a relatable family adventure filled with laughter and authentic moments. The story follows Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi as she experiences the frustration of poor signal—only to find that switching to Glo transforms the experience instantly. Whether it’s navigation, downloading content, or staying entertained, the difference is clear with Glo, which ensures you stay connected no matter where the road takes you.

Starring alongside Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, the commercial featured Bolaji Ogunmola and others and their combination brought the best out of the TVC.

​Users can easily access data plans by dialling *312#, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted service on the go.

​Department, on the other hand transports viewers to a futuristic landscape where technology bridges the gap between creativity and reality.

Guided by the renowned Richard Mofe-Damijo (The Professor), the story explores how powerful ideas turn into extraordinary experiences. It showcases a smarter, more dynamic world—from real-time gaming to advanced culinary processes demonstrated by Hilda Baci and creative tech integration by Bamike Adenibuyan (Bam-Bam).

​The unique feature of the story is each scene serving as a testament to how Glo is actively shaping a future where technological possibilities are infinite.

​The Glo’s latest commercials carry a unified, powerful message: The future is here, and it is powered by Glo.


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