How Wearable Technology is Changing the Way We Live, Work, and Play

VujaDE on July 21, 2023

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Wearable technology has become a prominent aspect of our daily lives, transforming the way we live, work, and play. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices have seamlessly integrated into our routines, providing us with an abundance of benefits and enhancing our overall experiences.

One of the significant ways wearable technology is changing our lives is through fitness and health monitoring. Gone are the days where we solely relied on a pair of running shoes to track our steps. Now, with the help of wearable devices, we can accurately monitor various health parameters such as heart rate, sleep quality, and calories burned. This technology has empowered individuals to take charge of their well-being, encouraging them to adopt a more active lifestyle and make informed decisions regarding their health.

In the workplace, wearable technology has revolutionized the way we work. Smartwatches and smart glasses have provided us with instant connectivity, allowing us to stay connected on the go without having to constantly reach for our smartphones. These devices also enable workers to access important information, receive notifications, and even make or receive phone calls, all without interrupting their workflow. This level of connectivity has undoubtedly increased productivity, making it easier to manage workloads and stay organized.

Moreover, wearable technology has only intensified the potential for immersive and engaging experiences in various forms of entertainment. Virtual reality (VR) headsets, for instance, have taken gaming and entertainment to a whole new level. They transport us into lifelike virtual worlds, providing an unforgettable experience that was unimaginable just a few years ago. Additionally, wearable devices with motion-sensing technology have also made interactive fitness experiences more engaging, allowing users to participate in immersive workouts and compete with friends, making exercising an enjoyable activity.

Moreover, wearable technology has had a significant impact on the way we interact and communicate with others. Video calling and messaging apps can now be accessed through smartwatches, ensuring that we are always connected and reachable. This has not only simplified our communication but has also made it more convenient and efficient. Wearable devices have also allowed us to stay connected in situations where using a phone may not be viable, such as during workouts or while driving.

The future of wearable technology seems limitless, with continuous advancements and innovations being made every day. We can expect to see even more accurate health monitoring capabilities, improved battery life, and enhanced connectivity features. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is also a possibility, which could lead to more personalized and proactive experiences.

In conclusion, wearable technology has undoubtedly changed the way we live, work, and play. It has given us the ability to monitor our health, stay connected, and engage in immersive experiences like never before. As technology continues to evolve, wearable devices will continue to have a profound impact on our lives, making them even more integrated and indispensable.
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IBM’s quarterly success owed to the intervention of Red Hat

VujaDE on July 21, 2023

IBM’s Acquisition of Apptio Becoming More Crucial for Future Success


Ron Miller

Alex Wilhelm

7 hours

IBM released its earnings report this week, and to be honest, the results were not very impressive. The company generated approximately $15.5 billion in revenue, a disappointing 0.4% decrease compared to the previous year. However, even within this underwhelming report, there were some positive aspects for the renowned tech giant.

On the downside, IBM’s infrastructure business is struggling, with a 14.6% decrease in revenue to $3.6 billion compared to the previous year. This includes a 30% decline in IBM Z Systems, the company’s mainframe business. Since Z Systems has been a reliable source of revenue for the company in the past, its poor performance is concerning.

On the bright side, software revenues increased by 7.2% in IBM’s most recent quarter to $6.6 billion, with Red Hat leading the way with an 11% growth. This showcases the improving performance of IBM’s $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat in 2018. One could argue that without Red Hat, IBM’s situation would be much worse.

CEO Arvind Krishna has been striving for modest growth for the company, but IBM failed to achieve even that in the second quarter.

Nevertheless, as IBM continues to focus on its hybrid cloud strategy, where its objective is to be a trusted partner in managing infrastructure regardless of its location, there are a few promising indicators for the future. This includes an anticipated revenue growth of 3 to 5% at constant currency rates, as well as an expected $10.5 billion in free cash flow for this quarter, a $1 billion increase from the previous year.

Several divisions within IBM are contributing to its modest growth trajectory. Apart from rising software revenues, the consulting division reported a 4.3% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, reaching $5 billion. These professionals help large companies with managing their hybrid cloud implementations, among other services.

Recently, IBM made a significant acquisition by purchasing Apptio for $4.6 billion. Apptio specializes in software that aids in understanding resource allocation, whether on-premises or in the cloud. Although this deal is expected to close later this year, it has the potential to generate additional revenue from the hybrid cloud approach. It could also bolster IBM’s year-over-year comparisons in the future.

What about AI?

IBM also considers AI to be intrinsically linked to its hybrid strategy. In May, the company introduced a refreshed version of Watson, an artificial intelligence platform called Watsonx that takes advantage of the latest generation of large language models. While IBM may have missed opportunities with its initial launch of Watson in 2011, which gained fame through its victory in “Jeopardy,” the company is now hoping to capitalize on the renewed interest in AI.

Knife Capital leads $21M Series B funding round as Kasha expands health access platform across Africa

VujaDE on July 21, 2023

As Africa experiences a significant increase in its young population, it is crucial for entrepreneurs to develop healthcare solutions that meet the medical needs of the continent’s future. While the private healthcare sector in Africa gained attention during the pandemic, women’s health, specifically addressing menstrual and reproductive health, has been overlooked. However, looking at other emerging markets, it is only a matter of time before this category receives the venture capital funding it deserves. The recent $21 million Series B investment in Rwandan startup Kasha is evidence of this.

Kasha, founded in 2016 by CEO Joanna Bichsel, is not your typical women’s health startup. It operates as an e-commerce platform that serves a wide range of customers but has a focus on women’s health and household items. The platform provides a digital retail and last-mile distribution service for pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), allowing customers to order products like sanitary pads, contraceptives, diapers, and cleaning supplies. Its customers include individuals, small resellers, hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics.

Initially targeting the Rwandan market with a direct-to-consumer model, Kasha expanded into wholesale after obtaining the necessary pharmaceutical license to serve pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. The startup covers a range of health needs, including newborn and maternal health, menstrual hygiene, family planning, sexual and reproductive health, and noncommunicable diseases. It aims to provide a variety of products to cater to the stigmatized health needs of women.

In terms of funding, Kasha raised $1.5 million in seed funding and secured a $3.6 million Series A from investors after expanding into Kenya. The recent Series B round was led by Knife Capital and saw participation from other investors. Kasha plans to use the investment to expand its platform in South Africa and West Africa later this year.

Kasha differentiates itself from other B2B e-commerce platforms in East Africa by focusing on health products. It offers telehealth services, connects consumers without prescriptions to doctors, and provides inventory credit to pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. The startup works directly with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the authenticity of its products. It also spreads information on health and safety through various content channels and provides insights to global health organizations.

Kasha has experienced significant growth since its Series A round, with annual recurring revenue increasing by 50x. The company aims to continue growing aggressively, become a global company, deliver strong returns to investors, and potentially go public. With its recent funding and the support of investors, Kasha is well-positioned to expand its last-mile access to health offerings across Africa.