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Worldwide Wearables Market Soars by 197.6% in 3Q2015- IDC

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A quarter after Apple debuted as the number two wearables vendor worldwide, Chinese vendor Xiaomi finished the third quarter of 2015 (3Q15) as a strong contender for this position. Similarly, newcomer XTC beat out Samsung as the world’s number five wearables vendor.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker , total shipment volume for the quarter came to 21.0 million units, up 197.6% from the 7.1 million units shipped in 3Q14.

“The early stages of the wearables market have led to tight competition among the leading vendors, and Chinese vendors have seized upon market momentum to grab market share,” noted Ramon Llamas, research manager for IDC’s Wearables team.

“China has quickly emerged as the fastest-growing wearables market, attracting companies eager to compete on price and feature sets. In addition, multiple vendors have experimented with a broad range of products and applications. The challenge, however, is whether these vendors can expand their presence, as few have extended beyond the country’s borders and into other markets.”

While there has been clear growth in the wearable market, there has been little sign of product cannibalization. Smart watches have drawn increased attention to the market from the likes of Apple, Motorola, Pebble, and Samsung, but this has not dampened interest in fitness trackers.

By the end of 3Q15, shipment volumes for both product categories increased sequentially and year over year, showing that, for now, the categories can co-exist and grow.

This also provides end users with choice in terms of feature sets and functionalities, ranging from simple fitness tracking to smartphone-like experiences.

“The bifurcation doesn’t just exist in features, but also in price,” said Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst for IDC Mobile Device Trackers. “The average smart watch or band came in at just over \$400 and the average basic watch/band at \$94. This leaves a lot of room for new players like Fossil and niche players like Pebble as they have an opportunity to address this space.”

Vendor Highlights
Fitbit relied on its popular Fitbit Charge and Fitbit Surge models to maintain its leadership in the worldwide wearables market, and also saw continued growth within the Asia/Pacific and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) markets.

Equally noteworthy has been its fast-growing Corporate Wellness strategy during the quarter, which added North American retailer Target and its order of 335,000 fitness trackers for its employees.

Target joins Bank of America, Time Warner, and more than 70 other Fortune 500 companies to deploy Fitbit devices to its employees.

Apple posted a slight increase from the previous quarter, mostly the result of additional markets and channels coming on line. End-user attention has been going toward its entry-level and least expensive Sport line, to which Apple responded by introducing gold and rose gold models. In addition, Apple released watchOS 2, bringing native third-party applications to the device.

Xiaomi’s inexpensive Mi Band buoyed volumes higher during the quarter, with more than 97% of its volumes shipping into China.

Volumes outside of China remain limited, although progress has been made in Western markets. Adding to Xiaomi’s selection is its Mi Band Pulse, which added real-time heart rate monitoring and was released on Singles Day (November 11) in China.

Garmin’s focus on citizen athletes with wearables for running, golf, swimming, hiking, and aquatics kept the company well entrenched as the clear number four vendor worldwide. With a deep and broad product portfolio and multiple price points, Garmin has been well-positioned to cover numerous market segments and address the rising fitness tracker category with its Vivo sub-brand of bands and watches.

Chinese vendor XTC, a subsidiary of BBK, beat Samsung for the number five position by 100,000 units in its worldwide debut.

Like other Chinese vendors before it, XTC maintained its focus exclusively within China, and with just one device: the Y01, a children’s phone watch.

 


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Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats

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Lagos state government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.

Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor

Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the initiative represents a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to establish itself as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.

He noted that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, Lagos is increasingly exposed to cyber threats, necessitating stronger and more coordinated security measures.

Citing data from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Omotoso, said Nigeria loses over $500 million (about N250 billion) annually to cybercrime, emphasizing the urgency of proactive interventions.

According to him, while the state’s transition into a smart city offers vast opportunities, it also heightens vulnerability to digital attacks.

“The guidelines, available online, provide practical and scalable recommendations for small businesses, large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.

He added that the framework aligns with key national regulations, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).

Omotoso emphasised that the document is not intended as a regulatory instrument but rather as a resource to equip stakeholders with actionable and context-specific guidance.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens public confidence.

The commissioner commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its contribution to the development of the guidelines, and also acknowledged Tubosun Alake, commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, for his support.

He added that the framework is expected to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors, enabling organisations, from small enterprises to multinational firms, to operate more securely.

Omotoso further noted that the guidelines would be reviewed periodically to keep pace with emerging threats and evolving technologies, stressing that cybersecurity remains central to Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.


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Laundry Without Interruptions: Why LG Auto Restart Washing Machines Are Perfect for Nigerian Homes

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In many Nigerian households, laundry day often comes with an added challenge, unpredictable power supply. A washing cycle that suddenly stops due to a blackout can leave clothes half-washed, soaked, and inconveniently delayed. For families with busy schedules, restarting laundry from scratch is not just frustrating, it wastes time, water, and electricity.

LG Electronics addresses this everyday concern with a simple but powerful innovation: the Auto Restart feature in LG Twin Tub Washing Machines. Designed with real-life Nigerian conditions in mind, this feature ensures your laundry continues seamlessly, even after an unexpected power outage.

Understanding the Auto Restart Feature in LG Washing Machines

The Auto Restart feature allows an LG washing machine to automatically resume its wash cycle from the exact point it stopped when power is interrupted. Instead of resetting the cycle or requiring manual input, the machine retains the previous settings and continues washing once electricity is restored.

This intelligent design removes the need to:

  • Restart the wash cycle manually
  • Guess how long the clothes were already washed
  • Repeat washing unnecessarily

For households experiencing frequent power cuts, Auto Restart turns a common inconvenience into a non-issue.

Why Power-Friendly Washing Machines Matter in Nigeria

Power outages remain part of daily life across many parts of Nigeria. From urban centres to rural communities, sudden electricity interruptions can disrupt household routines, especially when appliances are running.

Traditional washing machines often reset completely after power failure. This can result in:

  • Incomplete washing
  • Over-washing clothes when cycles are restarted
  • Increased water and electricity usage
  • More time spent monitoring the laundry

LG’s Auto Restart feature is designed specifically to overcome these challenges, making it a highly practical solution for Nigerian homes.

Key Benefits of LG Auto Restart for Nigerian Households

  1. Uninterrupted Laundry Experience

With Auto Restart, you don’t need to stay close to your washing machine or worry about power restoration while you’re away. The machine takes care of itself and resumes washing automatically.

  1. Saves Time, Water, and Energy

Restarting a wash cycle means using extra water and electricity. Auto Restart ensures that no part of the wash is wasted, helping households operate more efficiently.

  1. Protect Your Clothes

Repeated washing or incorrect restarting can lead to fabric wear. By continuing from the correct wash stage, LG Auto Restart helps maintain proper fabric care.

  1. Ideal for Busy Families and Professionals

Whether you’re managing a large household or balancing work and home responsibilities, Auto Restart ensures laundry doesn’t become another task that demands constant attention.

LG Twin Tub Washing Machines: Built for Real Living

LG Twin Tub Washing Machines are widely appreciated in Nigeria for their durability, affordability, and strong washing performance. Combined with Auto Restart, these machines become even more responsive to local household needs.

Other features include:

  • Powerful wash action for tough stains
  • Separate wash and spin tubs for greater control
  • Long‑lasting build quality designed for frequent use
  • Efficient water usage, especially useful in water‑conscious households

These qualities make LG Twin Tub washing machines a popular choice among Nigerian consumers looking for reliability and value.

Ideal Washing Machine for Areas with Frequent Power Outages

If you live in an area where electricity supply can be unpredictable, choosing a washing machine with Auto Restart is no longer optional but it’s essential. LG washing machines with Auto Restart are especially suitable for:

  • Homes with irregular power supply
  • Large families with frequent laundry needs
  • Users who value convenience and efficiency
  • Households looking to reduce water and energy waste

Why LG Washing Machines Stand Out in Nigeria

LG continues to be a trusted name in home appliances across Nigeria due to its focus on durability, smart features, and customer-centric innovation. By designing washing machines that work reliably under local conditions, LG reinforces its position as a brand that understands and responds to everyday challenges.

From Auto Restart technology to powerful wash performance, LG washing machines provide practical solutions that simplify daily life.

Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Control Over Laundry

Laundry should not depend on the perfect electricity supply and with LG Auto Restart washing machines, it doesn’t have to. By automatically continuing wash cycles after power outages, LG helps Nigerian households enjoy greater convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.

For anyone searching for the best washing machine for power cuts in Nigeria, LG washing machines with Auto Restart offer a smart, reliable, and stress‑free solution – every wash, every time.

For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/twin-tub-washing-machines

 

 

 

 


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Access Holdings, Coronation Partner Tate Modern to Spotlight Nigerian Modernism

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Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have partnered with Tate Modern to commemorate World Art Day with a virtual session highlighting the global significance of Nigerian modernism.

Access Holdings, Coronation Partner Tate Modern to Spotlight Nigerian Modernism

Access Holdings

The event, titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism,” featured a virtual tour of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and discussions on the evolution of modern art in Nigeria.

The session brought together staff members across both organisations, reflecting growing institutional engagement with arts and culture as a driver of societal development.

Speaking at the event, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, emphasised the role of art in shaping identity and national development.

She said that beyond financial capital, cultural and intellectual capital are essential in defining a nation’s prosperity and inspiring dialogue.

Akinyele noted that both organisations were committed to democratising access to art, ensuring it is accessible to a wider audience rather than a select few.

The discussion also featured insights from Tate Modern Curator, Osei Bonsu, and art expert Daniel Wallis, who examined the development of Nigerian modernism and its global relevance.

Bonsu said Nigerian modernism represents an independent reimagining of global art, rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage and expressed through unique visual languages.

According to him, the movement challenges narrow, Eurocentric definitions of modernism and highlights the richness of African artistic expression.

The session further underscored the growing international recognition of Nigerian art, particularly through exhibitions at Tate Modern.

Participants also reflected on the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the exhibition, described as a milestone in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.

In his closing remarks, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings, Amaechi Okobi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage.

He said the collaboration with Tate Modern aligns with broader efforts to promote dialogue, preserve cultural identity and support the creative sector.

The event reinforced a shared commitment by Access Holdings, Coronation Group and Tate Modern to elevate African art globally and ensure Nigerian cultural narratives continue to shape international conversations.


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