Google has launched the Pixel 11 Series, featuring a new sign-language-to-text (SL2T) model that translates American Sign Language (ASL) into written English via the phone's camera.

• The SL2T model runs locally on the device for privacy and is integrated into Gboard and Live Transcribe.
• Google DeepMind developed the model, trained on over 100,000 hours of data, aiming to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.
• However, the technology's immediate impact in Kenya is limited due to language differences (ASL vs. Kenyan Sign Language) and the unavailability of Pixels in the local market.

Safaricom has expanded its PATA MORE campaign to the Greater Western and Nyanza regions, offering enhanced value on its connectivity products and digital services.

• Customers will now receive more data for their money, with, for example, the KES 1,000 monthly bundle offering 21.5GB, up from 10GB.
• Safaricom is the organization behind this initiative.
• M-PESA users benefit from an increased free Pochi la Biashara transaction limit to KES 200 and a capped transaction fee of KES 50 for amounts above KES 200 for 90 days.

Safaricom has introduced a new "Tap to Pay" feature within the M-PESA Business App, enabling merchants to accept payments directly from customers' NFC-enabled smartphones without a traditional card machine.

• Merchants can now initiate payments by entering the amount owed, and customers can complete the transaction by tapping their NFC-enabled phone to the merchant's device and entering their M-PESA PIN.
• This new functionality is integrated into the existing M-PESA Business App, used by Lipa na M-PESA till owners since 2020.
• Initially, the feature requires customers to enter their PIN for every transaction, differing from earlier discussions about PIN-free payments for smaller amounts.