Google is currently holding its second edition of #GoogleForNigeria – an event that brings together the technology ecosystem as well as those enthusiastic about it to learn about products and programs the tech giant has made available in Nigeria and across Africa.
Google announced Google Station for Nigeria; a “program to provide high quality, high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots” around the country, launched in partnership with 21st Century Technologies; a Nigerian fibre network provider. The free Wi-Fi hotspots are currently available at the Landmark Centre, The Palms Mall, Ikeja Mall, MMA2 Domestic Airport Terminal, all in Lagos State. The free internet initiative is expected to reach millions of Nigerians spread across 200 locations in 5 cities by 2019, making Nigeria the fifth country after India, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico to get Google Station.
We are offering new solutions to improve and expand access in Nigeria and across Africa; these launches demonstrate our commitment to Africa through products built to help people in Africa to make the most of the Internet – Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor
Other important things to know from #GoogleForNigeria2018:
StreetView
Google says it is launching more Nigerian landmarks and natural wonders on StreetView. Right now, Streetview’s Discover Nigeria gallery has been expanded to include the National Museum in Lagos, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Millenium Park in Abuja, and Lekki Conservation Centre.
Improvements in Google Search
This includes the job search feature launched in March in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, and a search experience in collaboration with experts at the University of Ibadan that allows users explore health conditions based on symptoms. Food search allows users search recipes and find inspiration for food.
Ken Tokusei, PM Director International Search @ Google talks about Nigeria’s search patterns and how Nigerian find creative ways to use their devices. #GoogleForNigeria pic.twitter.com/76DBSFiUWe
— Google in Africa (@googleafrica) July 26, 2018
YouTube Go
A new update lets users browse downloaded YouTube Go videos, saved as .yt files, right from the gallery on their phones without opening the YouTube app.
It is designed to improve your experience when watching videos on a slower network, give you control over the amount of data used streaming or saving videos, and to let you share videos with friends nearby.
Google Maps Go
With artificial intelligence and machine learning. Go maps will now provide users with turn-by-turn directions, whether they’re travelling by car, bus or on foot.
Android Go
Google also launched Android 8.1 (Go Edition) in Nigeria and 29 other African countries. Android Go is a configuration of Android optimised for smartphones with 1GB of RAM memory or less. Google has now doubled the amount of available storage on entry-level devices. Across Africa, Transsion, Nokia, Huawei, and Mobicel have launched various devices, starting at just over 17,000 Naira. Through Android Go, they’re enabling entry-level devices to be affordable, fully functioning smartphones that can browse the web and use apps.
Our new feature within Google Go allows you to listen to any web page. You can now read the web as easily as listening to the radio. #GoogleforNigeria pic.twitter.com/XIkBwZFuSR
— Google in Africa (@googleafrica) July 26, 2018
Google Go
Google Go helps you listen to webpages read out loud. In April, the company launched Google Go, an app that makes it easy for people to discover the best of the internet, even on low-RAM smartphones or unstable network connections.
Growing with Google
12 month’s ago, Google started equipping people with the skills and tools to make the digital world work for them, businesses and communities. Today, the digital skills program has trained more than 2.5 million Africans, with the aim to reach the 10 million promised. They have also trained more than 9,000 Africans developers, in partnership with Udacity and Andela.
Supporting startups and non-profit organizations
Google has kicked off the first class of Launchpad Accelerator Africa, a program that provides over $3 million in equity-free support to African tech startups including mentorship, working space and access to technology. Twelve startups graduated, with more than 20 teams from Google and 40 mentors from nine countries supporting them. The startups have directly created 132 jobs and, between them, have raised over $7 million in funding. Their products are being used by approximately 4.5 million people.
Sorry it’s taking some time to get into the Digital Playground! We can’t wait to meet you all #GoogleforNigeria pic.twitter.com/G68BdcyXxB
— Google in Africa (@googleafrica) July 26, 2018
The ongoing Google Impact Challenge forms a part of the $20 million Google.org commitment to Africa over the next five years. After 5,500 entries, Google is now in the process of selecting 36 nonprofit and social enterprise innovators who have the best uses of technology to tackle Africa’s biggest challenges.
The event is still holding at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, with masterclasses focused on different niches and products display. Google does mean business.