Breet, a cryptocurrency payment infrastructure platform, has announced the launch of a $10,000 equity-free grant programme targeted at African startups operating in fintech, crypto, stablecoins, and digital payments.

The initiative is coming ahead of the Africa Technology Expo 2026, scheduled to hold from June 26 to 27 at the National Theatre in Lagos.

The programme is designed to support growth-stage startups navigating increasingly tight funding conditions across the continent. In recent years, African tech founders have faced a shift in investor sentiment, with greater emphasis now placed on sustainable unit economics, regulatory compliance, strong governance structures, and solutions that address clear market needs.

This shift has created a funding gap for startups that have moved beyond the idea stage but are yet to attract large-scale institutional investment.

Breet said its grant programme seeks to bridge this gap by offering more than just funding. Selected startups will receive a combination of financial support, access to payment infrastructure, and exposure to key industry stakeholders.

Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors, corporate executives, and policymakers during the expo, providing a platform for partnerships and potential scale.

According to the company’s Chief Operating Officer, the initiative reflects the evolving needs of founders.

“Founders today need more than funding. They need infrastructure that works, faster routes to market, and access to the right commercial networks. That is the thinking behind this grant,” the COO said.

A central component of the programme is access to Breet’s application programming interface (API), which enables businesses to integrate crypto and payment functionalities directly into their platforms. This is particularly relevant for startups focused on cross-border payments, remittances, treasury management, and merchant solutions, where infrastructure partnerships can accelerate growth.

Breet disclosed that it has processed over five million transactions and converted billions in fiat currencies, positioning itself as a key infrastructure provider for crypto-to-fiat payments across Africa. Its platform offers services including crypto wallets, automated conversions, and same-day bank settlements.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must be building in fintech, crypto, stablecoins, or payments, with a product already in the market and demonstrating clear commercial viability. Startups must also be ready to integrate Breet’s API and be available to pitch at the expo.

The Africa Technology Expo, now in its third edition, is expected to attract more than 7,000 participants from over 15 countries, including investors, senior executives, policymakers, and corporate leaders.

Organisers say the event will provide selected startups with visibility, networking opportunities, and a platform to drive long-term growth beyond the grant funding.

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Eagle Starter Kit is a digital business toolkit designed to help everyday Nigerians launch profitable online side hustles using artificial intelligence, even with no prior experience.
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‎Built specifically for the Nigerian market, the platform provides users with ready-made prompts, templates, niche ideas and a clear seven-day roadmap to create and sell digital products online. From students and recent graduates to salary earners and aspiring entrepreneurs, Eagle Starter Kit is opening doors for people who want to earn smarter in the digital economy.
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‎Unlike many online business courses created for foreign markets, Eagle Starter Kit was designed with the realities of Nigerians in mind. It supports payment through bank transfer, card and USSD, works seamlessly with the free version of ChatGPT, and can be operated entirely from a smartphone.
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‎The system teaches users how to create digital products such as templates, guides, checklists, mini-courses and downloadable resources that can be sold repeatedly online. It also shows users how to market these products effectively on platforms Nigerians already use daily, including WhatsApp, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
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‎With a one-time payment of ₦5,000, customers receive lifetime access to the complete package.
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‎Eagle Starter Kit combines practical tools with a step-by-step action plan that removes confusion for beginners. Inside the package are:
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‎25 Nigeria-Ready AI Prompts tailored for product creation, sales pages and marketing.
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‎7-Day Side Hustle Launch Roadmap that guides users from idea selection to first sale.
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‎Nigerian Market Niche Guide featuring 15 profitable product categories currently selling in Nigeria.
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‎WhatsApp and Social Selling Scripts with ready-made messages that convert contacts into paying customers. The goal is simple: help users move from learning to earning in the shortest possible time.
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‎The Testimonials
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‎Several users have reported impressive early wins after following the system.
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‎A Lagos-based user, Tolu A., shared that he made ₦18,500 in his first week after listing his first digital product.
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‎Another customer, Chukwuemeka O. from Enugu, said the WhatsApp scripts alone helped him secure multiple same-day sales without spending money on ads.
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‎For many young Nigerians facing unemployment or income pressure, stories like these reflect the growing demand for practical income solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.
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‎Vision of the Founder
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‎The brain behind Eagle Starter Kit is Moses Olaoluwa Fasanya, a Computer Engineering professional and passionate AI enthusiast who understands firsthand the struggle of balancing a 9–5 job while seeking additional income streams.
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‎According to Fasanya, the inspiration for the project came from his own journey.
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‎“I created Eagle Starter Kit because I once needed this kind of guidance myself. I tried several side hustles without success until I discovered strategies that changed everything for me. I compressed months of learning, sleepless nights and hard work into one practical system so others can grow faster than I did.”
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‎“I strongly believe humanity progresses when we lift one another. That is the spirit behind this project. I wanted to make it affordable so ordinary Nigerians can access real opportunities.”
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‎As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global business, Eagle Starter Kit is positioning Nigerians to take advantage of the new economy instead of being left behind.
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‎Its easy-to-use model proves that anyone with a smartphone, internet connection and determination can start building digital assets that generate income.
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‎For students, workers, stay-at-home parents and aspiring entrepreneurs, Eagle Starter Kit is more than a product, it is a launchpad into financial independence.
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‎Eagle Starter Kit stands for accessibility, innovation and empowerment. It is helping Nigerians turn knowledge into income, one digital product at a time.
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‎With thousands seeking smarter ways to earn in today’s economy, this proudly Nigerian initiative is showing that the future of side hustles may already be here. Click here to access the product.

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For years, wearable technology announced itself loudly. Smartwatches glowed on wrists, fitness bands tracked every step, and devices made no effort to blend into daily life. At CES 2026, this visual language has evolved dramatically. The most talked-about wearable AI devices no longer resemble conventional gadgets. Instead, they appear as pendants, pins, rings, and other subtle accessories that integrate seamlessly into clothing while quietly performing complex tasks. Among the standout innovations were Motorola’s Maxwell pendant, Plaud’s NotePin S, the Omi voice assistant, and Looki’s AI life coach wearable, all designed to make intelligence ambient and personal rather than overt and intrusive.

This shift reflects more than a design trend. Wearable AI is moving from a tool-centric model to an identity-centric one. Devices no longer demand attention through screens or notifications. They listen, summarise, organise, and assist continuously, operating in the background while users go about their day. In this context, using technology becomes less about interaction and more about integration. 

Early wearable devices prioritised function over form. Fitness bands and smartwatches were tolerated for their utility rather than embraced for style. They were often removed when their quality of being new is faded, and rarely regarded as extensions of personal identity. Today’s devices, by contrast, are designed for continuous wear and seamless integration into daily routines. Screen-free pendants, minimalist pins, and discreet rings demonstrate a conscious move away from wrist-bound computing, allowing intelligence to accompany users unobtrusively. Adoption now depends as much on emotional resonance as practical functionality; a device that is visually or physically intrusive struggles to become habitual.

Design has become inseparable from function. Many of the new wearables adopt neutral finishes, minimalist profiles, and materials that mimic jewellery or everyday accessories rather than electronics. The absence of screens is deliberate, allowing intelligence to operate quietly, with user interaction facilitated through voice, haptics, or companion applications. Comfort, social acceptability, and aesthetic longevity are now central to success. Technology that users do not enjoy wearing will never become truly personal or indispensable.

The convergence of fashion and AI has emerged as a defining feature of the latest devices. Clothing and accessories function as social signals, communicating taste, lifestyle, and identity. By embedding intelligence into familiar forms, pendants resembling minimalist necklaces, pins echoing corporate badges, and rings shaped to blend naturally, manufacturers reduce psychological barriers and make AI feel approachable. Fashion, in this sense, becomes a bridge between innovation and acceptance, allowing devices to exist visibly without social friction.

As AI moves closer to the body, it reshapes social dynamics. Unlike smartphones, which can be put away or clearly activated, many wearable AI devices operate continuously and unobtrusively, creating a new form of public technology. Wearing a pendant, pin, or ring can signal efficiency, creativity, or technological awareness, but it also introduces considerations around awareness, consent, and etiquette. For these devices to be accepted, transparency and responsible usage are essential. Norms are likely to evolve, much like they did for smartphones and cameras, requiring indicators, shared expectations, and user education.

Despite excitement surrounding these innovations, mainstream adoption faces several hurdles. Continuous operation makes battery life critical, and comfort, durability, and reliability are paramount when devices are worn throughout the day. Privacy is a major concern; audio input, cloud processing, and data storage demand trust. Users familiar with data breaches or opaque platforms may hesitate to adopt such technology, regardless of safeguards. Furthermore, devices must demonstrate consistent, tangible value. Life-logging, cognitive assistance, or memory support only justify continuous wear if they reliably improve productivity, reduce mental load, or enhance quality of life. Without these benefits, users may revert to familiar tools.

Wearable AI also prompts questions about personal identity. Devices that listen, summarise, and prompt blur the boundary between human cognition and machine assistance. Responsibilities once handled internally—memory, organisation, attention—are increasingly shared with intelligent systems. This can empower users, but it also introduces dependence. Over time, effectiveness may be measured less by personal skill and more by how well the wearable supports daily tasks. The challenge lies in ensuring that technology enhances individuality without diminishing it, preserving autonomy while offering augmentation.

The evolution of wearable AI mirrors broader trends in human-computer interaction. Intelligence is no longer confined to devices in pockets or on desks; it moves with the body, integrates into routines, and becomes part of personal identity. Adoption will be driven not only by features but by trust, comfort, and subtle integration. In countries like Nigeria, NITDA’s work in promoting digital literacy and responsible AI use is increasingly relevant, as citizens must navigate these technologies thoughtfully and safely. Agencies that prepare users for AI’s societal and personal implications help ensure that adoption is meaningful rather than superficial.

Ultimately, wearable AI represents a fundamental shift in how people relate to technology. It is personal, social, and visible, moving beyond novelty to define the future of human-computer interaction. Success will depend not only on engineering and design but also on cultural acceptance and user confidence. By blending fashion, intelligence, and social awareness, these devices signal a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into identity.

CES 2026 revealed that the next wave of wearable AI is not just about functionality or technical sophistication—it is about creating devices people want to wear, trust, and rely on. The Maxwell pendant, NotePin S, Omi voice assistant, and Looki life coach illustrate this new paradigm, demonstrating that AI can be simultaneously powerful, discreet, and socially resonant. How society embraces these devices will define not only their success but also the trajectory of personal technology for the years to come.

Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist and digital policy analyst based in Kano. Can be reached via sshuaib328@gmail.com

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The HP EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC integrates a full computer into a keyboard-sized device and received a CES Innovation Award. The device is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processor and includes a neural processing unit capable of over 50 trillion operations per second.

Weighing about 750 grams and measuring just 12 mm thick, the EliteBoard is designed to pair with any external display and reflects HP’s push toward modular, flexible work setups. The company said the device is aimed at professionals working across offices, shared desks and hybrid environments.

Security features include HP Wolf Security for Business and physical protection options. HP also introduced the Series 7 Pro 4K Monitor, featuring IPS Black and Neo: LED technology, factory-calibrated colour accuracy and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity delivering up to 140W of power.

Both products are expected to be available in March, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.

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In a post on X, the company described Pickle 1 as a “soul computer,” distinguishing it from existing smart glasses such as Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. According to Pickle, the device runs on an in-house operating system called Pickle OS, which is designed to continuously collect and organise contextual data from a user’s daily activities.

The company claims Pickle OS has “infinite memory,” allowing the glasses to recall visual and audio information when needed. The device interacts with users through conversational avatars and includes a fingerprint scanner built into the frame, restricting access to the registered owner.

Unlike many AI-powered wearables that rely on voice prompts, Pickle says the Pickle 1 proactively anticipates user needs in real time. The glasses can assist with tasks such as reading messages, booking rides, making reservations and shopping.

To deliver personalised recommendations, Pickle recommends that users wear the glasses for at least three hours a day and complete more than 50 visual interactions. The device weighs 68 grams, features a full-colour display, runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and offers up to 12 hours of battery life.

On privacy, the company says user data is encrypted by default and decrypted only within a hardware-isolated enclave. It also claims that data shared with third-party applications is neither stored nor used for training purposes.

Pickle 1 is currently available for pre-order in the United States at $799, with deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter of the year.

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The “Ultra” Standard: Rumors vs. Reality
Viral reports have suggested revolutionary specs such as a 400MP camera and a 9000mAh battery. While Samsung is indeed testing high-resolution sensors, official industry leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely refine the current 200MP setup with a new 1/1.1-inch sensor for unprecedented low-light performance.

Tech Digest Note: While “6G” is a popular buzzword, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature 5G-Advanced (5.5G) readiness. True 6G networks are still in the early stages of global standardization and are not expected to be operational for several more years.

Key Innovations Expected in 2026
* Sleeker, Lighter Frame: Leaks indicate a shift to a 7.9mm thickness, making it thinner and lighter (approx. 214g) than the current S25 Ultra while maintaining its durable Titanium build.
* Next-Gen Processing: The device is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, specifically optimized for Samsung’s “Galaxy AI” to handle complex real-time translation and 8K video editing.
* Storage Expansion: To satisfy professional creators, Samsung may offer configurations up to 2TB of internal storage, a significant jump for those shooting high-bitrate video.

The upcoming flagship is rumored to retain the acclaimed 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display but with a “surprising” internal change to enhance brightness levels beyond the current 2600 nits. While a 9000mAh battery remains technically unfeasible for a slim smartphone, engineers are reportedly working on high-density silicon-carbon batteries to push the 5000mAh standard closer to 5500mAh without increasing bulk.

A Future-Proof Investment?
For Nigerian power users, the Galaxy S26 series represents more than just a seasonal update. With Samsung’s commitment to seven years of Android and security updates, the 2026 flagship is positioned as a long-term investment.

What to Expect Next
As we celebrate the holidays, the countdown to the Samsung Unpacked 2026 event has officially begun. Tech Digest will continue to monitor official channels for the definitive launch date, expected in late January.

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The glasses—priced from ¥1,899 ($268)—are powered by the company’s Qwen AI model and designed to function like regular eyewear, unlike bulkier VR headsets such as Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro.

Alibaba says Quark is deeply integrated with its ecosystem, enabling features such as instant translation, price recognition, navigation, shopping assistance and Alipay services. Analysts describe the product as an AI-driven “life assistant” rather than an entertainment headset.

The device will compete in a market currently led by Meta, which holds about 80% of the global VR headset share. Apple and Samsung also recently entered the space with Vision Pro and Galaxy XR respectively, while Chinese rivals Xiaomi and Baidu have released similar AI glasses.

Quark is now on sale via Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, though early sales figures have not yet been disclosed.

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The evolution of the smartphone has been nothing short of transformative. From humble beginnings as devices for calls and texts, they rapidly morphed into handheld computers that redefined how we live, work, and connect. The launch of the iPhone in 2007 was the turning point, ushering in the touchscreen era and combining communication, entertainment, navigation, and commerce into a single device. Over the years, smartphones became indispensable digital lifelines, reshaping industries, fueling social interaction, and embedding themselves so deeply into daily life that imagining a world without them feels impossible.

Yet, on September 17, 2025, at Meta Connect, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled what could be a glimpse of that world: the Ray-Ban Display glasses paired with the Meta Neural Band. Unlike the glowing slabs of glass we habitually pull from our pockets, these glasses promise quick, subtle interactions, delivering discreet messages, real-time translations, or walking directions, while the Neural Band translates tiny muscle signals into intuitive commands. The unveiling begs the question: are we witnessing the beginning of the post-smartphone era, or just another experiment in the long search for what comes next?

What sets these glasses apart from earlier failures is their emphasis on enhancing, not replacing, real-world interaction. Instead of the heavy immersive overlays that alienate users from their surroundings, Meta opted for subtlety. A side-placed display lights up only when needed, allowing wearers to translate speech, preview photos, or follow navigation without breaking stride. In this restrained approach, Meta may have cracked the code for making augmented reality practical, stylish, and socially acceptable, qualities missing in earlier attempts like Google Glass.

The Neural Band makes the experience even more compelling. Worn on the wrist, it translates faint muscle signals into digital actions, enabling scrolling, clicking, and navigation with gestures so subtle they are nearly invisible. It feels almost like thought-controlled computing. Beyond novelty, this technology has profound implications for inclusivity, offering new ways for people with mobility challenges or tremors to interact with devices. It gestures toward a future where technology is less obtrusive and more accessible.

Together, the glasses and Neural Band challenge the smartphone’s most defining flaw: its demand for constant attention. Instead of pulling out a device, unlocking it, and staring into a glowing screen, information now surfaces briefly at the edge of your vision before fading away. Messaging, translation, or video calls can be handled hands-free, whether walking through a crowded street or cooking in your kitchen. Technology becomes less a competitor for attention and more a quiet companion in daily life.

The social implications are just as profound. Smartphones have earned notoriety for isolating people even in shared spaces, the all-too-familiar image of friends around a table, each absorbed in their screen. Glasses suggest a different dynamic, enabling discreet, lightweight interactions that allow conversations to flow uninterrupted. By blending seamlessly into daily life, they make a case for technology that supports presence instead of undermining it.

Of course, obstacles abound. Glasses cannot yet replicate the versatility of a larger screen for browsing, streaming, or editing documents, tasks still central to many routines. Privacy concerns will also dog adoption, given that camera-equipped glasses inevitably raise questions of surveillance and consent. Battery life, durability, and affordability remain hurdles. And for now, the ecosystem leans heavily on Meta’s platforms, limiting its universality in a world where people navigate multiple apps and services.

Still, history suggests that such limitations are not fatal. The first smartphones were clunky, expensive, and dismissed as unnecessary, until they weren’t. Glasses may follow the same path: beginning as smartphone companions before gradually absorbing their functions. Already, they can handle messaging, navigation, and photography without a handset. With improvements in display, AI, and ecosystem integration, the balance may eventually tip.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Meta’s approach is its attention to design. By partnering with Ray-Ban, the company has avoided the sci-fi aesthetic that doomed earlier wearable tech. These glasses look familiar, even fashionable. If Meta succeeds in making them as stylish as they are functional, adoption may spread faster than skeptics expect.

The significance of the Ray-Ban Display glasses lies not in the immediate death of the smartphone but in the reframing of our relationship with technology. By prioritizing presence over immersion and subtlety over distraction, Meta has offered a vision of digital life where devices fade into the background instead of monopolizing attention. Even if smartphones dominate for years to come, this shift in expectations could prove disruptive, nudging the industry to design tools that align with human focus rather than compete against it.

The countdown to the next era of personal technology may not end with these glasses, but it has certainly begun.

Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist based in Kano.

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The Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses, launched at the Connect 2025 conference in California, feature cameras, microphones, speakers, and a small display that provides notifications, translations, and navigation. The glasses are controlled using a wristband that tracks hand gestures.

Priced at $799, the Ray-Ban Meta Display will be available in the US from September 30, with an international rollout expected in 2026.

Meta also announced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a performance-focused smart glasses line for athletes, priced from $499. The glasses feature a 12MP action camera, fitness app integration, and nine hours of battery life.

In addition, the company revealed a second generation of Ray-Ban AI glasses, offering longer battery life, Ultra HD video recording, and new frame options. The updated model starts at $379 and will launch in select global markets later this year.

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The updates include “Edit with AI,” which allows creators to transform raw footage into Shorts with transitions, background music, and AI-generated voiceovers available in English and Hindi. The feature, still experimental, will initially roll out in India and select markets.

Google said all AI-edited Shorts will carry SynthID watermarks and labels to indicate they were generated using artificial intelligence.

Other announcements included tools to convert podcasts into video and Shorts, a new rewards system for music fans, and upgrades to YouTube Studio such as an AI-powered support chatbot, title A/B testing, and likeness-detection tools.

Since its launch in 2005, YouTube has hosted more than 20 billion uploads. The company revealed it has paid over $100 billion to creators, artists, and media companies since 2021, with the number of channels earning above $100,000 annually from connected TVs rising 45% year-on-year.

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