Last wednesday, I launched with much excitement a new technology news blog at www.techloy.com!

After several months of intense planning (at times during the heat of the day) and spirited strategising (mostly in the quiet of the night) for an independent media site that can cover and cater to the needs of the local tech, mobile and startup ecosystem, the launch was greeted with great excitement from the Internet community.

Within the past week, I’ve covered some very exciting stories and revelations on the blog. (Go check ‘em out for yourself) But nothing as big as a story that could break the TechLoy server yet

So why TechLoy?

Simply because I believe it’s time for me to build an independent tech media network that provides relevant news and information about what’s happening and what to expect within the industry in West Africa’s tech markets.

To achieve this, I’m building around me a great team of carefully selected experts in their own field, coupled with our combined network of contacts within the industry. More will be revealed about these people when appropriate.

Oh before I forgot, many thanks to Anibe Agamah for designing and developing such a great technology blog! And thanks to Ahmad Mukoshy for designing the TechLoy logo. These guys are rock stars!

So what next for LoyOkezie.com?

Well, there’s not much to say for now than: expect the creation of the brand – Loy Okezie.

But hey, don’t be in a rush to unsubscribe from the blog’s feed or even stop visiting this blog. Just be assured that what would become of LoyOkezie.com pretty soon is perhaps the best kept secret

See you around!

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Google has just launched AdSense for mobile content in 15 new countries, including Nigeria. It was initially launched to 13 countries in September 2007.

Before now, web publishers in Nigeria could only earn money from ads on their websites, but now can equally earn from their site’s mobile version.

AdSense for mobile content allows publishers to generate earnings from their mobile webpages using targeted Google ads. Just like AdSense for content, Google now matches ads to the content of your mobile site so you can earn money whenever visitors to your mobile site click on the ads they see.

In May 2010, Google acquired AdMob, a leading mobile advertising network that develops innovative mobile-specific ad units and solutions. The aim was to significantly enhance their mobile display ad services for publishers.

In this case, AdSense automatically detects the type of phone viewing your mobile site and delivers ads to match. For example, if someone views your site through an iPhone, Google would deliver ads specifically designed for high-end phones.

Google’s AdSense for mobile content ad units may only be used in mobile websites only, not in mobile applications.

I’m happy to announce a great opportunity for startups to promote their stuff in the next few weeks.

Because we know that startups don’t have enough money, and may not be willing to pay for adverts or even reviews, that’s why we are offering them a great opportunity to promote their startup on TechLoy for FREE.

If you have a new startup, here’s your chance to get 1-month free banner advert on TechLoy.com, an emerging technology media site at the intersection of business, innovation and culture.

This offer is available to tech startups that are less than a year old on or before June 1, 2011. The offer is valid while ad spaces are available and is on a first come, first serve basis.

If you’re interested in this promo ad offer on TechLoy (starting from June 2011), you can start by filling the form here.

Hopefully, this move would help kickstart startups to stardom

Onyedika Oha, formerly the Head of Grop.ly West Africa has left the company and joined a new competitor.

Grop.ly, a Nigerian Groupon clone which launched in May 2010 provides deals from local businesses to customers. The company is globally headquatered in Houston, USA with operations in West Africa and Lagos, Nigeria as its regional headquaters.

As CEO of Grop.ly, Oha handled overall strategy and day-to-day operations of all components of the business for a period of eight months.

The group-buying site allows consumers 40% – 90% discounts from spas to salons, manicures to movies.

This week, Oha confirmed to us at TechLoy that he has left Grop.ly and joined DealDey.com. When asked about his new role at DealDey, he said: “I’m officially the Head of Gyst.com, which is a sister company to DealDey.com”.

In case you don’t know, Gyst is Nigeria’s number 1 local search engine for businesses and movies. DealDey (launched in March 2011) is a group-buying service that offers deals from local businesses to customers.

Prior to this, Oha was Director, Sales Group at Mobinatrics, where he was in charge of finding and crafting new market opportunities across a global spectrum (horizontal/vertical markets). He also ran both Sales, Marketing and Business Development Sub-groups along a plethora or independent product/service-lines.

We’ve been in huge anticipation, as we are guessing you’ve been for the release of Inye 2.

When we heard that the Inye 2 tablet would be due for release end of March, we got more excited.

Last night, TechLoy received an image of what the long-awaited Encipher tablet, Inye 2 would look like.

The image (above) must have been a rendered version with 3D software of what we can expect the Inye 2 to look like.

The photo suggests that Inye 2 is thinner and lighter than the first Inye. And it does look sleek and sexy, especially with the new curves.

Inye 2 is obviously coming with some cool new features and specs, which include faster processor, upgradeable android 2.2, capacitive screen, slimmer design, internal SIM module, bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and camera.

But perhaps the coolest thing about Inye 2 is 3G data plans bundled for free for a period.

We earlier speculated that the Inye 2 would come in two sizes: 8inch and 10inch models. But it appears that the Inye 2 would now come with an 8inch multi-touch screen model. Perhaps the 10inch model might be released in the future.

Encipher is officially launching the Inye 2 most likely in Abuja where people would get a hands-on experience on the new device.

While we’re not sure if Encipher would be tieing up with major telecom operators to market the Inye 2, it is likely that they are in talks with some telecom operators in Nigeria.

In the meantime, the Inye 2 when it officially goes on sale would be available at the Silverbird stores in Abuja and through Encipher distributors nationwide.

Disclosure: I’m an Encipher Inye dealer. Please visit this link to place an order for the Inye 2.

Alexander Amosu, the Nigerian-born, UK-based bespoke designer of the most expensive suit in the world was at the just concluded ARISE Magazine Fashion Week  which held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

His brand, Amosu Couture which specializes in the customization of prestigious and fashionable handsets, items of the latest technology, and luxury possessions showcased diverse pieces at the ARISE Magazine Fashion Week.

Here are some of the technology gadgets that enthralled fashion enthusiasts at the event over the weekend.

Gold BlackBerry Bold 9780

Amosu Couture introduced the new Blackberry Bold 9780 in an even more unique way. The BlackBerry 9780 is completely plated in 24ct. mirror gold. Yes, completely in gold which also includes the BlackBerry keypad.

Apple 64GB Wifi +3G

In the pursuit of unsurpassed luxury for discerning types, Amosu Couture dazzled with the glamour of the Apple iPad, coated in 24-carat Gold. The iPad not only embodies the ultimate in 21st century technology but oozes style and sophistication. Customized by Amosu Couture, the Gold casing with 360 Swarovski crystals encrusted into a pure silver re-constructured apple logo radiates sheer opulence and inspires admiration.

Apple iPod Classic 160GB

This Apple iPod with a superb 24 ct mirror Gold finish on the back off the 160GB Apple Classic, gave a midas feeling to the evening event.

Below are some photos from the event, courtesy of YNaija!

The 24-carat Gold coated Apple iPad on the runway at AMFW.

The 24-carat Gold Blackberry on the runway at AMFW.

More photos here>>>

Adloopz is a new service launched today that allows you to post adverts and share them with your friends and followers on social media platforms.

The service, currently in beta version, was founded by five Nigerian tech entrepreneurs.

Adloopz helps people to spread the news of their products/services via adverts they create on Adloopz which gets shared across several social networks.

To get a beta invite, tweet at @adloopz and ask for an invite with the hashtag #adloopzbeta attached to your tweet.

How It Works?

Once you create/log into your account, go to the settings page and setup any information you feel will help your customers get in touch with you. Then, link your Adloopz account to your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc).

To create an advert, simply click on the “Post ad” button, upload pictures and add meaningful descriptions about what you want to advertise. You can also indicate when and where you want Adloopz to serve your adverts.

After your adverts are created and published to the advert feed, the service allows you to loop your adverts across social networks.

Adloopz also let’s you comment on adverts, like them, share them to your social networks and email them to others.

You can also monitor and guage user interaction with your adverts via the Adloopz statistics.

Thoughts

These days, entrepreneurs are launching startups and apps that leverage on the social graph.

Startups like Lotaar and Mysifty are good examples.

The idea behind Adloopz is quite cool, and looks somewhat like RadiumOne, a service that uses your Facebook friends interactions to deliver relevant ads to users for brands and products that their friends like.

It’ll be interesting to see if this service would be adopted as well as what business models are likely to be adopted.

The app was developed by Cybergold Integrated Solutions, an ICT company based in Benin, founded by Efosa Edokpolo.

Bulk SMS in Nigeria has become a very popular trend as it makes it possible for individuals and organizations to reach a larger number of mobile subscribers at a time, at an affordable cost.

Now with the help of the GoldSMS application available on Blackberry, iPhone, Android and Nokia smartphones, you can send those bulk SMSes with ease.

The app provides an alternative way of solving basic SMS needs while on the go. With this app on your phone, you don’t need to get on the internet anytime you want to send a Bulk SMS.

Features?

The simple design and integration with your phonebook makes sending and replying to messages much easier.

You can also download text files containing multiple phone numbers to your handheld device and use the BULK command on the app to send the message.

Other likely features coming soon are display of contact pictures for a conversation and extra customization options.

What’s Unique?

The app allows you send SMS to friends and contacts in your phone book.

You can also import a text file containing destination numbers from your phone, save them for reuse later.

The app lets you schedule messages to be sent later at a specific time, whether you’re online or not.

With its cool search functionality, you can search for sent messages by date.

With the app, you can receive delivered reports in a specified e-mail address.

The app is available for download here.

Thoughts

This is quite an amazing application and a unique boost to the growing Bulk SMS market in Nigeria.

Although I’m not a huge fan of bulk smsing, particularly because they can be easily regarded as spam, I reckon that it helps small businesses and marketers reach a wider audience.

However, if only bulk SMSes can be geo-targeted to a particular location or demography, it’ll add more value.

Perhaps that’s a feature that GoldSMS and other future apps should be looking at in their next versions.

Have you seen a cool ad that left you mouth agaped? No doubt, you’ve seen a terrible ad too that left a sour taste in your mouth.

How about the thought of being rewarded for the ads you view on your mobile phone?

That’s what iCandi, a new mobile advertising application is offering mobile consumers. (Note: Link is accessible from your Blackberry or Nokia phone).

iCandi supports static and interactive ads, and enables a two-way interaction between advertisers and consumers.

One of the unique features is that it delivers innovative, effective and profitable promotions directly to demographically classified consumers.

How does it work?

Once you install the application on your mobile phone, it interacts with the mobile device each time a trigger event such as an incoming call, SMS, MMS, Email or even when outgoing calls, SMS, MMS or Email happens.

An advert is displayed on the mobile device screen until you respond to your incoming call, SMS, or any other action.

For example, when a text message or call is placed or received, iCandi delivers a relevant ad, based on the recipient’s profile, on the mobile phone screen along with the mobile phones regular caller information.

A similar app which tried to break into Nigeria sometime ago is MyScreen, though it required mobile operators support.

What’s Cool?

One of the coolest features of the iCandi app is that consumers get only relevant ads on their mobile devices, based on the information they provide on their personal profile.

With the iCandi app, users can also get coupons in form of Qcodes sent to them via MMS to receive free stuff from eateries, restaurants, and other product/service-related businesses.

The app currently has about 200 users since January 2011 who would benefit from a N250 free airtime give-away next week Monday.

iCandi can sure leave a sweet taste in your mouth. You can download the app here to start viewing ads and getting rewards.

Even though Google is a search technology company, they seem to be keen on a lot of things, like helping students become online marketing professionals.

In 2010, Google Online Marketing Challenge saw more than 12,000 students from 60 countries around the world (including Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria) take part in a global online marketing competition.

In 2011, Google is providing an opportunity for more African students to take part in the global challenge.

The Google Online Marketing Challenge is a great hands-on exercise for undergraduate or graduate students in classes such as advertising, e-commerce, integrated marketing communication, management information systems, marketing and new media technologies.

The competition’s vision is to make students become effective in online marketing campaigns using Google Adwords. Thus they can learn how to use sound marketing analysis to optimize, manage and update a Google AdWords campaign.

How To Participate

If you are a student of any Nigerian/African university, you can get your professor or lecturer to register now. If you are a professor or lecturer, you can register now for the 2011 competition.

Benefits of Challenge

1. Students gain practical, real world online marketing experience.

2. Students also get the excitement of competing on a global level, with the overall winners and their professor/lecturer receiving a trip to the Googleplex in Mountain View.

3. Regional winners and their professor will receive a trip to their local Google office.

How It Works

Student teams receive US$200 of free online advertising with Google AdWords and then work with local businesses to devise effective online marketing campaigns.

Teams outline a strategy, run a campaign, assess their results and provide the business with recommendations to further develop their online marketing.

Teams submit their reports and are judged by a panel of independent academics from all over the world.

So, if you’re an undergraduate or graduate student and interested in becoming an online marketing professional, Google wants you.

For more information, visit http://www.google.com/onlinechallenge/