Par Axel Toubson
#TechFriday n°2️⃣8️⃣1️⃣ – Issue of 24/04/2026
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This week on #TechFriday, smartwatches are rising in Cameroon, blending health and style, while in Gabon, posting online could lead to prison. ChatGPT raises concerns, VR boosts innovation in Botswana, and Telegram evolves fast. WhatsApp Plus, Microsoft Defender, Apple, Gucci and a $1M prize round up a packed week.
In Cameroon, smartwatches blend style, health, and social status ⌚ 🇨🇲
Smartwatches are becoming increasingly common in Cameroon, establishing themselves as a cross between a health tool, a fashion accessory and a productivity booster. Whilst they offer health monitoring and handy notifications, their cost, limited battery life and technical hurdles are still holding back their widespread adoption. Click here for full story
Real names, real risks: the new face of social media in Gabon 📱 🇬🇦
Social media has been blocked in Gabon since 17 February. A new decree has just changed everything: an end to anonymity, mandatory use of real names, group administrators facing criminal liability… and up to 10 years in prison for simply sharing content. What the decree says, and what it means for Africa. Click here for full story
AI that reassures too much: when chatbots blur reality 🤖
What happens when AI stops questioning… and starts agreeing too much ? A deep dive into how chatbots like ChatGPT can reinforce dangerous beliefs—and what it says about our digital future. Click here for full story
Botswana rolls out virtual reality labs to transform research 🇧🇼 🥽
Botswana is stepping up a gear. Thanks to a groundbreaking virtual reality programme, researchers will be able to collaborate across borders and accelerate innovation. This strategic breakthrough could transform research in Africa. Click here for full story
Telegram is redesigning itself — and it’s bigger than messaging 💬
WhatsApp is testing a paid version called WhatsApp Plus on Android. For €2.49 a month, the subscription mainly promises customisation options: themes, icons, premium stickers and more pinned chats. It’s a modest offering, but one that already gives a glimpse into Meta’s strategy. Click here for full story
Is Microsoft Defender really enough ? Microsoft says yes 🛡️
Microsoft claims that Microsoft Defender is sufficient for most Windows 11 PCs, and testing labs such as AV-Test back this up with perfect scores. But beware: zero-day vulnerabilities, missing VPN support and subpar performance for some. Who still benefits from a paid antivirus ? Click here for full story
Apple turns the page on Tim Cook, bets its future on John Ternus 🍏
Gucci enters smart glasses race, betting big on design 👓⚡
Gucci is entering the race for smart glasses. Facing competition from Apple, Meta and Samsung, the luxury brand is banking on design to win over consumers. The aim: to turn technology into a fashion accessory. A stylish revolution is in the pipeline for 2027. Click here for full story
MBR Water Award: final call for African innovators 🌍💧
$1M on the table ! A global water innovation prize is calling African startups and researchers to step up. From desalination to air-to-water tech, the future of water is being built now. Will Africa lead the way before April 30 ? Click here for full story
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That’s it for this week. We wish you a good weekend and look forward to hearing from you in the comments.
TechGriot ✌🏾😁
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