According to the March 2014 data by Euromonitor, There are about 55 million Nigerians on the Internet interacting, sharing and building relationships online. While the sheer number paints a picture of big opportunities, a close review of the growth and usage pattern show 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% 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 from the 14-16th October 2014 at the imposing Churchgate building in Victoria Island, Lagos. 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, Affiong Osuchukwu, Google’s Country Marketing Manager 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” he added.
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.
Also explaining, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager West Africa said “Everyone should be able to use technology to make their lives easier. We have seen that there is more that can be done with mobile devices beyond making / receiving of calls or browsing the internet. Our mobile devices can assume the role of a personal assistants that help us get more efficient. At the Google House, we aimed to make a practical connection between technology through Google tools and everyday Nigerian life”. “From being able to plan your day’s journey using Google Maps & Nav, helping the kids with homework and assignments using Google Drive, and getting help with everyday kitchen chores via Google voice search, we have shown that Google can be an assistant” he added.
Some of the top highlights from the 3-day demo-event were the kitchen demonstrations by celebrity chefs; Tolu Eros and Uzo Amuta who took turns showing attendees how to use Google in the Kitchen. Their demos included using Google Voice to set reminders, finding recipes, research health benefits of different foods and also make food-related conversations that many people find “puzzling”.
