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Nokia C12: A Budget-Friendly Phone with Modest Specs and Competitive Price

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Nokia C12: A Budget-Friendly Phone with Modest Specs and Competitive Price

The Nokia brand has had a resurgence in recent years, with HMD Global reviving the company’s fortunes with a range of mid-range and premium mid-range smartphones. However, the company has struggled to compete with more established Android brands and has recently focused on low-end devices. The latest addition to the Nokia lineup is the C12, a super-budget smartphone set to kick off 2023 with a bang.

The Nokia C12 is a sequel to the Nokia C10, but with a smaller display. The phone features a 6.3-inch LCD screen with an HD+ resolution and a waterdrop notch design. As is typical in the low-end class, the phone does not have a high refresh rate, and the display is limited to 60 Hz. The phone measures 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.75mm and weighs 177.4g, making it easy to hold and use.

Under the hood, the Nokia C12 is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset. This chipset could be better in Unisoc’s portfolio and features a super-old 28nm manufacturing process. It means that power efficiency is not the strong point of the phone. However, it does have an octa-core CPU with eight Cortex-A55 cores that clock at up to 1.6 GHz and a PowerVR IMG 8322 GPU for basic tasks. The phone comes with up to 2 GB of RAM, and you can enable more than 2 GB of virtual RAM. The phone runs Android 12 Go Edition, so the amount of RAM should be fine, but you should not expect much multi-tasking in this hardware. The phone comes with 64 GB of internal storage to keep you out of problems. There is also a micro SD Card slot for further memory expansion.

The Nokia C12 has two cameras: an 8 MP main camera with LED flash and a 5 MP snapper for selfies and video calls. The phone has 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.2. It also comes with a 3.5 mm audio jack which is almost exclusive to budget devices nowadays. However, there are three major downsides to this phone. Firstly, it comes with a micro USB port, so there is only 5W charging for a 3,000 mAh battery.

It is quite small compared to most low-end phones with huge batteries with at least 5,000 mAh. Secondly, the micro USB port is another downside; after all, USB Type C is already in low-end phones.
The Nokia C12 is not the cheapest of the budget phones, priced at KES 15,000. There are cheaper offerings with better specifications. However, the phone is built to last with a polycarbonate build, IP52 rating, and toughened glass. The device should get Android 13, like other Nokia phones, once its Go edition becomes available.

In conclusion, the Nokia C12 is a budget smartphone with a 6.3-inch LCD screen, HD+ resolution, and a waterdrop notch design. It is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, which is not the most efficient and features an old 28nm manufacturing process. The phone has 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage and runs on Android 12 Go Edition. It has a single 8 MP main camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera. Connectivity options include 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. However, it has a small 3,000 mAh battery that can only. When it comes to Kenya, we expect to cost about Ksh. 15,000.

Government pushes for a regulatory framework for communication practitioners; Cabinet Secretary announces plan to expedite IPRAC bill

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Government pushes for a regulatory framework for communication practitioners; Cabinet Secretary announces plan to expedite IPRAC bill

The government is pushing to establish a regulatory framework for communication practitioners in the country. In a recent engagement with members of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), ICT’s Cabinet Secretary and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, revealed his intention to accelerate the approval process of the Institute of Public Relations and Communication Management Bill (IPRAC). The bill, once passed, will establish a legal framework for communication professionals in the country, ensuring that the practice of public relations and communication adheres to ethical and professional standards.

Aside from his support for the IPRAC bill, Mr. Owalo also pledged his support for the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) in their program and policy development activities. It includes the creation of other relevant legislative frameworks to enhance the effectiveness of society. Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary also agreed to collaborate with PRSK to expand capacity-building programs aimed at improving the skills of Public Communication Officers.

Another potential collaboration discussed during the meeting was initiating joint communications programs to create visibility for successful government programs and projects across the country. It will help increase public awareness of government initiatives and gain support for them.

PRSK welcomed the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment and praised his efforts to support the development of the communication profession in Kenya. The society’s President, Mr. John Onyando, stated that the organization is ready to work with the government to ensure that the bill is passed and that the communication profession is regulated and professionalized.

The Kenyan government’s push for a regulatory framework for communication practitioners is a positive step towards ensuring that public relations and communication are conducted ethically and professionally. The partnership between the government and PRSK will help increase the profession’s reputation and attract more people to the field while also ensuring that public interests are protected.

OPPO Unveils Revolutionary Bluetooth Audio SoC MariSilicon Y: Delivering Ultra-Clear Lossless Audio and Personalized Listening Experiences

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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OPPO Unveils Revolutionary Bluetooth Audio SoC MariSilicon Y: Delivering Ultra-Clear Lossless Audio and Personalized Listening Experiences

OPPO has officially unveiled its latest innovation in Bluetooth audio technology, the MariSilicon Y SoC, at the OPPO Inno Day 2022 event. The new SoC is designed to revolutionize the wireless audio experience by delivering ultra-clear lossless audio quality over a wireless connection and providing powerful audio computing capabilities for personalized listening experiences.

The MariSilicon Y SoC boasts a maximum data rate of 12Mbps on the physical layer, a 50% increase compared to traditional Bluetooth SoCs. This advanced data rate, paired with OPPO’s exclusive URLC codec technology, makes it possible for the SoC to offer a never-before-seen 24-bit/192 kHz ultra-clear lossless audio experience via Bluetooth. Additionally, the SoC is equipped with a dedicated NPU that provides up to 590 GOPS of on-device computing power, enabling powerful audio computing capabilities and an innovative, intelligent, spatial audio experience.

Introducing the MariSilicon Y SoC is a significant step towards OPPO’s vision for an intelligent, connected world. The company has invested years of research and development in audio technology to solve current problems and break technological bottlenecks in the wireless audio space. The result is a new generation of wireless audio experiences that offer users next-level lossless and wireless audio, together with a personalized, immersive listening experience across OPPO devices.

With the introduction of MariSilicon Y and its specialized on-device computing power, OPPO can now provide users with genuine 24-bit/192 kHz ultra-clear lossless audio via Bluetooth. This level of audio quality is equivalent to that found on digital masters and is considered the highest standard of digital audio available. It features approximately 6.5 times more helpful information than conventional CDs, resulting in a more vibrant and nuanced sound.

OPPO has also introduced a brand-new, self-developed Pro Bluetooth Pack to deliver this unprecedented 24-bit/192 kHz ultra-clear lossless audio via Bluetooth. The Pro Bluetooth Pack combines a massively enhanced Bluetooth data rate with OPPO’s exclusive codec technology to deliver fast and seamless wireless connectivity.

OPPO’s new MariSilicon Y SoC is a game-changer in the wireless audio space. It delivers ultra-clear lossless audio quality over a wireless connection and provides powerful audio computing capabilities for personalized listening experiences. The SoC’s high data rate, exclusive codec technology, and dedicated NPU make it the first to deliver such an unparalleled audio experience. With this new technology, OPPO is taking steady steps toward developing innovations fundamental to intelligent device experiences.

Xiaomi 13: The Flagship Smartphone with Record-Breaking Brightness and Battery Life

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Xiaomi 13: The Flagship Smartphone with Record-Breaking Brightness and Battery Life

Xiaomi, the Chinese manufacturing giant, has made a big statement in the flagship mobile phone market with the release of the Xiaomi 13 series. The company, known for its cost-effective products, has been making waves in the global mobile phone market, and the Xiaomi 13 continues the same trend.

Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, recently took to Weibo to showcase the exceptional screen of the Xiaomi 13. He claimed that it boasts the brightest display in the Android market, with a peak brightness of 1900 nits, far surpassing the brightness levels of most other smartphones. Additionally, the global brightness hit 1200 nits, and the screen power consumption reduced by 22%.

Xiaomi 13’s exceptional brightness is attributed to the use of Samsung’s latest E6 screen material. As the sixth generation of screen substrate sold by Samsung, the E6 material is a crucial technology for OLED screens as it directly impacts the display quality. Compared to the previous materials E4 and E5, the E6 substrate screen used in the Xiaomi flagship boasts a peak brightness of 900 nits higher than that of the E5 and 1100+ nits higher than that of the E4.

The Xiaomi 13 also boasts a sleek and modern design with its visual four-equal-sided design. The borders measuring only 1.61mm and a chin of 1.81mm, the device boasts an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 93.3%. This design feature not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the device but also provides users with an immersive viewing experience with minimal bezels.

The Xiaomi 13 has made significant strides in battery performance as well. Equipped with a large 4500 mAh battery, the device’s battery life is exceptional. According to official tests, the Xiaomi 13 DOU boasts a battery life of 1.37 days, outpacing the battery life of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, which stands at 1.28 days. It makes the Xiaomi 13 a true leader in battery life among its peers.

The Xiaomi 13 series is an impressive smartphone that combines high-end features with a cost-effective price tag. With its high brightness, visual four-equal-sided design, and long battery life, the Xiaomi 13 is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality smartphone without breaking the bank.

EPRA Invites Comments on Regulations to Promote Uptake of Renewable Energy through Net Metering

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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EPRA Invites Comments on Regulations to Promote Uptake of Renewable Energy through Net Metering

Kenya is taking a step towards promoting the uptake of renewable energy by allowing individuals to sell the excess electricity they produce to the national grid. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has invited comments on regulations allowing anyone with a Retail Supply Licence to supply power to Kenya Power at an agreed tariff.

The main objective of the regulations is to provide a framework for suppliers or consumers to bank excess energy on the grid, known as net metering. It allows individuals and businesses who generate their electricty from solar, to feed any excess electricity back into the grid. In return, they receive a credit used to offset their energy costs.

The maximum aggregate generation capacity of net-metering systems will be 100MW for Phase One of the program. The EPRA plans to review this cap when attained, but no later than three years after the regulations are gazetted.

Introduction of these regulations is anticipated to drive an increase in the number of solar power projects throughout the nation as investors capitalize on this new opportunity. The net-metering arrangement will have a starting duration of 10 years, and it can be extended after the expiry, with the mutual consent of the supplier and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

While the opportunity is there, becoming a supplier does come with a high cost, as the individual must bear all expenses associated with connecting to the national grid. In exchange, for each unit of energy exported during the billing period, the supplier, who is also a consumer, will receive a credit equivalent to 60% of the exported unit. The government will calculate the number of exported units, apply the discount, credit the supplier’s bill with the correct amount of units (kWh), and bill the supplier-consumer for the remaining energy supplied by the licensee using the standard retail tariff schedule rates.

Homeowners will not receive monetary payments for the excess power, but it will only be an incentive to install solar panels. However, large-scale producers will be paid a tariff to be discussed later.

These new regulations represent a significant advancement in promotion of renewable energy in Kenya. By enabling individuals and businesses to sell surplus energy back to the grid, the country is fostering the development of clean energy sources and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

KRA Scales Up Fight Against Tax Evasion in Betting Sector by Increasing Real-Time Access to Companies

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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KRA Scales Up Fight Against Tax Evasion in Betting Sector by Increasing Real-Time Access to Companies

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is stepping up its fight against tax cheats in the betting sector by increasing the number of companies it has real-time access to from 6 to 16. According to Rispah Simiyu, KRA’s Commissioner of Domestic Taxes, the new system requires companies to compute and pay taxes due every day, a departure from the past when taxes were paid the following month after they fell due.

KRA implemented a new system to increase their visibility of real-time betting transactions and improve revenue collection in the sports betting industry. This move is in response to the challenges faced in detecting tax evasion in the sector. The system will integrate with the betting industry in two phases, focusing on daily tax remittances and real-time data transmission. It will help the KRA seal any tax leakages and improve revenue collection.

In mid-November 2022, the top six payers in the sports betting industry began to make daily payments for excise and withholding taxes on winnings, following a pilot program lead by SportPesa, a major player in the industry. The pilot program was implemented before rolling out to the remaining five companies, all of which are included in the first phase of integration.

In mid-November 2022, the top six payers in the sports betting industry began daily remittances of excise and withholding tax on winnings, following a successful pilot by SportPesa, one of the largest sports betting companies. The pilot was conducted before implementation of the new system with the other five companies, all of whom fall into the first phase of integration.

Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo stated that the Treasury and KRA are working to improve tax administration measures to achieve revenue collection goals. One of these measures is the integration of the KRA system with the sports betting industry. The new system will increase revenue by verifying the data transmitted in real-time. The KRA will immediately check the data received to ensure it aligns with the taxes paid by the betting companies.

The Kenya Revenue Authority is increasing its efforts to combat tax evasion in the betting sector by increasing the number of companies it has real-time access. The new system requires companies to compute and pay taxes due every day, which will give the KRA more visibility of real-time betting transactions. Intergration of the KRA system with the betting sector is part of the revenue administration’s aim to seal all the tax leakages in the lucrative sports betting sector and improve revenue collection from the gambling craze.

Takura Malaba Appointed as New Regional Manager for Bolt in East and Southern Africa

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Takura Malaba Appointed as New Regional Manager for Bolt in East and Southern Africa

Bolt, the leading digital taxi-hailing platform in Europe and Africa, has announced the appointment of Takura Malaba as its new Regional Manager for East and Southern Africa. The appointment is effective from January 1, 2023, and Malaba will take over from Kenneth Micah, who has been at the helm since 2019.

His appointment will see him lead the company’s operational efforts on expansion within the region. He is qualified in various fields with a broad range of experience, having Bolt in November 2021 as the Country Manager for ride-hailing in Southern Africa. While in the same position, Malaba was instrumental in strategy and operations.

Paddy Partridge, the Vice President of Bolt Rides, had high praise for Malaba, stating that since joining the company in 2021, he has excelled in leading the South African market. He has successfully navigated the business through intense competition, achieved strong growth in spite of a challenging economic climate, and effectively controlled costs. Additionally, Malaba has played a crucial role in improving the safety and quality of the company’s platform in the country. Partridge expressed confidence in Malaba’s ability to continue achieving success in his new role as Regional Manager.

Before joining Bolt, Malaba worked as a data science manager at Deloitte where he focused on strategy, cloud and machine learning design and implementation. This experience has given him a strong understanding of how to use data to drive growth, and he is well-positioned to lead Bolt’s expansion in the region.

Malaba is enthusiastic about his new position and has stated that his main focus will be to further the growth of the business in the region by promoting the company’s key values of affordability, safety, and sustainability. He believes in working closely with his colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to achieve goals and was looking forward to utilizing his skills and expertise to support Bolt’s success and make a meaningful contribution to the region.

Bolt, an on-demand mobility platform, has rapidly become a leading player in the industry. With over 100 million customers in 45 countries, the company has a strong foundation for growth in the region and Malaba is an ideal fit to guide this expansion. His emphasis on affordability, safety, and sustainability aligns with the company’s goals, and he is poised to make a significant impact on the region while helping Bolt to continue its growth and success.

New regulations propose a mandatory solar water heating systems design provision for all buildings

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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New regulations propose a mandatory solar water heating systems design provision for all buildings

Kenya is looking to increase its adoption of renewable energy with new regulations that will require all new and existing buildings to include designs for the installation of solar water heaters. The draft Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations, 2022, which were developed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), have been published for public input. The regulations state that all premises, including domestic and commercial buildings, must have solar water heating systems.

It is not the first time that Epra has attempted to enforce mandatory installation of solar water heating systems in Kenya. In 2012, the energy regulator gazetted the Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations, 2012, whose intent was to promote the uptake of solar water heating in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. However, these regulations faced challenges during implementation and were set aside in 2018.

According to the new regulations, all premises must have in their design a provision for solar water heating system installation. Developers of housing estates, promoters of construction, owners of premises, architects, and engineers engaged in the design or construction of premises will be responsible for compliance.

The proposed regulations apply to all domestic and commercial buildings, including existing and new residential houses, hotels, lodges, clubs, restaurants, cafeterias, laundries, hospitals, health centers, and educational institutions such as universities, colleges, boarding schools, and other learning institutions.

According to Epra Director-General Daniel Kiptoo, the main goal of the proposed regulations is to standardize the production, importation, design, installation, and utilization of solar water heating systems in Kenya. He also highlighted that these regulations will aid in decreasing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels and encourage the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources.

However, the new regulations may face similar challenges as the previous ones did. Landlords, tenants, and homeowners have protested that their implementation would be costly, as retrofitting their premises would be costly. A study conducted by researchers from JKUAT Enterprises Ltd, hired by Epra last year, found that the additional cost of solar water heaters was antithetical to the government’s objective of providing access to affordable housing. The study also found that investment in the heaters would only be recouped after about 10 years, making it economically unviable.

Apart from cost issues, previous regulations also encountered limitations on penalties and imprisonment. The fine of Sh1 million for violation of the regulations was inconsistent with the Statutory Instruments Act of 2013, which caps fines and jail terms at Sh20,000 and six months respectively.

While the new regulations may face challenges, it is clear that the Kenyan government is committed to increasing the adoption of renewable energy and reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. The use of solar water heating systems can help to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and promote a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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