Big news from Netflix – they’re reportedly considering a completely free, ad-supported service. Here’s what we know:
Key Features and Details
Ad-Supported: The free tier will be funded by advertisements, similar to many other streaming services. This makes it accessible to more users who might not be willing to pay for a subscription.
Regional Availability: Initially, this free tier might only be available in Europe and Asia. Netflix is focusing on these markets as it has already reached saturation in the U.S.
Previous Tests: Netflix previously tested a similar service in Kenya, where users could stream without providing payment information. The results from this test have likely informed their current strategy.
No Subscription Fee: Unlike the current ad-supported plans which still require a subscription fee, this new tier would be entirely free to use, albeit with ads.
What This Means
Netflix’s move to introduce a free tier is a strategic one to expand its user base and tap into markets where paid subscriptions are less feasible. It offers a win-win scenario for both users and Netflix – users get free content, and Netflix benefits from ad revenue and increased viewer numbers.
Big news on Starlink’s usage in Zimbabwe: President Mnangagwa recently highlighted how vital innovation, science, and technology are for the country’s future. He posted on X, stressing how the government is all in on creating a tech-friendly environment.
So Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink just got the green light from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). This is huge because Starlink will bring high-speed, low-cost internet to Zimbabwe, especially the rural areas, thanks to their local partner, IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. The same government that’s now rolling out the red carpet for Starlink had previously denied them access. What’s changed? Well, that’s anyone’s guess.
President Mnangagwa is pushing for more foreign investments, branding Zimbabwe as the go-to spot for business. He congratulated Starlink and IMC Communications on this big step, seeing it as crucial for Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming a fully digital, upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
So, while the government’s sudden change of heart is a bit of a mystery, it looks like Zimbabwe is gearing up for a digital revolution.
Hello, everyone. Today, I want to talk about something that I’ve been seeing for a while: the obsession with iPhone 16 leaks.
You probably know what I’m talking about. Ever since the iPhone 15 series came out in September 2023, the internet has been flooded with rumors, speculations, and alleged leaks about the next-generation iPhone models, expected to launch in late 2024. Yes, you read that right: late 2024. That’s more than a year away from now.
Don’t get me wrong, I love iPhones. I enjoy reading about the latest features and innovations that Apple brings to its flagship products, and I appreciate the work that goes into designing and engineering them.
But I also think that there is a limit to how much we should care about something that is so far away from reality. I mean, do we really need to know every single detail about the iPhone 16 before it even exists? Do we really need to see every possible render, prototype, and schematic of the device? Do we really need to debate over every possible rumor, leak, and speculation about the device?
I don’t think so. And here’s why.
First of all, most of these leaks are not reliable. They are based on unverified sources, sketchy websites, or anonymous tipsters. They often contradict each other, or change over time. They are not official, and they are not confirmed by Apple. They are just guesses, assumptions, or wishful thinking.
Second, even if some of these leaks are true, they are subject to change. Apple is known for testing multiple prototypes and variations of its products, and for making last-minute decisions and adjustments. What we see today may not be what we get tomorrow. Apple may surprise us with something completely different, or disappoint us with something less impressive.
Third, and most importantly, these leaks are not relevant. They are not affecting our lives in any meaningful way. They are not helping us to use our current devices better, or to solve our problems, or to achieve our goals. They are not making us happier, or smarter, or more productive. They are just distracting us from what really matters.
What really matters is the present. The here and now. The devices that we have in our hands, and the things that we can do with them. The apps that we use, and the content that we create. The people that we communicate with, and the experiences that we share. The moments that we enjoy, and the memories that we make.
That’s what I’m focused on. That’s what I’m obsessed with.
So, if you’re looking for iPhone 16 leaks, you won’t find them here. You’ll find them on other websites, like MacRumors, Lifewire, Laptop Mag, Mashable and many others. For the record, I’m not firing shots at any of these sites by the way, they have their belief, I have mine so let’s not end up making this controversial. You’ll find them on social media, like Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that refers to the network of physical objects that can communicate and interact with each other and with other devices and systems through the internet. IoT can enable various applications and services that can improve the efficiency, convenience, and quality of life in different domains, such as smart homes, smart cities, smart health, smart agriculture, and smart industry.
However, IoT also poses some challenges and requirements that need to be addressed, such as the scalability, reliability, security, and latency of the network that connects the IoT devices. This is where 5G comes in. 5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology that can provide faster speed, higher bandwidth, lower latency, and better coverage than the previous generations. 5G can also support the massive connectivity of IoT devices, and enable the use of advanced technologies such as edge computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. In this article, we will explore some of the ways that 5G can enable the IoT and its applications.
5G for Smart Homes
Smart homes are homes that are equipped with IoT devices that can automate and control various aspects of the home, such as lighting, heating, security, entertainment, and appliances. Smart homes can provide comfort, convenience, and energy savings for the residents, as well as remote monitoring and management for the owners.
5G can enhance the performance and functionality of smart homes by providing faster and more reliable data transmission, and enabling the use of high-definition video and audio streaming, virtual and augmented reality, and cloud-based services. 5G can also enable the integration of smart homes with other smart systems, such as smart grids, smart meters, and smart vehicles, and create a seamless and intelligent living environment.
5G for Smart Cities
Smart cities are cities that use IoT devices and technologies to collect and analyze data from various sources, such as traffic, weather, pollution, waste, and energy, and use the insights to optimize and improve the urban planning, management, and services. Smart cities can enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and livability of the cities, as well as the safety, mobility, and well-being of the citizens.
5G can enable the development and deployment of smart cities by providing the network infrastructure and capacity that can support the massive connectivity and data exchange of IoT devices and systems, and enable the use of real-time and accurate data analysis, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. 5G can also enable the delivery of innovative and personalized services and solutions for the citizens, such as smart transportation, smart health, smart education, and smart governance.
5G for Smart Health
Smart health is the application of IoT devices and technologies to the healthcare sector, which can provide remote and continuous monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various health conditions and diseases. Smart health can improve the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare services, as well as the health outcomes and satisfaction of the patients and the healthcare providers.
5G can enable the advancement and adoption of smart health by providing the network performance and reliability that can support the transmission and processing of large and sensitive health data, and enable the use of high-resolution imaging, video conferencing, and telemedicine. 5G can also enable the use of wearable and implantable devices, such as smart watches, smart glasses, and smart pacemakers, that can monitor and regulate the vital signs and functions of the patients, and alert the doctors and caregivers in case of emergencies.
Conclusion
5G is a revolutionary technology that can enable the IoT and its applications in various domains and sectors. 5G can provide the network capabilities and features that can support the connectivity, data exchange, and functionality of IoT devices and systems, and enable the use of advanced technologies and services that can enhance the performance and value of IoT. By doing so, 5G can create a smarter and better world for ourselves and the future generations.
Have you ever clicked on a link that promised something interesting, only to be greeted by a familiar face and a catchy tune? If so, you have been rick rolled, one of the most popular and enduring internet pranks of all time. But what is the origin and purpose of this meme, and how can you rick roll someone yourself? Let’s find out.
What is a rick roll?
A rick roll is a type of bait and switch, where a person provides a link that is supposed to lead to something relevant or desirable, but instead redirects to the music video of “Never Gonna Give You Up”, a 1987 hit song by British singer Rick Astley. The video features Astley performing the song while dancing in various locations, wearing a trench coat and sunglasses. The song is known for its catchy chorus, which repeats the lines “Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you”.
The prank is meant to surprise and annoy the unsuspecting victim, who may have expected something completely different from the link. The prankster may also enjoy the humorous contrast between the serious or enticing title of the link and the cheesy or outdated video. The victim is said to have been rick rolled, and the prankster may declare “You just got rick rolled!” or something similar.
How did it start?
The rick roll meme has its roots in an earlier internet prank called duck rolling, which originated on the imageboard 4chan in 2006. The site’s moderator, Christopher “m00t” Poole, implemented a word filter that replaced the word “egg” with “duck” as a joke. This resulted in the word “eggroll” becoming “duckroll”, which inspired an anonymous user to post an edited image of a duck with wheels, calling it a “duckroll”. The image became a target of a hyperlink with a misleading title, and anyone who clicked on it was said to have been duck rolled.
In March 2007, the first known instance of a rick roll occurred, when a user on 4chan posted a link claiming to be a trailer for the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto IV, but instead led to the “Never Gonna Give You Up” video. The prank was inspired by the similarity between the words “duck” and “rick”, and the fact that both Astley and the duck image were considered to be outdated or obscure. The prank quickly caught on and spread to other websites and platforms, such as YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Why is it popular?
The rick roll meme gained mainstream attention in 2008, when several publicized events and media outlets used it as a joke or a reference. For example, YouTube featured the video on its homepage as part of its April Fools’ Day prank, and the New York Mets played the song during a game after fans voted for it online. The meme also received coverage from various news sources, such as CNN, BBC, and The Guardian.
One of the most notable rick rolls was performed by Astley himself, who made a surprise appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008, interrupting a performance by the characters from the Cartoon Network show Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Astley sang a live rendition of his song, while the crowd and the viewers cheered and laughed. Astley, who had retired from the music industry in 1993, was initially reluctant to embrace his newfound fame from the meme, but later accepted it as a compliment and a way to revitalize his career.
The rick roll meme has remained popular and relevant over the years, as it has been used in various contexts and occasions, such as political campaigns, protests, weddings, funerals, and more. The meme has also evolved and adapted to new formats and technologies, such as QR codes, email links, phone calls, and more. The meme has also inspired variations and spin-offs, such as the Barack roll, the Nirvana roll, the Rick Astley roll, and more.
The rick roll meme is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and influential internet memes of all time, as it has transcended its original purpose and become a cultural phenomenon. The meme has been recognized and celebrated by various awards, such as the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Act Ever in 2008, and the Webby Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2020. The meme has also been studied and analyzed by various scholars and experts, who have explored its origins, meanings, effects, and implications.
How to rick roll someone?
If you want to join the fun and rick roll someone yourself, here are some tips and tricks to make it more effective and enjoyable:
Choose a suitable link. The link should be relevant to the topic or the interest of the person you want to rick roll, and should sound enticing or intriguing enough to make them click on it. For example, you can use a link that claims to be a news article, a video, a game, a quiz, a coupon, a download, or anything else that might appeal to them.
Hide the URL. The URL of the “Never Gonna Give You Up” video is well-known and recognizable by many internet users, so you should try to disguise it or shorten it to avoid suspicion. You can use a URL shortener service, such as 11, to create a new URL that looks different from the original one. You can also use a QR code generator, such as 11, to create a QR code that contains the link, and then print it or share it online.
Be subtle and natural. When sharing the link or the QR code, don’t overemphasize it or draw too much attention to it. Bring it into the conversation casually and smoothly, and don’t give any hints or clues that it might be a prank. For example, you can say something like “Hey, have you seen this video? It’s hilarious!” or “Check out this article, it’s really interesting!” or “You won’t believe what I found online!” or something similar.
Enjoy the reaction. Once the person clicks on the link or scans the QR code, they will be rick rolled, and you can enjoy their reaction. Depending on the person, they might be surprised, annoyed, amused, or indifferent. You can also reveal that it was a prank and say something like “You just got rick rolled!” or “Never gonna give you up!” or something similar. Be careful not to be too rude or mean, and respect the person’s feelings and boundaries. Remember that the prank is meant to be fun and harmless, not malicious or harmful.
Conclusion
The rick roll is a classic internet prank that involves tricking someone into opening a video of Rick Astley singing “Never Gonna Give You Up”. The prank started as a variation of the duck roll prank on 4chan in 2007, and became a viral sensation in 2008, when it was used in various public events and media outlets. The prank has remained popular and relevant ever since, as it has been used in various contexts and occasions, and has evolved and adapted to new formats and technologies. The prank is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and influential internet memes of all time, and has been recognized and celebrated by various awards, scholars, and experts. The prank is also easy and fun to do, as long as you follow some simple tips and tricks, and respect the person you are rick rolling.
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are a way of creating a secure connection between your device and a remote server over the public internet. VPNs can protect your online privacy, access geo-restricted content, and bypass internet censorship. In this article, I will explain how VPNs work, what they can do for you, and how some people are using them to get free internet access on certain mobile network operators (MNOs) like Netone.
How VPNs Work
A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and sending it through a tunnel to a VPN server, which then decrypts it and forwards it to its final destination. This way, your IP address, location, and online activities are hidden from anyone who might be snooping on your network, such as your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, or government agencies.
A VPN also allows you to change your virtual location by connecting to a server in another country. This can help you access content that is blocked or restricted in your region, such as streaming services, websites, or apps. For example, if you want to watch Netflix US from Zimbabwe, you can use a VPN to connect to a US server and enjoy the full catalog of shows and movies.
There are different types of VPN protocols that determine how the encryption and tunneling are done. Some of the most common ones are OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec. Each protocol has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, security, and compatibility. You can choose the best protocol for your needs depending on the VPN service you use and the device you have.
Why You Should Use a VPN
There are many benefits of using a VPN, both for personal and professional purposes. Here are some of the main reasons why you should use a VPN:
Protect your online privacy: A VPN prevents your ISP, advertisers, hackers, and other third parties from tracking your online activities and collecting your personal data. A VPN also protects you from cyberattacks, such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and identity theft, by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.
Access geo-restricted content: A VPN lets you access content that is not available in your region, such as streaming services, websites, or apps. You can also use a VPN to bypass firewalls and censorship in countries with repressive regimes, such as China, Iran, or Turkey. A VPN can help you access communication tools like Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter, Viber, and Zoom from anywhere in the world.
Save money online: A VPN can help you save money online by changing your virtual location and avoiding price discrimination. Some online services, such as airlines, hotels, car rentals, and e-commerce, may offer different prices depending on your location, currency, or device. By using a VPN, you can compare prices from different regions and find the best deals.
Enhance your gaming experience: A VPN can improve your gaming experience by reducing lag, ping, and latency. A VPN can also help you access games that are not available in your region, play with friends from other countries, and avoid bandwidth throttling by your ISP. Moreover, a VPN can protect you from DDoS attacks, swatting, and other online threats that may target gamers.
How VPNs Are Used for Free Internet Access
Some people are using VPNs to get free internet access on certain MNOs, such as Netone in Zimbabwe. This is done by exploiting some loopholes or bugs in the network configuration or billing system of the MNO. For example, some MNOs may offer free access to certain websites or apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp. By using a VPN, you can tunnel all your internet traffic through these websites or apps and bypass the data charges.
However, this method of using VPNs for free internet access is not legal, ethical, or reliable. It may violate the terms and conditions of the MNO and result in penalties, such as suspension or termination of your service. It may also expose you to security risks, such as malware, phishing, or identity theft, as some VPNs may not be trustworthy or may contain malicious code. Furthermore, it may not work consistently, as the MNO may detect and fix the loopholes or bugs at any time.
Therefore, we do not recommend using VPNs for free internet access, as it may cause more harm than good. Instead, we suggest using VPNs for their legitimate and beneficial purposes, such as protecting your online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and saving money online. There are many VPN services available in the market, both free and paid, that can offer you these features and more. You can choose the best VPN for your needs based on your budget, preferences, and device.
Conclusion
VPNs are a powerful tool that can help you enhance your online experience and security. By using a VPN, you can encrypt your internet traffic, hide your IP address, and access content from anywhere in the world. You can also use a VPN to save money online, improve your gaming experience, and protect yourself from cyberattacks. However, you should not use a VPN for illegal or unethical purposes, such as getting free internet access on certain MNOs, as it may backfire and cause you trouble. Instead, you should use a VPN for its intended and legitimate purposes, and enjoy the benefits it can offer you.
Answering online surveys is a popular way to make extra money, and it is possible to do so in Zimbabwe. There are a number of survey websites and apps that accept members from Zimbabwe, and some of them even pay in US dollars. Here are some tips on how to earn money in Zimbabwe by answering surveys:
Sign up for multiple survey websites and apps. The more survey sites you are a member of, the more surveys you will be eligible for.
Create a profile that is complete and accurate. This will help to ensure that you are matched with the right surveys.
Be honest and thorough in your answers. Survey companies are looking for honest feedback from their members, so it is important to be truthful in your answers.
Check your email and dashboard regularly for new surveys. Surveys can fill up quickly, so it is important to check for new ones regularly.
Be patient. It may take some time to start earning money from surveys, but if you are consistent, you can start to make a decent income.
Here are some of the best survey websites and apps for Zimbabweans:
Triaba
OpinionAPP
LifePoints
Swagbucks
Toluna
InboxDollars
Survey Junkie
PrizeRebel
YouGov
Harris Poll Online
OnePoll
Survey Club
Once you have signed up for some survey websites and apps, you can start taking surveys and earning money. Most surveys pay between $0.10 and $2.00 each, and some surveys can pay even more. You can typically redeem your earnings for PayPal cash, gift cards, or prepaid cards.
It is important to note that answering surveys is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time and effort to make a significant income from surveys. However, if you are patient and consistent, you can start to make a decent amount of extra money.
Ordinary level exams for Zimbabwean students have already begun, and many advanced level exams are just around the corner. For many students, this is a time of great stress and anxiety. However, there is one underrated tool that can help students succeed in their exams: the internet.
The internet is a vast resource of information and educational materials that can be used by students of all levels. Here are a few ways that ordinary and advanced level students in Zimbabwe can utilize the internet for their exams:
1. Access past exam papers and solutions
One of the best ways to prepare for an exam is to practice on past papers. The internet is a great place to find past exam papers for all subjects. There are also many websites and online forums where students can discuss past papers and get help with difficult questions.
2. Find online tutorials and practice questions
There are many websites and online courses that offer tutorials and practice questions for a variety of subjects. These resources can be a great way to learn new concepts and practice answering exam-style questions.
3. Connect with other students and teachers
The internet is a great way to connect with other students and teachers from all over the world. Students can use online forums and social media groups to discuss their studies, ask questions, and get help from others. Students can also find online tutors who can help them with specific subjects.
4. Find educational games and apps
There are many educational games and apps available online that can help students learn new concepts and practice for their exams. These games and apps can be a fun and engaging way to learn, and they can be especially helpful for students who learn best by doing.
Here are some specific tips for ordinary and advanced level students in Zimbabwe on how to utilize the internet for their exams:
Ordinary level students
Focus on finding past exam papers and solutions for your specific subjects.
Use online tutorials and practice questions to learn new concepts and practice answering exam-style questions.
Connect with other students and teachers online to discuss your studies and get help.
Advanced level students
In addition to the tips above, you can also use the internet to find more specialized resources for your subjects.
There are many online databases and journals that contain research articles and other scholarly works.
You can also use the internet to find online courses and tutorials on specific topics.
No matter what level you are at, it is important to use the internet responsibly and to be selective about the resources you use. Make sure to use credible sources of information and to avoid websites and online forums that are known for spreading misinformation.
The internet can be a powerful tool for students who are preparing for their exams. By using the internet wisely, students can access a wealth of information and resources that can help them succeed.
Emojis are the colorful and expressive symbols that we use to communicate our emotions, ideas, and opinions online. They have become a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and platforms. But have you ever wondered who creates and validates these emojis? How do they become part of the standard set of characters that we can use on our devices and applications?
The answer is the Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit organization that sets the standard for how text is represented and displayed across various programs and pieces of software. The Unicode Consortium deals with about 50 emoji proposals a year, and has a rigorous process to evaluate, approve, and implement them.
The process starts with anyone who has an idea for a new emoji. Anyone can submit a proposal to the Unicode Consortium, following the guidelines and criteria that they have established. Some of the factors that they consider are:
The expected usage level and frequency
The distinctiveness and clarity of the design
The completeness and consistency of the set
The compatibility with existing emojis
The relevance and importance of the concept
The proposal should also include a detailed explanation of the meaning, purpose, and usage of the emoji, as well as supporting evidence such as images, references, and data.
The proposal then goes through three steps in the approval process before it becomes standard in Unicode:
Initial Proposal: During this time, an Emoji Subcommittee (ESC) within Unicode reviews all pitches, and sends them for endorsement to the Unicode Technical Committee or UTC.
UTC Consideration: The entire committee then reviews the filtered set of proposals from the ESC. They may accept, reject, or request revisions for each proposal. They may also assign a tentative code point and name for the emoji.
Final Approval: Once the Unicode finally decides to implement the emoji, it becomes a “Final Candidate”. It is then assigned a final code point and name, and added to the Unicode Standard.
After an emoji is approved by the Unicode Consortium, it is up to the individual platforms and vendors to design and display their own versions of the emoji. For example, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, and others may have different styles and interpretations of the same emoji. However, they should follow the general guidelines and specifications provided by Unicode to ensure cross-platform compatibility and consistency.
The Unicode Consortium releases new sets of emojis every year, usually in June or July. The latest release was Emoji 14.0 in July 2023, which added 37 new emojis such as melting face, biting lip, coral, x-ray, beans, and more. The next release will be Emoji 15.0 in June 2024, which is currently accepting proposals until September 2023.
If you have an idea for a new emoji that you think deserves to be part of the Unicode Standard, you can submit your proposal to the Unicode Consortium following their instructions. You may need to do some research, analysis, and documentation to support your pitch. You may also need to be patient and persistent, as the process can take up to two years or more. However, if your proposal is successful, you will have contributed to the evolution of online communication and expression. You will also have made millions of people happy with your new emoji. 😊
But why do some people think that WhatsApp creates emojis?
This is because WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. Many people use WhatsApp to send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, documents, stickers, and emojis. WhatsApp has its own set of emojis that are different from other platforms. For example, WhatsApp’s smiley face emoji has a slight tilt compared to Apple’s or Google’s.
WhatsApp does not create emojis from scratch. It uses the Unicode Standard as a base for its emojis. However, it customizes them according to its own style and preference. WhatsApp also updates its emojis regularly to match the latest Unicode releases. For example, in April 2023, WhatsApp added 217 new emojis from Emoji 13.1. Some of these new emojis include heart on fire, face in clouds, woman with beard, man with veil, and more.
WhatsApp also allows users to create their own custom stickers using third-party apps such as Sticker Maker or Fotor . These apps let users upload their own images or illustrations and turn them into stickers that can be sent on WhatsApp. Users can also add text or other elements to their stickers using these apps.
However, these custom stickers are not emojis. They are different types of media that are sent as images on WhatsApp. They do not have code points or names assigned by Unicode. They are not part of the standard set of characters that can be used across different platforms and applications. They are only visible and usable on WhatsApp.
Therefore, WhatsApp does not create emojis. It only designs and displays its own versions of emojis that are approved and standardized by the Unicode Consortium. WhatsApp also enables users to create their own custom stickers using third-party apps, but these are not emojis either. They are just images that can be sent on WhatsApp. Emojis are created and validated by the Unicode Consortium, the authority that regulates the representation and display of text across various programs and pieces of software.
So recently I wrote an article on accessing the darkweb but I never listed the majorly known darkweb sites for you to try. So here they are but as I mentioned earlier ‘open on your own risk’
The Hidden Wiki – http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
