Google Android One, Hot 2
The most important in this week’s headlines out of and concerning Africa, for those who need help catching up.
The week brings news about the launch of Google’s newest gadget in several African countries, as well as analysis from Foreign Affairs magazine which gives a rating of the Obama administration’s Africa policy thus far.
- Google expands phone program in six African countries
In a blog post on the Google Africa website, the company announced the introduction of a low-priced smart phone aka Hot 2 in six African countries. The countries are Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Egypt.
The android-based phone which will sell for less than $100 is being introduced thanks to a partnership between Google and phone and tablet manufacturer, Infinix.
According to US New and World Report, both Google and Infinix worked on a program called Android One which debuted in India in 2014.
Meanwhile, Digital Trends, a high-tech lifestyle website that tracks and reviews digital technology reports about the news this way: Android One spreads its wings to Africa
- Foreign Affairs rates Obama’s Africa policy thus far
Foreign Affairs magazine Writing for Foreign Affairs, an international relations magazine published by the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations, Nicolas Van De Walle, a professor at Cornell university, says: If the medical injunction of “do no harm” is the measuring stick, Obama’s record in Africa can be characterized as a success.
Van De Walle states, rather conclusively, “Like those who came before him, Obama has grappled with a lack of motivation to prioritize the continent. Now, more than ever before, however, Africa merits real attention.”
Obama’s World, the caption for the September/October issue takes a looks at the U.S. presidents foreign policy thus far, and while there are criticisms for what he gets wrong, overall, the magazine and its editor, Gideon Rose, gives Obama high marks for his foreign policy agenda, what he gets right.
The magazine states:
“There have been errors, wild pitches, and lost opportunities. But like George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Obama will likely pass on to his successor an overall foreign policy agenda and national power position in better shape than when he entered office, ones that the next administration can build on to improve things further. Given how many administrations fail even that limited test, such an accomplishment is worthy of praise rather than the contempt the administration’s foreign policy often receives.”
