Google and connecting the next 3 billion

Google announced today that it will invest in O3b Networks, delivery internet access to people in emerging markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East via satellite at competitive prices.

‘The O3b Networks system will offer fiber performance over satellite, at prices comparable to fiber in developed regions. By allowing direct connection to core networks and 3G Cellular/WiMAX towers, the O3b
Networks system will completely change the economics of telecommunications infrastructure in the world’s
fastest-growing markets for communications services’ Market watch reports.

The implications of this means that in 2 years, people who have never even heard of the internet will have access to it, and they will help shape and direct what it will become. Exciting times ahead!

via Appfrica

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Nokia Homegrown

Image credit

From the LIFT Asia conference Raphael Grignani has an updated presentation that shows some of the thinking and projects Nokia Design Homegrown has been working on. The Remade phone concept explores ‘the use of reclaimed and upcycled materials that could ultimately change the way we make things.’

Via putting people first.

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ColaLife

ColaLife is embarking on one of the most fascinating approaches to innovating current distribution methods.

What about Coca Cola using their distribution channels (which are amazing in developing countries) to distribute rehydration salts? Maybe by dedicating one compartment in every 10 crates as ‘the life saving’ compartment?

Simon Berry recently called for a collaborative effort to explore the challenges that lie ahead. Like “How are we going to incorporate non-Coke items in Coca-Cola crates?”

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Opportunities in Africa

‘Emerging markets are the next big frontier for the Internet, but the old business models fall away. In Africa the Internet is now about how to get it to cellphones’
Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Sunday Times, September 7 2008

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Haldane Martin

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Haldane Martin is launching a new showroom at 12 Aberdeen Street in Woodstock, Cape Town, on Saturday 6 September from 10h00 to 13h00.via Heather Moore, writer for Elle Decoration.

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New Ushahidi design

Erik Hersman from White African has announced that Ushahidi has been updated and has a additional funding.

The Ushahidi Engine is a platform that allows anyone to gather
distributed data via SMS, email or web and visualize it on a map or
timeline. Our goal is to create the simplest way of aggregating
information from the public for use in crisis response.

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FROM IDEA TO PRODUCT SEMINARS

As part of its initiative to support new product development, the SABS Design Institute presents the seminar on product development – FROM IDEA TO PRODUCT

The content of the seminar addresses the problems most commonly experienced in the following areas:

• Pitfalls in the development of a new product;
• The protection of intellectual property;
• Available financial incentives and how to access them;
• Available technical assistance and how to access it;
• The role of the industrial designer;
• Individual business strategy and entrepreneurship.

Experts from industry lead the discussions.

On Thursday, 18 September 2008, the seminar will be presented at the Agri Mega week in Bredasdorp, Western Cape.

On Saturday, 4 October 2008, the seminar will be presented at the CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria, Gauteng.

For more information and to register for the event, go to www.sabs.co.za/Business_Units/Design_Institute/Initiatives/Africa/Seminar.aspx

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FADA-Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

The University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture will host a second information session on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 at 14:00. Anyone interested in a exploring a career in design should attend.

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fresh start

Most of this will be for myself, a library for work, bookmarks and thoughts. It will cover design in Africa, a broad topic, but one that needs exploring.

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