Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral 'cheating' Coldplay video
In the video captured on the 'kiss cam' at the concert, the two were seen cuddling, sparking controversy and rumours that they were having an affair.
Astronomer confirmed Byron's resignation in a statement on LinkedIn.
'As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,' the statement read. 'Our leaders are expected to set the standard in, both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.
'Byron has tendered his resignation, and the board of directors has accepted. The board will begin a search for our next CEO, as cofounder and chief product officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.'

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IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
New WhatsApp platform empowers South Africans to tackle electricity and digital divide challenges
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'This introduction of our WhatsApp channel directly responds to the ongoing challenges South Africans face with electricity access and digital inclusion,' said Ben Lindeque, Co-Founder and Business Architect at Prepaid24. The innovative platform emerges at a time when South Africa struggles with a reliable electricity supply and is striving to enhance digital accessibility. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Despite the growing prevalence of online payments, a substantial portion of the population remains hindered by limited internet access, unfamiliarity with complex online platforms, and lacking traditional banking infrastructure. By utilising WhatsApp, one of the most widely used communication tools in the country, Prepaid24 facilitates a more inclusive, user-friendly solution. 'Like many South Africans, I found navigating websites and making online payments intimidating, especially when things didn't go as planned. That personal frustration inspired us to build something radically simpler, something that meets users where they are: on WhatsApp,' Lindeque said. How the WhatsApp platform works The operational mechanics of the new Prepaid24 platform underscore its user-centric design. Users can initiate transactions simply by sending a 'Hi' message to 060 012 2010. Following this, they can select their desired service and make payments via Ozow's Instant EFT or the Prepaid24 SmartFund, with a PayShap integration set to be introduced shortly. Purchase confirmations and tokens are delivered instantaneously through the chat as well. 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'We are thrilled to power this first-of-a-kind utility purchase channel in WhatsApp and to collaborate with such an innovative partner like Prepaid24. We're passionate about innovation and building technology that feels natural, and WhatsApp is where South Africans already live,' Williams said. Ozow's involvement ensures a secure and real-time payment processing framework for all transactions. Their expertise has resulted in a seamless payment journey, allowing users to receive their tokens and vouchers within seconds. This launch signifies a substantial trend towards leveraging widely adopted messaging platforms to deliver essential services, aiming to bridge digital divides and promote financial inclusion in South Africa. 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The Citizen
9 hours ago
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Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league
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IOL News
11 hours ago
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: UAE Launches US Energy Investment to Power AI Boom
The tallest solar power tower in the world at 260 metres is pictured at the concentrated solar thermal power (CST) Noor Energy 1 solar complex at Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Solar Park, about 50 kilometres south of Dubai, on July 19, 2025. Image: AFP The announcement came from Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and UAE Minister of Industry and Technology, at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Forum in Washington DC. At the heart of the move is a recognition that America's power infrastructure, designed for a different time, must be urgently upgraded to meet the soaring demands of the AI economy. Al Jaber introduced XRG, Adnoc's newly formed global investment arm, as the entity spearheading this transformation. The funding marks a sixfold expansion in XRG's U.S. interests and underlines a shift in strategy: acknowledging that artificial intelligence will drive demand for 50–150 gigawatts (GW) of additional installed capacity within the next five years. As a point of comparison, he noted that a single hyperscale data centre can consume 'as much electricity as a city the size of Pittsburgh', highlighting the dramatic scale of the upcoming energy challenge. 'This moment presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity,' Al Jaber stated, stressing the need for seamless collaboration between energy producers, grid operators, financiers, and policymakers. He emphasised that while ramping up power generation is crucial, the greater obstacle lies in enhancing transmission and distribution networks—the 'last mile' of energy delivery. 'You can't run tomorrow's technology on yesterday's grid,' he warned, underscoring that much of America's grid architecture remains rooted in an earlier era. Addressing the bottlenecks of outdated infrastructure, Al Jaber revealed that installing vital equipment such as transformers and turbines often takes over three years, slowing down grid expansion. 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In combining fossil fuels, renewable energy, nuclear power, and grid infrastructure investment, the UAE is advancing a comprehensive energy blueprint. The planned US $440 billion investment represents not only a financial behemoth but also an instrument of global strategic influence. It emphasises that addressing AI's power demands requires more than adding generation capacity—it necessitates a re-engineering of the entire energy ecosystem, from source to socket. Should this programme achieve even partial success, it may herald a transformational era for the U.S. energy sector. By unlocking stalled projects and upgrading outdated networks, such a wave of investment could bolster grid reliability, reduce carbon emissions, and accelerate adoption of next-generation technologies. As AI continues its inexorable rise—touching every facet of modern life—the infrastructural foundation to support its energy appetite must evolve swiftly. For now, the UAE's vision marks a significant pivot in global energy collaboration. Anchored by XRG and endorsed by leaders across sectors, the plan extends beyond short-term profit—it offers a blueprint for securing the technological backbone of tomorrow's economy. If realised, it stands to define a new model of strategic energy partnership: dynamic, integrated, and purpose-built for an age of intelligence and innovation. Written by: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Chloe Maluleke Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group Russian & Middle Eastern Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates