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ONLYOFFICE Docs 8.2 released with PDF collaborative editing, revamped interface, optimized performance, RTL in sheets, and more

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ONLYOFFICE

The latest version of the open-source office suite comes with around 30 new features and more than 500 bug fixes

SINGAPORE, Singapore, October 17, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The developers of ONLYOFFICE Docs (www.ONLYOFFICE.com) released version 8.2 of the online editors with multiple novelties. Built with document collaboration in mind, the native PDF editor gets support for co-editing and signatures. Other enhancements include redesigned UI, faster file loading, zero-downtime deployment, field codes, desktop support for touch screen, RTL and smooth scrolling in sheets, and others.

PDF collaboration for more efficient business teamwork

The ONLYOFFICE team continues to further polish its native PDF editor. Starting from this release, co-authoring is provided for PDF files as well. By default, Strict co-editing – paragraph-locking collaboration – is enabled when switching to the editing mode. It means that the changes are saved upon hitting the “Save” button. To enable real-time co-editing, users just need to select the Fast mode.

Signatures for PDF

Users welcome the first version of signatures for PDF forms. The current release allows signing PDF forms by inserting an image. In the next updates, the developers are going to improve the feature and add further types of inserting a signature, including digital signatures which are currently available in ONLYOFFICE desktop app.

Revamped neat interface         

The upgraded interface for all editors is available in ONLYOFFICE Docs 8.2. From now on, users can decide whether to display tabs in the fill or line style. Besides, it’s possible to apply the toolbar color as the background color for tabs. For those who don’t want to be distracted by any colors in the editor interface and don’t want to use the dark theme, there is an ability to set the newly added Gray theme.

Optimized performance

To speed up opening of the editors, the ONLYOFFICE developers optimized loading scripts. File opening is up to 21% faster, if comparing with the previous version.

Another enhancement is zero-downtime deployment for ONLYOFFICE Docs delivered as Kubernetes Shards. This upgrade type allows updating the editors without having to take it offline.

Field codes and improved collaboration in the document editor

The latest release comes with a helpful tool for streamlining document creation. Field codes, or special placeholders, allow automatically updating changing data in documents, such as page numbers, author names, dates, time, etc.

Further novelties for the document editor comprise an option to highlight deleted text in the document version history, text insertion from third-party sources, and an Arabic preset numbering.

Iterative calculations and smooth scrolling in the spreadsheet editor

With the iterative calculation option activated, users are able to specify how many times, or iterations, the spreadsheet editor runs through a formula chain to calculate a result, usually so as to converge on an outcome of acceptable precision.

Following the user requests, the developers fixed the scroll behavior. It’s more comfortable to scroll in sheets, especially in large files which contain cells with multiple lines within.

Drawing on slides and random transition in presentations

During a presentation, the digital pen allows drawing on the screen in one color to highlight important points or illustrate connections. For those who would like to add some spontaneity to slides, the Random transition is implemented. This means that any of the available transition effects will be applied to the slides in random order, every time starting the slideshow.

RTL & localization

ONLYOFFICE is constantly improving localization of the editors to make the suite accessible to all users, all over the world.

Refining RTL support is one of the most important directions. Thus, the release comes with RTL support in the spreadsheet editor, with correct alignment of cells on the sheet.

Besides, the version 8.2 brings Hebrew localization, updated dictionaries and improved spell checking for all languages.

More useful improvements in all editors

Among further enhancements available to the users in ONLYOFFICE Docs 8.2 there are improved Pivot Tables and enhanced Smart Arts, ability to add custom fields in the file Info section, the Histogram, Waterfall, and Funnel chart types for viewing.

Updated desktop app

ONLYOFFICE Desktop Editors – a free application for working with local files on Windows, Linux and macOS – is also updated to version 8.2. Along with the improvements from the online version, the app got desktop support for touch screen, CSV preview for local files, and several other features.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ONLYOFFICE.

Business

Africa Data Centres partners with Oni-Tel to enhance data centre connectivity in South Africa

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Africa Data Centres

For Africa Data Centres, which operates the continent’s largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, the collaboration strengthens its service portfolio by enhancing performance and expanding connectivity options within its facilities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 13, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has partnered with fibre optic cable infrastructure provider Oni-Tel Fibre Networks to strengthen connectivity across its Gauteng facilities. Under the agreement, Oni-Tel will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity to Africa Data Centres’ Midrand and Samrand campuses through its Infinity fibre interconnection platform.

 




  

 

Purpose-built for data centre interconnectivity on a resilient network with direct access to Gauteng’s key data centre hubs, this provides customers with fast, high-capacity bandwidth and secure, carrier-grade performance, supporting the levels of uptime required in today’s data-driven environments.

Our partnership with Africa Data Centres enables us to deliver our premium fibre interconnection solution into some of the most strategically important data centre hubs in Gauteng

“As enterprises accelerate cloud adoption, AI deployment, and data-intensive workloads, they need dependable, scalable connectivity within trusted local data centres. By partnering with Oni-Tel, we’re giving our customers access to enhanced fibre infrastructure that supports their growth and innovation, while maintaining secure, enterprise-grade environments for businesses navigating South Africa’s digital economy,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres.

For Africa Data Centres, which operates the continent’s largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, the collaboration strengthens its service portfolio by enhancing performance and expanding connectivity options within its facilities. Customers gain greater interconnection choice, high-availability architecture, seamless bandwidth, and the ability to scale efficiently as their infrastructure requirements grow.

“Our partnership with Africa Data Centres enables us to deliver our premium fibre interconnection solution into some of the most strategically important data centre hubs in Gauteng. Through Infinity, customers benefit from ultra-low latency connectivity, scalable capacity, and secure, carrier-grade infrastructure designed to keep their businesses ahead in an extremely competitive digital landscape,” said Ellisha Gobind, Chief Commercial Officer at Oni-Tel.

Africa Data Centres’ facilities across the continent serve as key interconnection hubs, supporting enterprises, cloud service providers, financial institutions, mobile network operators, fixed network operators, and other users. Oni-Tel’s dark fibre solution further expands the range of carrier-neutral options available to Gauteng customers, enabling improved network speed and performance.

As demand for secure, high-performance digital infrastructure continues to rise, Africa Data Centres remains focused on building a robust, interconnected ecosystem that supports enterprise innovation and long-term growth across South Africa and the wider region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

 

 




 

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Business

Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Releases Freedom of Money, a Memoir Reflecting on the Rise of Crypto and the Story Behind Binance

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Binance

The memoir also reflects on the challenges that came with building at such speed, including the pressures of scaling a global company, regulatory scrutiny as the industry matured, and CZ’s personal experience serving a four month sentence in a U.S. federal prison

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 13, 2026/APO Group/ –Few figures have been as closely associated with the rise of the cryptocurrency industry as Binance (www.Binance.com) co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ). In his new memoir,  Freedom of Money, A Memoir of Protecting Users, Resilience, and the Founding of Binance,  CZ offers a candid account of the early days of crypto, the rapid explosion of Binance, and the personal consequences of building at the centre of one of the fastest moving industries in modern finance.

 




  

Available globally from 08th April 2026 on Amazon Kindle and Paperback, Freedom of Money traces CZ’s journey from his early life and unconventional path into technology through the founding and rapid growth of Binance during a period when the cryptocurrency industry was expanding at unprecedented speed.

Part memoir and part reflection on the evolution of digital assets, the book offers readers a builder’s perspective on what it was like to grow a global platform in a new industry where the rules were still being written.

“While many people congratulated me on being number one, something else gave me more satisfaction,” CZ writes in the book. “I was getting messages from users all around the world thanking us for providing them with financial access or even financial freedom.”

The memoir also reflects on the challenges that came with building at such speed, including the pressures of scaling a global company, regulatory scrutiny as the industry matured, and CZ’s personal experience serving a four month sentence in a U.S. federal prison.

“This memoir is not a sanitized corporate story,” CZ said. “It reflects on what it was like to build during a time when the crypto industry was still taking shape – the successes, the mistakes, and the lessons that came from both.”

Freedom of Money offers a founder’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities that shaped digital assets during their formative years

Alongside the events that defined CZ’s career, Freedom of Money explores broader themes of money, technology and responsibility, and how his views on financial freedom have evolved over time.

Reflecting on a Defining Period in Crypto

Over the past decade, Binance has played a significant role in the growth of the digital asset ecosystem, helping support the development of infrastructure used by millions of users globally.

Freedom of Money provides CZ’s personal perspective on that period of rapid innovation and expansion in the cryptocurrency industry.

Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, said: “The story of Binance is closely tied to the early evolution of the crypto industry. Freedom of Money offers a founder’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities that shaped digital assets during their formative years.”

Yi He, Co-Ceo of Binance, added: “The early days of crypto were fast-moving and full of possibility, even if not always fully understood. This book captures the energy of building in that moment and the incredible progress the industry has made since.”

Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance, said: “For many people, the story of crypto has been told through headlines and market cycles. What this book offers is a first person account from someone who helped build the infrastructure behind the industry’s growth.

Availability

  • Freedom of Money (https://apo-opa.co/4muGafd) is available globally 08 April 2026 on Amazon Kindle and Paperback.
  • The book is published in English and Chinese, with additional translations under consideration.
  • All proceeds from CZ’s authorship of the book will be donated to charity

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

 

 




 

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Energy

Senegal Rewrites the Rules of its Hydrocarbon Boom as Minister Birame Soulèye Diop Heads to African Energy Week 2026 in October

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African Energy Chamber

At AEW 2026, Senegal’s Energy Minister Birame Soulèye Diop is expected to outline Senegal’s integrated hydrocarbons, gas and power strategy at AEW

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 13, 2026/APO Group/ –Senegal is reinforcing the policy architecture behind its new hydrocarbons era, with the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines launching reforms to the legal framework for local content in the extractive sector in March 2026. The reforms are aimed at improving national value retention while maintaining momentum on upstream and infrastructure development.

 




  

The move comes as Dakar works to translate first oil and first gas into broader industrial growth, stronger domestic participation and long-term energy security. Against this backdrop, Birame Soulèye Diop, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, will speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from October 12-16 – where he is expected to present Senegal’s roadmap for balancing investor engagement, gas monetization and sovereign energy development.

Minister Diop represents the kind of pragmatic African leadership that is turning resource potential into real economic transformation

In January 2026, 3.8 million barrels of crude oil were exported from the Sangomar field, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project is expected to nearly double its LNG cargoes in 2026 as the FLNG ramp‑up continues. Beyond current production, Senegal is also pushing to expand its resource pipeline. Petrosen has announced plans for a $100 million onshore exploration program in 2026, while the government has also signaled a stronger strategic focus on Yakaar-Teranga, with Senegalese investors encouraged to take a greater role in developing the 25 trillion cubic feet gas resource to prioritize domestic needs while keeping export optionality on the table.

Dakar is now focused on the next phase: using domestic gas resources to lower electricity costs, improve fuel security and support industrial competitiveness. A key pillar of this strategy is the 250 MW Gandon power plant, expected to be supplied through new gas infrastructure linked to the GTA system, alongside the broader Cap des Biches and northern gas corridor buildout. At the same time, Dakar is continuing to strengthen the regulatory foundations of its power transition. In March 2026, the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines validated Senegal’s first national standards for solar photovoltaic equipment, a move designed to improve quality, safety and performance as the country scales renewable energy deployment in parallel with oil and gas infrastructure.

At AEW 2026, Minister Diop is expected to provide strategic insight into how Senegal is navigating the transition from discovery and commissioning to full-scale execution. His participation is set to reinforce Senegal as one of the few frontier African producers pursuing an integrated model that combines hydrocarbons, gas-to-power and renewables under a single national development agenda.

“Minister Diop represents the kind of pragmatic African leadership that is turning resource potential into real economic transformation. Senegal is showing how first oil and first gas can become the basis for industrial growth, stronger regional integration and long-term energy security and his insights will bring great value to AEW 2026,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

 




 

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