• Google shows available tech tools to Nigerians
By Emmanuel Okwuke / Senior IT. Correspondent
There are about 55 million Nigerians on the Internet interacting, sharing and building relationships online, according to the March 2014 data by Euromonitor. While the sheer number paints a picture of big opportunities, a close review of the growth and usage pattern shows a need for more intent in the area of growth.
For example, a 2012 survey data by the Research in Africa ICT revealed that over 40 per cent of the people who do not use the internet, don’t go online because they don’t think the internet is relevant to them. Most have never used the internet before, and don’t think they need it. The “Google House” initiative aims to provide a platform through which everyone can experience firsthand how apps and gadgets could improve everyday living.
Google held its “Google House” event in Nigeria recently, at their Corporate Office in Lagos, to address these issues. The event which hosted over 400 guests from government, media, education and content creation sectors was the first of its kind in Africa.
Commenting on the Google House initiative, Google’s Country Marketing Manager Affiong Osuchukwu, said: “Our goal is to introduce Nigerians to the Google brand, as well as our key features like Voice Search, Maps (and Google Now) via the Google Search App as well as YouTube, Google+, and Play.” She added that the Google Nigeria team aimed to show Nigerians how Google can be a smart intelligent assistant, making everyday life simpler for everyone. “We want everyone that attends to feel that they are entering a better, easier, smarter world powered by the Internet and Google”.
The Google House Nigeria was sectioned into over five rooms; Kitchen, Living room, Teen room, Business professional room and travel room”, with a sixth called the Future Room set aside for visitors to try out Google Earth and other recent technologies like Cardboard and Google Glass.
Source : Independent