Spotify Might Be The New YouTube
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Nigerian Telcos Rolling Out Uniform Shortcodes for Bank and Airtime Transactions
All Nigerian telcos have begun implementing harmonized shortcodes, which standardize the codes used by customers across all networks. This move means that customers can now perform bank transactions and check airtime balances using uniform codes. The initiative is consistent with the Nigerian Communications Commission's initiative for regulatory modernization, and the new codes will work alongside the old codes until the migration is completed on May 17, 2023. ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, believes this will enhance the customer experience across all networks.
Crypto Startups Scramble to Find Banks After Silvergate Meltdown
Crypto startups are struggling to find banks that will work with them after the failure of Silvergate Bank, which was one of the top crypto-friendly banks. While larger companies such as Coinbase have relationships with mainstream banks, smaller startups are struggling to find new banking partners. Silicon Valley Bank, Customers Bank, and banking startup Mercury are among the few options. Signature Bank, another alternative to Silvergate, is cutting back on working with crypto customers. Smaller companies are expected to be pushed to second or third-tier options to find banks to operate with. Some startups may consider fintech, such as Mercury, which offer banking-like services but are not licensed banks.
Twitter Allows Its Privacy And Security-protecting Tor Service To Expire
Twitter recently allowed its Tor service to expire, leaving users who rely on the privacy and security-protecting feature without access to it. The Tor service allowed users to access Twitter through a secure and encrypted connection, protecting their identity and location from potential surveillance or tracking, but now visiting the site will only show a warning that the certificate has lapsed. However, Twitter has not yet provided an explanation for why the service was allowed to expire or if it will be renewed in the future, as it no longer has a communications department. The Tor Project has reached out to Twitter to try to bring the onion version of the site back online, but it is uncertain whether the service will be resurrected. This decision has raised concerns about Twitter's commitment to user privacy and security, especially for those who rely on Tor to protect themselves from online threats.
How Spotify Is Increasing Its Focus On Video Podcasts
Spotify is ramping up its efforts in video podcasting, with plans to make several new shows exclusively for its platform. At Spotify's Stream On event, the company announced a renewed focus on video podcasts to consolidate and appeal to younger listeners. Spotify has also made it possible for anyone who signs up for Spotify for Podcasters to publish video podcasts, and the company is integrating its DIY podcast publisher, Anchor, into Spotify for Podcasters. Additionally, Spotify is partnering with Patreon to bring more podcasts into the app and is adding an autoplay function to podcasts to keep listeners engaged. The move into video podcasts is also part of Spotify's broader strategy to become the go-to destination for audio content. The company is betting big on podcasting and believes it will eventually become a major revenue stream. By offering more unique content, including video podcasts, Spotify hopes to attract more users to its platform and keep them engaged for longer periods of time.