According to the GSMA's The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023 report, costs for smartphones are consistently increasing due to taxation and associated duty fees. These additional charges can raise the price of a smartphone by 10 to 30%, making them highly inaccessible for most people in Africa. Moreover, high manufacturing costs further compound this issue, particularly for 5G and 4G devices. The GSMA encourages governmental interventions, like tax exemptions for affordable handsets, and also endorses strategies that make these devices meet lifestyle needs, thereby incentivising purchasing.

Articles this week highlight the growth of biometric implementation in mobile technology, with consumer devices now storing digital identity wallets. At the same time, phones running Google software are barring modification of ID card photos. Furthermore, a Mitek survey stresses the need for proper biometric authentication in bank apps. Other developments include the addition of Pangiam’s biometric software for airport systems to BigBear.ai’s portfolio, the launch of Touch Biometrix's FAP60 sensor, and the introduction of biometric checks in Pakistan for heads of families applying for ID cards.The article also discusses the use of Australia's myGov digital identity platform for scams, leading to moves to improve its security. The European Parliament and Council have agreed on a framework for European Digital ID Wallets that will carry an array of credentials for public and private services. Various collaborations are also underway, including T-Systems’ work with Gaia-X and Verimi on digital ID wallets. Google, for its part, has barred the manipulation of photo IDs on its Magic Editor to combat fraud.The article also mentions a controversy with Airbnb, which reportedly failed to verify a user's identity due to her skin color despite its previous denial of using biometrics.

Supercharge your shopping experience with pre-Black Friday discount spree, now featuring an enticing 41% off on Google's Pixel Smartwatch. This ingenious device tracks all you could ever need, from physical activities to health metrics, and is currently available at a reduced. Certainly an unmissable deal for techno-savvy shoppers.

Defying market trends, Apple enjoyed a 19% YoY growth in its shipments during the past quarter. The enduring popularity of the iPhone 13 and 14 series, combined with the release of the eagerly anticipated 15 series, has led to a strong demand for Apple's products. In the fiercely competitive smartphone market in Southeast Asia, Tecno, Infinix, and Apple have been named as the brands with the fastest growth in a recent research report.

The OnePlus 11 5G, Apple iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, and Google Pixel 8 Pro are some of the top luxury gaming smartphones available on Big Diwali Sale, which ends tonight. Don't miss out on these amazing offers.

The Garmin Venu 3 excels in health and activity tracking with personalized recovery guidance, making it the best Venu so far, assuming you are prepared for the substantial financial outlay. The Garmin Venu 3, the latest in Garmin's series of fitness-oriented smartwatches.

Smartwatches and fitness trackers play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, especially for people looking to maintain their health and fitness. They not only assist in health tracking but also offer the convenience of having a digital assistant available on demand. The range of such devices in the market is extensive, with models catering to varying requirements and budgets. As the holiday season inches closer, this guide offers a focused selection of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers as potential gifts for your loved ones.

Xiaomi expands its Android smartphone line with the release of its latest model, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C. This device sports a 6.74-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of HD+ pixels. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 mobile processor and offers varying RAM and storage configurations.

The national government of Zambia has entered into a partnership with the globally recognized Chinese tech company, ZTE, to set up a mobile smartphone assembly plant in Zambia. This project will boost the local industry, create job opportunities, and promote technological advancement within the country. The collaboration was officially announced by President Hakainde Hichilema, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Zambia and ZTE, a trailblazer in delivering ICT solutions across the globe.

Samsung's upcoming smartphone model will feature an all new on-device AI technology, capable of real-time translations whether or not the other call participant uses a Samsung smartphone.Global tech titan Samsung Electronics has announced its plans to introduce a real-time translation service, powered by artificial intelligence, in their products next year.