Tech

‘Tell Me Something Good’ is Google’s new app to keep users feeling optimistic

Published

6 years ago

August 23, 2018

Google, in the face too many troubling news that make more people vulnerable to anxiety and a negative outlook, has launched a new app to keep a user’s day brightened.

Researchers at Yale University had coined the concept “the hope gap” -to describe when people are more focused on a problem rather than the solution thus causing even more stress.

“Good news is happening every day. We just don’t always hear about it. Right now, people are working to solve big problems in scalable ways – curing diseases, creating equal opportunities, reinventing education, making neighborhoods safer.

“And some smart folks have surfaced heaps of data showing that the world is actually getting better in lots of ways,” said Google in its demo video.

“Hearing this kind of good news can do us all some good. It helps bridge the hope gap, inspiring us to be more proactive in dealing with the threats we face. Good news sparks dialogue, not just about what’s wrong but how it could be better.

“It’s called solutions journalism and there’s a whole network of journalists dedicated to publishing it. Because research shows that hearing news focused on solutions can nudge us out of survival mode and into problem-solving mode, building more trust in each other and our communities,” it further said.

The Google Assistant helps users feel more optimistic. The feature can be activated by saying “Hey Google, tell me something good” to Google Assistant. Google responds by showing results with good news featuring solutions to real-world problems.

Examples that Google provided include how Detroit residents are creating jobs by turning abandoned lots into sustainable bee farms and how Iceland was able to curb teen drinking through the use of nightly curfews and coupons for extracurricular activities.

These news stories are curated through Google’s solutions journalism partners at the Solutions Journalism Network. And this feature is also being overseen by Google’s Creative Lab team.

Google is rolling out the “Hey Google, tell me something good” feature through Google Assistant on the Google Home and Google Home Mini in the U.S. now. And it should be integrated into the Google Assistant apps on smartphone devices soon after.

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.