Apple's biggest scandal of 2022 is already happening

Lucas Matney

Hello friends, and welcome back to Week in Review!

I've taken the last few weeks to unwind and ensure that my 2022 hot takes are as scorching as possible, or at least as prescient as possible. This week, we're talking about what I'm sure could be one of Apple's biggest scandals of the decade thus far: the itty bitty AirTag.

You can get this in your inbox every Saturday morning from the newsletter page, and follow my tweets @lucasmtny.

AirTags are a very useful product from Apple that pretty much function exactly as advertised.

Unfortunately, that's the problem.

There's been a fair bit of controversy lately around how Apple rolled these out and how even though these are great devices to keep track of your keys, they can also easily be abused to stalk someone. This isn't a purely theoretical issue either, it's already happening.

It's not a particularly unique scenario where technology can be used for good and bad purposes -- just think about the decades-long conversation around encryption -- that said I have a feeling that this is a scenario where Apple is going to lose and it's going to be more embarrassing than any misstep in recent memory.

Apple has arranged so much of their wearable product marketing over the last few years on how their devices function in edge use cases. The Apple Watch's last several generations have focused on health tracking features that could help identify rare conditions or help users in a life-threatening situation. TV commercials have documented the individual stories of users who have found the Apple Watch to be a life-saving tool. With AirTags, there's potential for some of that same good, but there's also much more downside. In the next year, we're undoubtedly going to see examples of AirTags being used in nefarious ways that bundled together serve as the antithesis of one of these Apple Watch commercials. It may end up being a product defined by its gross shortcomings.

Apple has made its own post-launch efforts to tighten up how AirTags that don't belong to a certain user can be detected, but these notifications have proven buggy and have often waited far too long to alert users. Add in the fact that Apple has seemed to treat Android integration as an afterthought, not a necessary partnership in order to ship a device like this, and Apple's incompetence looks a bit more severe.

I highly doubt that Apple is going to be able to design their way out of this problem. Regardless of what they ship on iOS to backtrack issues, Android's fractured ecosystem means that safeguards won't reach an awful lot of people who could be targeted.

For a nascent product category with such PR liability potential, it's hard to see how Apple justifies continuing to sell AirTags. It's a unique error from Apple in that the company delivered exactly what they initially promised but failed to consider the full scope of that initial promise's direct consequences.

Here are a few stories this week I think you should take a closer look at:

Elizabeth Holmes convicted on 4 of 11 counts
At long last, the trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes reached a resolution. Now, we wait for sentencing as well as further guidance on whether Holmes will be retried for several of the counts that the jury could not reach a verdict on. "Holmes was found guilty of conspiring to defraud investors, as well as defrauding investors from the DeVos family, hedge fund manager Brian Grossman and former estate and trust attorney Dan Mosely. She was not found guilty of charges related to defrauding patients," my colleague Amanda reported.

Google infringed on Sonos tech, trade court rules 
Google's smart speakers infringed on key patents held by Sonos, a US regulator ruled this week, and the company will no longer be allowed to import the infringing products which are manufactured in China. Google has already begun rolling out design changes which it hopes will interrupt its ability to sell its smart speaker devices. Sonos has seen its early lead in the smart speaker war dissipate as tech giants have thrown their weight around, but the smaller hardware company isn't shrinking away.

A smaller, quieter CES
The Omicron wave stopped the TechCrunch team from making our way to Las Vegas to check out the latest gadgets at the Consumer Electronics Show, but we were at the show in spirit and watching along with countless livestreams. While it was certainly a more low-key year, there were still plenty of wild gadgets this year. Here are some of the best ones we saw.

Some of my favorite reads from our TechCrunch+subscription service this week:

How startups can prevent tech debt from piling up
"...Favoring a short-term plan to get a faster go-to-market option is not always bad, provided the business has a backup plan to deliver well-designed code that would simplify future iterations and innovations. But for startups, reworking is difficult as deadlines and resource crunch prevent developers from producing clean and perfect code. Startups prioritize short-term plans and focus more on adding functionalities to achieve milestones, sign up marquee customers or raise funding. This roadmap shuffling and disregard for the long-term view trigger tech debt..."

5 growth marketing predictions for 2022
"...It's been a crazy year in growth marketing, what with the meteoric rise of TikTok, radical iOS privacy shifts and a staggering $240 billion poured into U.S. startups as of September 30. All of this new money has meant heavier investments in growth marketing throughout 2021. The heavier investments have occurred during uncertain times, with startups scrambling to find ways to measure iOS conversions and unlock TikTok as a new channel..."

3 things founders need to know about M&A
"...M&A is particularly beneficial for startups that struggle to scale operationally because they essentially buy cash flow, revenue and other companies’ traffic, meaning startups grab a bigger share of their markets. They’re also a good way for startups to find, consolidate and experiment with their value proposition. The problem though, is that most founders don’t know how to get started with M&A and resign themselves to the shadows of bigger players. But mergers are accessible and advantageous to businesses of all sizes..."

Thanks for reading, and again, you can get this in your inbox every Saturday morning from the newsletter page, and follow my tweets @lucasmtny.

Have a great week!

 

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Africa Cup of Nations players to watch: Joe Aribo, Franck Kessie, Karl Toko Ekambi

AFCON 2021 begins on Sunday January 9 when hosts Cameron face Burkina Faso in Group A at 4pm; all 52 games throughout the competition will be shown live across Sky Sports; tournament concludes with the final on Sunday February 6

The Africa Cup of Nations is live on Sky Sports and ahead of the competition, WhoScored.com have picked out 10 players to keep an eye on...

Karl Toko Ekambi - Cameroon

Lyon have struggled in Ligue 1 this season and head into Sunday's meeting with PSG in the bottom half of the table, but they'd be in a far more perilous position were it not for Karl Toko Ekambi. Only Lucas Paqueta (6) has scored more league goals than Ekambi (5) for Lyon this season, and, as a boost for Cameroon, is the joint-top scorer in the Europa League, netting six in the group stages, proof that he comes alive in cup competition.

The Indomitable Lions will certainly look to the Lyon star to fire them to glory on home turf.

Clermont Foot will miss Mohamed Bayo and then some.

Bayo has scored nine of their 20 league goals and has a better WhoScored.com rating (6.98) than any other player for the promoted side. That their next highest scorer - Elbasan Rashani - has just four league goals to his name is a concern for the Lancers. A conversion rate of 23.1 per cent is the 11th best in Ligue 1 of the 65 players to muster 20 or more shots this season and while his international career is in its infancy, Bayo has the goalscoring touch to help Guinea to the knockout stages of AFCON.

Pape Sarr - Senegal

Tottenham supporters are set to keep a close eye on Pape Sarr when Senegal kick off their AFCON campaign on Monday. The teenager moved to Spurs last summer, but was immediately loaned back to Metz in order to garner regular action to aid his development. The 19-year-old hasn't exactly caught the eye as some Spurs fans may have hoped in Ligue 1, but then nor have 18th-placed Metz. There is ample competition for a starting spot in a packed Senegal midfield, yet Sarr could prove to be Aliou Cisse's ace in the hole when the going gets tough for the Lions of Teranga.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - Ghana

Rennes have a knack for picking up exciting wingers and Kamaldeen Sulemana is no exception. Following in the footsteps of Ousmane Dembele, Ismaila Sarr and Raphinha, Sulemana has proven a revelation in Ligue 1, even if his spot in the Rennes XI came under threat prior to France's winter break.

A dribbling machine, the teenager is completing more dribbles per 90 (4.8) than any other player in France's top tier this term. Ghana do have quality personnel in the final third and Sulemana boasts the trickery to ensure the Black Stars will prove more than a match for any opponent at AFCON.

Sofiane Boufal - Morocco

Following a couple of sub-par seasons, Sofiane Boufal is enjoying a career resurgence in Ligue 1.

Angers are exceeding expectations in France with Boufal key for Gerald Baticle's side having directly contributed to eight of their 26 goals scored, netting five times. This season is already the 28-year-old's most prolific since rattling in 11 goals for Lille in 2015/16.

His rate of 3.5 successful dribbles in the sixth-best in Ligue 1 this season and Angers' loss is very much Morocco's gain. With Hakim Ziyech overlooked by Vahid Halilhodzic for AFCON, Boufal is the man tasked with prying apart defences, being it through his eye for a defence-splitting pass or by driving forward with the ball at this feet.

Joe Aribo - Nigeria

With the Scottish Premiership on its winter hiatus for at least another week, Joe Aribo's absence for AFCON won't hit too hard for Rangers. Obviously the decision to bring the break forward due to COVID-19 means the key midfielder will miss a handful of games, Rangers have ample depth to cover the Nigerian's absence. Aribo ranks second for league goals (6) and third for assists (3) of all Gers players this season, and Nigeria will be hoping he can transfer that goal threat to the international stage, starting with the blockbuster meeting with Egypt next week.

Youcef Atal - Algeria

With a rating of 7.66, Youcef Atal was the WhoScored.com player of the tournament at AFCON 2019. A raft of injuries means the Algerian hasn't had a real chance of building upon a reputation that saw him take the competition by storm, yet the 25-year-old has been impressive for Nice this season and comes into the tournament in good form. His 2.5 interceptions per 90 ranks among the top 10 players in Ligue 1 and his commendable reading of the game is set to be key as the Fennec Foxes seek to defend their 2019 crown.

Franck Kessie - Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast are one of the favourites to land international glory and with Franck Kessie operating in a midfield that features top-quality stars in the mould of Jean Michael Seri and Ibrahim Sangare, the Elephants will fancy their chances of winning AFCON. Kessie, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham, has been superb for AC Milan this season, netting five times for the Serie A title contenders; only Zlatan Ibrahimovic (7) has scored more. A goal threat from deep, AC Milan will miss the 25-year-old, but Ivory Coast are hopeful this trait sees them crowned AFCON champions for just the third time next month.

Ellyes Skhiri - Tunisia

While he has scored three goals for FC Koln this season, Ellyes Skhiri's primary strength has always been his ball-winning ability. Three tackles per 90 is the sixth-best in the Bundesliga this season, while 2.2 interceptions per 90 ranks among the top 20 players in the division. Anchoring the Tunisia midfield, opponents will find it hard to get the better of the Eagles of Carthage with Skhiri mopping up in front of the defence.

Amadou Haidara - Mali

Manchester United fans will be paying close attention to Mali at AFCON. The Premier League powerhouse have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig's Amadou Haidara in a bid to correct their midfield issues. A commendable ball winner, Haidara chips in with an average of 1.3 tackles per 90 for RB Leipzig this season, while a modest dribble success rate of 72.2 per cent, that the ninth best of the 118 players to attempt 15 or more dribbles in the Bundesliga this season, highlights a strength to drive forward in possession to good effect. As such, Mali are not to be underestimated at the competition.

 

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AFCON 2021: CAF announces new rules on number of players, substitutions

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the weekend announced new rules on number of players and substitutions.

CAF said teams participating in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, must play their fixtures if they have at least eleven players who have tested negative for COVID-19.

It also said that in case there are no goalkeepers available in the squad, an outfield player will be required to play in goal.

“A team that does not have a minimum of 11 players available will be considered to have lost the match 0-2,” CAF’s statement read in part.

“In exceptional cases, the organising committee of the Africa Cup of Nations will take the appropriate decision.

“The organisers said teams will be able to make five substitutions per match and an additional substitution if a game goes into extra time.”

Meanwhile, a number of teams preparing for the 2021 AFCON have reported positive COVID-19 cases, including Algeria, Ivory Coast and Morocco.

The tournament begins on Sunday evening, with host nation Cameroon taking on Burkina Faso.

 

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TRADITIONAL YORUBA WEDDING CEREMONY/ATTAIRS

By: NURUDEEN ISMAIL
Date: 30th March, 2017
Time: 07:30pm

The Yoruba Traditional Wedding Ceremony, also known as the Yoruba Engagement ceremony, or Igbeyawo in Yoruba, usually takes place days, weeks or even months before the white wedding ceremony. Some families choose to hold both weddings on the same day. The bride’s family is typically responsible for covering the ceremony costs, but some families choose to split the costs as they please. The entire ceremony is orchestrated by two representatives who are chosen or hired by each side of the family. The groom’s family is represented by the Alaga Iduro/ Olopa Iduro (standing policeman), while the bride’s family is represented by the Alaga Ijoko/Olopa Ijoko (sitting policeman).

Here Comes the Groom

The Yoruba traditional wedding ceremony usually kicks of with the bride’s family seated and waiting for the groom’s family to arrive. Both the groom and bride are absent at this point. Once the groom’s family arrive, the Alaga Ijoko welcomes them at the gate in the company of the the housewives of the bride’s side of the family. The Alaga then asks the groom’s family to state their reasons for coming before collecting an entry fee from them. Finally, she introduces them to the bride’s family before some prayers are said. After the introduction, the groom’s family kneel and prostrate before for the family of the bride. The two families then sit at opposite sides of the room, while the Alagas sit or stand in their midst.
Once seated, the Alaga Iduro presents the proposal letter to the Alaga Ijoko on behalf of the groom’s family. This letter is read out loud by a younger female representative of the bride’s family, such as the younger sister or cousin. An acceptance letter is then presented to the groom’s family before some prayers are said.

After the prayers, the groom dances in with some of his friends, and prostrates a total of four times. On the first two occasions, he prostrates for his new in-laws with his friends, before prostrating before them alone the third time. During this third prostration alone, the two families stretch out their arms to pray for him. Before he takes his seat, he prostrates one final time with his friends, but this time around, before his own family. He then gives out some money before taking a seat while awaiting his bride’s arrival.

Here comes the Bride

  

 

Once the groom is seated, the veiled bride dances in accompanied by her parents and Ore Iyawo, who are usually some close female friends and female family members. She then kneels before her parents, who pray for her and bless her. She does the same thing with her husband’s parents, before taking off her veil and joining her husband. On getting to her husband, she kneels before him while prayers are said for both of them. He then gives her some money, before carrying her up for all to see.  At this point, the yoruba bride puts the groom’s fila (cap) on his head to signify an accepted marriage proposal.

The Engagement Gifts – Eru Iyawo

Engagement gift packaging by wedding solutions company, I do Weddings Nigeria

Once the couple is seated, the Alaga Ijoko then asks the bride to select one of the many engagement gifts (eru iyawo) brought by the groom’s family.  The Eru Iyawo usually contains lots of food, and each item has some significance. At a yoruba traditional wedding ceremony, the bride is expected to select the Bible/Quran from the Eru Iyawo. This religious book will have her engagement ring attached to it. The bride gives her husband the ring, which he places on her finger for her to display happily to everyone.The groom’s family also present the bride price and fees requested to the family of their new wife.

Cutting The Engagement Cake – Akara Oyibo

Wedding Cakes by Panari Cakes

No yoruba traditional wedding ceremony is complete without the Engagement cake (Akara Oyibo). This special cake is crafted to depict some elements of the Yoruba culture, e.g a talking drum, calabash, fruits or a cake topper of the bride and groom in their traditional yoruba attire. The cutting of this cake and sharing of the cake between  the bride and groom is a pretty important step in the wedding . After cutting the cake, the bride’s family formally hand over their daughter to the groom’s father in the presence of everyone. Finally, the groom’s family come out as a group to thank their in-laws for giving out their daughter before the final prayers are said and the celebrations begin.

 www.realafricanews.blogspot.com

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NIGERIA WIDE ANIMALS - AND - THEIR LOCATIONS

By: NURUDEEN ISMAIL
Date: 8th November, 2017
Time: 10:32am

WIDE ANIMALS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR LOCATIONS

Endangered species are threatened by factors such as habitat loss, hunting, disease and climate change, and usually the endangered species have a declining population or a very limited range. Learn which animals are endangered in Nigeria and why.

1.    West African lion:

West African lion and a cub In 1970 there were approximately 200,000 lions all over Africa. Now there are nearly 20,000. It was estimated that there are just 645 genetically distinct wild lions left in western and central Africa, with as few as 34 remaining in the whole terrirtory of Nigeria. Clusters of lions remain in Burkina Faso, Niger, the Central African Republic, Cameroon and Chad. In Ghana, The Ivory Coast and Togo there are already no lions left.

2.    Cross River Gorilla:

Cross River gorilla Gorillas who used to be the kings of jungle are now numbered at fewer than 300 in the forests of Nigeria and Cameroon. In 80th it was believed that this kind of primates has already become extinct. But later it has been learnt that they were still there. So there is still some chances for their lucky future. 

3.    Cameroonian forest shrew:

Cameroonian forest shrew These tiny rats are also endangered species. They can be found in the Montane forests of Western Cameroon around Mount Oku and Lake Manengouba, and in Southeastern Nigeria in the Gotel Mountains or Adamawa Plateau.

4.    White-throated guenon:

White-throated guenon The next vulnerable member of our list is a white-throated guenon. He is also called red-bellied monkey and the red-bellied guenon. These creatures live in rainforests or tropical areas of Nigeria and Benin. These monkeys eat fruits, small insects, leaves and crops. They live in small groups of 4 or 5. The white-throated guenon was once thought to be extinct due to constant hunting for their fur, as the animal has a unique red belly and white front legs. But a small group was found near the Niger River in 1988.

5.    Red-eared guenon:

Red-eared guenon This kind of monkeys is also endangered. They can be found in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical forests. The reasons of its extinction are illegal hunting and pet trade.

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LIST OF NAMES AND CONTACTS OF NYSC STATE COORDINATORS

Addresses & Contacts of NYSC State Coordinators

Posted by Nurudeen Ismail on October 9, 2017

Below, you will find the Contact of NYSC State Coordinators in Nigeria. This will go a long way in helping you find your way easily, especially if you find yourself posted to a state you know nothing about.

ABIA St. Finbarr’s Road P.M.B 7225, Umuahia Tel: 088-221581 ADAMAWA  Fed. Govt. Sec P.M.B 2252, Jimeta-Yola Tel: 075-626560 AKWA IBOM  NYSC Secretariat Federal secretariat P.M.B 1087, Uyo Tel: 085-202320 ANAMBRA STATE 12 Okpora Street P.M.B 4042, Amawbia,Awka Tel: 048-550518 BAUCHI STATE  NYSC Secretariat Federal Secretariat Quarters P.M.B 85, Bauchi Tel: 077-542348 BAYELSA STATE  NYSC Secretariat Block 7, Flat 1-4 Phase II, Civil Service/ FRSC Road , Yenogoa Tel: 084-490044	BENUE Railway Bye-pass P.M.B 2358, Makurdi Tel: 044-532139 BORNO STATE  Kashim Ibrahim Road P.M.B 1124, Maiduguri Tel: 076-231497 CROSS RIVER STATE  Km 5, Murtala Mohammed Highway Ikot-Ansa P.M.B 1148, Calabar Tel: 087-221168, 224456 DELTA STATE Federal Secretariat P.M.B 5004, Asaba Tel: 056-281434,281431 EBONYI STATE  NYSC Secretariat 17 Nkwerre Street G.R.A, Abakaliki Tel: 043-20008 EDO STATE  NYSC Secretariat Igosa Village Lagos/Benin Expressway , Benin Tel 052-254619,250219	EKITI STATE Kilometer 2, Iyin Road P.M.B 5302, Ado Ekiti Tel: 030-240784 ENUGU STATE  2 Abakaliki Road G.R.A P.M.B 1293, Enugu Tel: 042-255478,259416 FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT)  Area 1,Sec 2, Block 56 P.M.B 3, Garki, Abuja Tel: 09-2341041,2341556 GOMBE STATE NYSC Secretariat BCGA Biu Road Gombe Tel: 072-223777 IMO STATE  NYSC Secretariat Mbano Street Aladinma Housing Estate, Owerri Tel: 083-230699
KADUNA STATE  Ungwa Rimi P.M.B 2201, Kaduna Tel: 062-249319,370871 City Tel: 052-254619,250219 KANO STATE  NYSC Secretariat Gwarzo Road P.M.B 3137, Kano Tel: 064-662306,662333 KASTINA STATE  NYSC Secretariat Federal Secretariat Complex P.M.B 2034, Kastina Tel: 065-434286 KEBBI STATE  NYSC Secretariat 4 Patrick Aziza Road P.M.B 1043, Birnin Kebbi Tel: 068-3200057 KOGI STATE  NYSC Secretariat Lokoja/Okene Road Loyongoma Phase 1 P.M.B 1064, Lokoja Tel: 058-220184 KWARA STATE  NYSC Secretariat Ahmadu Bello Way P.M.B 1512, Ilorin Tel: 031-221405	LAGOS STATE NYSC Secretariat Old Census OfficeBabs Animashun Street , SurulereLagosTel: 01-4703335 NASSARAWA STATE  NYSC Secretariat 26 Makurdi Road P.M.B 31, Lafia Tel: 047-21399 NIGER STATE  NYSC Secretariat Bosso Road P.M.B 83, Minna Tel: 066-221547 OGUN STATE  NYSC Secretariat Fed. Govt. Secretariat P.M.B 2093, Abeokuta Tel: 039-241790 ONDO STATE  NYSC Secretariat Fed. Govt. Secretariat P.M.B 718, Akure Tel: 034-241761 OSUN STATE  NYSC Secretariat New Ikirun road P.M.B 4370, Oshogbo Tel: 035-242018 OYO STATE  NYSC Secretariat Former 2, Mech. Drive P.M.B 5500, Ibadan Tel: 02-8104146	PLATEAU STATE Old Miango Road , Opposite Kufang Chindi hotel P.M.B 2258, Kufang Jos Tel: 073-460950 RIVERS STATE  40 Ikwerre Road P.M.B 5210, Port Harcourt Tel: 084-234847 SOKOTO STATE  NYSC Secretariat Birnin Kebbi Road , Sokoto Tel: 060-232320 TARABA STATE  NYSC Secretariat P.M.B 1058, Jalingo Tel: 079-23565 YOBE STATE  NYSC Secretariat State secretariat Phase 1 P.M.B 1026, Damaturu Tel: 076-522139 ZAMFARA STATE  Road , Gada Biyu P.M.B 1026, Gusau Tel: 063-201635

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The Simplest and the Fastest Way to trace on CorelDRAW

THE SIMPLEST AND THE FASTEST WAY TO TRACE ON CORELDRAW

You first of all think of the tool to select from the toolbox.

There are more than 8 tool you can use to trace out an object, e.g A logo or a font. But the one I want you know now is a logo but some people even called it font.

So the easiest or the fastest tool that will be okay for you is “Bezier”.

But before you start tracing it, you will first of all locate the joint on the Logo or Font;

Then you move to the tool box and select the your Bezier tool;

Then the joint you located at the top, you will start using your mouse to click it;

After you’re through with the tracing and turned it to an able colored box, then you write click on the curved section on the box and select “convert to curve”

After you’re done with the tracing and turned it to an able colored box, then you write click on the curved section on the box and select “convert to curve”

You will do this to all curved part on the Logo till you get exactly what you want.

After you finished curve all then you can now colour it.

So this is your clean logo.

By:

NURUDEEN ISMAIL

nurdeen_ismail@yahoo.com

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