Zuckerberg Debunks 3 Facebook Myths

 
TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington pulled no punches in an interview with Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday at the Disrupt conference in San Francisco.

"So, the stock has lost half its value since the IPO," Arrington said.
"Just get right into it!" Zuck replied.
The interview was Zuckerberg's first public appearance since the company went public in May 2012, and he used the interview to make several clarifications about the health of Facebook's core business, its future ambitions, and employee morale.
Below are three myths about the company that Zuckerberg set out to debunk--and one, at the bottom, that turned out to be true.

Myth 1: Facebook's biggest problem is mobile.
Zuckerberg was bullish on the company's mobile division, saying that a lot has changed on mobile since the company went public.
"Literally, six months ago, we didn't run a single ad," he said. "It's easy for a lot of folks to underestimate how fundamentally good mobile is for us." But just how good is mobile for Facebook? Zuckerberg declined to give specifics, other than noting that mobile ads are outperforming the website's ads.
Zuckerberg said that the future of Facebook is mobile, and, eventually, the company will have more mobile users, more engagement from these users, and more revenue per user from mobile. Again, no details on how exactly the company will accomplish this.
Separately, Zuckerberg admitted his own obsession with his iPhone: He wrote his Founder's Letter in the company's S-1 using his mobile.

Myth 2: The current stock price is killing company morale.
Though the current stock price isn't something employees are particularly happy about, Zuckerberg says, it's not a limiting factor for the company's productivity. "Stock price doesn't help morale," he acknowledged. "But there [are] a few important things: Facebook has not been an uncontroversial company in the past. [Employees] are fairly used to people saying good and bad things [about the company]. We have a good compass, and we stay focused."
He added, "I would rather be in a cycle where people underestimate us. I think it gives us lattitude to go out and make big bets."

Myth 3: Facebook is building its own phone.
"Why would we build our own phone?" Zuckerberg said, laughing. Though there have been numerous reports that the company was making its way into hardware, Zuckerberg denied the claim. Sorry, Facebook phone conspiracy theorists.

Myth 4: Facebook is building its own search product to compete with Google.
This was the one myth that proved to be accurate.
"We do on the order of one billion queries a day, and we're not even trying," he said. "I think there's a big opportunity there. It's going in an interesting direction. Search engines are evolving to giving you a set of answers. When you think from that perspective, Facebook is pretty uniquely positioned to answer questions people have."
Arrington was quick to ask the obvious: Does that mean Facebook will compete with Google on search?

"At some point we'll do it," Zuckerberg said. "We have a team working on search."

 

A New iPhone, New iPods But No New iPad

 

The Apple announcement has come and gone and it went pretty much the way I expected. We saw a new iPhone (called the iPhone 5 and not, thankfully, the “new iPhone”). We also got to see redesigned iPod Nano and iPod Touch devices. A new pair of earbud headphones called EarPods rounded out the new hardware. Updates to iOS and iTunes rounded out the announcement. But despite the hype, I think the biggest conversations will be around pricing and the lack of a smaller iPad.

The new models sport some impressive features. They’ll use a new connector, abandoning the 30-pin cables of the old iPhone and iPod lines. The iPhone 5 has a faster processor, a larger four-inch screen and is both thinner and lighter than all previous models. The iPod Nano, which has already been redesigned several times, now looks like a miniature iPhone and boasts a multi-touch user interface and integrated pedometer. The new iPod Touch also has a larger screen and will support Apple’s voice-activation software called Siri right out of the gate.

The iPhone 5 is available for preorder starting on September 14th and will ship on the 21st. The iPod devices will be available “for the holidays.” The new version of iOS 6 will come out on September 19 and an extensively revamped iTunes will come out in late October.

There was no hint of a seven-inch iPad, something that’s been rumored to be in the works at Apple for several months now. And, based on the pricing of the new iPod Touch devices, I’d be surprised to see the company launch anything in that space this year. The new iPod Touch comes in two models. The 32-gigabyte version will cost $299.  The 64-gigabyte model is $399. The base models for Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet and Google’s Nexus 7 tablet cost $199. That tells me any seven-inch iPad from Apple would cost well above the competing tablets on the market. I don’t think there’s any point for Apple to wade into that fight.
Most of what we heard today had been leaked in earlier reports with no huge surprises. What’s your reaction to Apple’s announcement? I think the new designs are nice — it seems like this year’s event was more impressive than last year’s iPhone 4S event. But I also think people expect so much from Apple these days that it would be very difficult for the company to really blow away the audience.

 

Win 10 Million Naira for Your Business Venture! YouWiN! Women Targeted at Female Entrepreneurs in Collaboration with WIMBIZ Kicks Off

YouWiN! stands for Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria. It is an innovative business plan competition aimed at job creation by encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurial youth in Nigeria to develop and execute business ideas. The first edition of  YouWIN! launched in 2011 and the accomplishments of the 1,200 YouWiN! awardees were celebrated at the Presidential Villa on April 12, 2012. Click here for a list of all the winners.

YouWiN! Women is the second edition of the entrepreneurial scheme which is designed for only female entrepreneurs aged 45 years or less.Women in Management, Business and Public Sector (WIMBIZ), a female focused Nigeria based non-governmental organization was established in 2002 with the overriding vision “to be the catalyst that elevates the status and influence of women and their contribution to nation building.”

As part of their efforts to help elevate the profile and influence of women and their contribution to nation building, WIMBIZ announces its partnership with YouWiN!

In the first year, only 18% of the YouWIN! award winners were women.  The aim is to increase the percentage of women who apply for the competition.

WIMBIZ is partnering with YouWiN! in the South West and South South States of the country, to expose women to the immense possibilities in the Nigerian business environment.

The winner stands a chance to win N10,000,000.00! The money is an equity contribution to the winner’s business.

Who can apply: Nigerian female entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-45 wishing to expand their existing businesses or birth a new business concepts.(proof of identity: International passport/Drivers License/National ID/Voters card is required). Interested applicants must have post-secondary school qualification. The  proposed business venture must be within the national borders of Nigeria, and with the intention of employing Nigerian citizens. The  proposed venture must not entail the production or distribution of weapons, alcoholic beverages, tobacco or/and gambling, or any activities in contradiction with the Nigerian constitution.
Minimum academic qualification: OND/HND.
How to apply: Attend any of the business clinics in the State nearest to you from the list below. You will receive assistance with registration and the application process as well as training on writing your business plans to ensure that YouWiN! Women win.

Click here to register online

For people in Lagos, Osun & Ogun States: Saturday 22nd September, 2012
Oyo, Ondo, & Ekiti States: Sunday 23rd September, 2012
Delta, Rivers & Cross River States: Saturday 29th September, 2012
Edo, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States: Sunday 30th September, 2012

Entry closes on the 14th of October 2012. So hurry and go get your forms!

For more information:  please visit  website or contact Ayomide on 08034946249 or 08035946249 or email Ayomide@wimbiz.org

 

2013 AGCO Africa Ambassador Contest | Your Chance to Attend the Summit in Germany & Win $10,000

 

AGCO Corporation is organizing its second Africa Summit on January 21, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. The summit unites leading international experts to discuss solutions for the development of African Agriculture. Africa has 60% of the world’s arable but uncultivated land. The goal is to provide food for everyone in an ecologically sustainable manner while at the same time promoting the growth.

The AGCO Africa Ambassador video contest is announced for the second time to find someone who represents the continent Africa in all of its facets during several corporate events. The winner will become the AGCO Africa Ambassador 2013 and will be part of the AGCO Africa Summit 2013. Other than that, the Ambassador receives a $10,000.00 cash award and gets all necessary traveling expenses covered.

Musunga Sue Chuzu was the winner of AGCO’s Africa Ambassador 2012 contest. Click here to read about her experience.

You could be next…

Contest Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN!
Requirements

• Minimum age: Twenty-one (21) years old
• Proof of African origin and valid passport from a country on the continent of Africa
• Fluent in spoken English
• Some experience with speaking in front of a large audience
• No record of criminal behavior including crimes of moral turpitude or which might bring
• AGCO into disrepute
• No membership in extreme, radical or violent groups including but not limited to groups
• which advocate the violent overthrow of any government
• No human rights offenses
• Must be available to participate in both Events (January 18-27, 2013)
• Must be eligible to receive a visa to enter Germany during the Event
• May not be an employee or immediate family member of an employee with AGCO

How to Submit your Entry

• Eligible Participants may enter the Program by creating and submitting a video of themselves explaining why they should be chosen to act as the AGCO Africa Ambassador to Germany during the Event.
• The video must not contain obscenities or other objectionable content.
• Eligible Participants may enter as many times as they chooses so long as each Submission offers different content and perspective from a previous Submission by the Eligible Participant.
• Multiple entries of the same Submission will result in disqualification.
• Your video should be uploaded on our youtube channel – www.youtube.com/africaambassador as a video response to the contest video, posted on our Ambassador facebook page - www.facebook.com/AfricaAmbassador or sent directly via email to info@africa-ambassador.com.
• Submissions must be no less than thirty (30) seconds and/or no more than three (3) minutes in length.
• Men and women are welcome to participate in the contest.

Winning
Submissions will be approved, judged and decided on by the AGCO marketing team. Eligible Participants accepts and acknowledges that the decision of the Judges is final.

Prize

• Hosting the AGCO Africa Summit on January 21, 2013 in Berlin, Germany.
• Representing your continent for AGCO as an AGCO Africa Ambassador at the “Grüne Woche” fair in Berlin, Germany from January 18-27, 2013
• Reporting about Africa and AGCOs activities in Africa on Facebook and Twitter
• A $10,000.00 cash award
• Reimbursement for all reasonable traveling expenses solely related to participation as the AGCO Africa Ambassador.

 

Grey Velvet Boutique presents a “One Day Sale” with up to 50% Off Fabulous Fashion Pieces! Saturday 15th September 2012

 
The Grey Velvet Boutique, stockist of top Nigerian designers is having a one day sale on Saturday 15th of September 2012. There will be a 15% to 50% discount off all their Ankara wedges, flats and lady gaga shoes as well as discounts off gorgeous pieces from the House of Marie.
Make Grey Velvet Boutique your destination for great pieces from top Nigerian designers such as Kiki Kamanu, House of Marie, Aimas, Remi-Lagos, Kola Kuddus, Design For Love, Marayah O, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Isi Brown, Xclamations, Bebe Grafiti, T T Dalk, GZK & more!
Don’t miss this great offer at the one day sale! See you there.
Date: Saturday 15th September, 2012
Venue: Grey Velvet Boutique, Ikeja City Mall, Alausa.
Contact: For more info and general enquiries
Call: 07088617035

 

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Introduces Naira denominated Debit MasterCards

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Introduces Naira denominated Debit MasterCards 

Good News for online shoppers in Nigeria, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Introduces Debit MasterCards

The UBA Africard Solves most of our online payment problems but in order to meet up with global standards and be accepted everywhere - UBA has launched the Debit Master Card Service which is denominated in local Naira currency.

 

Features of the UBA Debit MasterCard Include (But not limited to the following):

• Choice to Link Debit Master Card to Savings account or Current.
• Validity period is 5 years from the Month of first issue.
• Web, POS and ATM Transactions are Highly secured with Personal Identification Number (PIN)
• Access to withdraw cash from Over 1 Million ATM in over 210 countries.
• Access to transfer cash online to other banks

How to Get the New UBA MasterCard:

Download and Print this UBA Debit Card request form (PDF). Submit completed form to any branch of UBA near you. You can also get the forms at the bank.
A savings or current account is required. If you do not already have an account with UBA, Open one.

The Following Fees Applies to UBA MasterCard Usage:

New Card issue or Replacement                      -  N750

A Monthly service charge of                           - N100 (whether you withdraw or not?)

Withdrawal from UBA ATMs                          - Free

Withdrawal from Other Nigerian banks ATM    - N100

Cash withdrawal on ATMs abroad                   - 3% of transaction amount

Purchases from POS and local websites in Nigeria - Free

Purchases from POS abroad and foreign websites  - 3% of transaction amount

 

Daily Transaction Limits of the UBA MasterCard:

You're limited to 20 transactions per day and a Daily ATM withdrawal limit of 150,000 Naira.
Maximum POS terminals can send is 1,000,000 while Internet payments have a limit of 500,000 Naira.

Reach the UBA Customer Care number on +234 700 2255 822 for more inquiries.  

Nigeria’s Saheed Adepoju is a young man with big dreams. He is the inventor of the Inye, a tablet computer designed for the African market.

According to the 29-year-old entrepreneur, his machine’s key selling point is its price – $350 (£225) opposed to around $700 for an iPad.

He believes that, because of this, there is a big market for it in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, particularly amongst students.

He is also hoping to sell his tablet – which runs on the Google Android operating system – to the Nigerian government and plans to have at least one computer in each local government area.
“The Inye is a mobile internet device. It gives you access to the internet; it allows you to play media files and watch movies. What we have is an 8-inch device, a device that is half-way between a laptop and a mobile phone,” he told the BBC’s series African Dream.

“You have the standard software applications that come pre-installed and then you have the ones that we are working with various local developers to bundle on,” he added.
Among those local apps there is one designed to raise awareness about HIV and others related to water and sanitation.

“We work with local developers that have expertise in particular areas so that we don’t end up doing so much work and we just have a collaborative way of doing things together,” he said.
‘Word of mouth’

Mr Adepoju has a background in software development and is a Sun-certified Java programmer.
After doing a first degree in maths and computer science in Nigeria, he completed another one in advanced computing by research at Bournemouth University, in the United Kingdom.

Upon graduation in 2009, he returned to his home country and started working for a consulting firm.
“Within eight months I got fired, primarily because of differences in approach to doing business. In the middle of all this, the Apple iPad launched, back in January of 2010, which inspired us to actually look to build such [a] product within the African marketplace,” the entrepreneur told the BBC Africa’s Chris Ewokor.
He said that, with that goal in mind, he borrowed money from friends and family, raising a total of about $60,000.

According to him, all of that went on the devices and the logistics – there was no budget for marketing, so early advertising was “word of mouth” on social media.

The first 100 units of the Inye, which means One in Nigeria’s Igala language, were built in China and, after receiving feedback from its users, a second version was launched in May 2011.
Encipher Group, the company he cofounded with web developer Anibe Agamah, also offers customised IT services and products, including cloud computing, which are mostly based on open technology to keep costs down.


Raising capital
According to Mr Adepoju, the company and the apps it develops are focused on preserving local culture through technology and making products which are specific to the local market.
Another product that the firm has been working on is Encipher TV, a box where people can watch African television, plays and films.


However, he says that it has not been easy to raise capital in order to develop the business faster.
“Here venture capital (VC) is still in its infancy and most VC firms wound want to invest in tried and trusted companies that have gained some form of traction,” he said.

“We face the challenge of getting people to listen to the various propositions. We’ve been to a number of private investors and also to the government,” he explained.

Not surprisingly, his immediate plan is to “try and raise capital from whatever sources we can get – locally, internationally or privately – and to try and still to push the brand forward as much as we can”.

Will his tablet computer succeed in such a competitive environment? Only time will tell but Mr Adepoju and his colleagues are adamant that it will, not only in Nigeria but also in other African markets.

Yahoo and Bing Join forces to Launch YahooBing Advertising Network

Yahoo and Bing Join forces to Launch YahooBing Advertising Network

Yahoo Advertising Network and Microsoft in a desperate attempt to hold on tight to their share of the Online advertising market has joined forces to produce a new brand they call YahooBing Advertising network. And I'm not just making this up, see the Microsoft Post about it.

This is Only a Re-branding of their advertising networks (For paying advertisers) it doesn't affect their individual Search Engines.

Microsoft also keeps its old market place bingads.com website which now displays the new YahooBing logo

You can connect to YahooBing via Facebook page and Twitter accounts and stay updated on latest developments.

There are reports that the original post made on Microsoft Advertising blog was renamed to Bing Ads instead of YahooBing!
This is the new website of the re-branded YahooBingnetwork.com. which displays two different terms and conditions from yahoo and Microsoft at the footer. 

Today we are pleased to introduce you to the Yahoo! Bing Network, the new official name for our combined search marketplace. It reflects the commitment of both Microsoft and Yahoo! to bring you a broad, high-value, and engaged audience that helps…

Yahoo Bing Network

09/09/12 4:46 PM

What i wanna know is why Yahoo's name got to come first? Probably cos they got the Market and Microsoft just has the technology that powers it.. Anyways .. Google Adwords is still King of the online advertising market, there people are just confused.

What do you think...?

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