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How to verify genuine LG products in Kenya using a mobile phone via a text message

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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How to verify genuine LG products in Kenya using a mobile phone via a text message

LG is finally stepping up its fight against counterfeits in the country following in the footsteps of Samsung which had led the initiative with an easy to use text message based method that allowed customers to send a serial number of the item they intent to buy and receive warranty status within minutes. The LG authentication service is based on a mobile platform that can easily be accessed by any Kenyan from any part of the country.

The mobile service platform from LG is set to help combat the menace of counterfeit LG products that are being sold in most streets within the Kenyan capital with Luthuli leading the pack. The platform which is readily available to any consumer works by relaying regional warranty status of items through a text message is also expected to be rollout to other African countries including Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.  

Statistics released by Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) last year showed that close to three-quarters of Kenyans use counterfeit goods. Of that figure which rounds up to about 70 percent, 19 percent of them purchased goods knowingly while 49.6 percent claim they bought the goods because they were cheap. 17.3 percent stated they were looking for genuine items but couldn’t find and 18.3 percent were not aware of the risks posed by using substandard goods such as housefires and causing malfunctioning of other household appliances.

Earlier on in the week, tuvuti reported a similar initiative by CAK to assist consumers in detecting counterfeit mobile phones by sending their IMEI numbers to a short cord that would later return a confirmation text with phone’s model and make.

LG’s launch of a mobile platform to authenticate genuine products is part of a larger consumer education and awareness campaign by the electronics giant. LG is leading the fight on substandard products through its global initiative – “I love Genuine” campaign, that seeks to accelerate efforts to educate consumers about the effects of purchasing counterfeit or sub-standard goods, including having to replace them at shorter intervals. The move comes at a crucial time for LG to join the global fight against counterfeit products in the market especially in the wake of increased e-commerce in the electronics industry.

How to verify Authentic/Genuine LG Products

Whether it’s a new television set or a washing machine from LG, the authentication process is simple and all you need is a mobile phone;

  • First, identify the item’s model number and note it somewhere including the suffix
  • Compose a new text message on your phone with the model number including suffix such as “43LM6300PVB”
  • Send the text message to a toll-free number 0700 545454
  • You’ll receive instant response from LG which comes in handy especially verification at the point of purchase
  • The mobile verification platform for genuine LG electronics is also available to anyone who bought an LG item from 2012.

Speaking on the launch of the mobile based authentication system, LG East Africa Managing Director Sa Nyoung Kim said the company prides on continuous innovation and production of genuine home appliances that make life good for customers. He added that LG was passionate about offering unique solutions geared towards our customers’ needs while placing their safety first. Furthermore, Kim acknowledged with the introduction of SMS validation system, the company hoped to not only enforce the need for quality products but also protect customers from swindlers.

Safaricom now allows subscribers to Okoa Jahazi more than once

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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11
Safaricom now allows subscribers to Okoa Jahazi more than once

Just after Safaricom won a case laying claim on its Okoa Jahazi feature, Kenya’s biggest mobile service provider by market share has further enhanced the feature to allow subscribers borrow airtime more than once before paying a previous Okoa Jahazi. The service works by enabling customers to borrow airtime and pay later when they most need it but are in no position to purchase.

A Kenyan high court earlier in the week dismissed an application by two Kenyans who sued the telecommunications giant alleging that the company infringed on their copyright with the launch of Okoa Jahazi in 2009. The high court judge Justice Mary Kasango threw out the claim by Christopher Omare and Michael Otachi, saying the two failed to specify how the company infringed on their copyright. The judge further said the proposal to Safaricom was too general and not original as claimed.

How Okoa Jahazi works;

Safaricom’s Okoa Jahazi service allows prepaid subscribers who meet a certain eligibility criterion to request for an advance airtime in the amount of Ksh 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000. If the application for advance airtime is successful, Safaricom credits the requested amount less service charge to the mobile subscriber’s airtime balance.

Eligibility of Okoa Jahazi

  • One must be a Safaricom’s prepaid subscriber
  • Have a balance of less than Ksh.2
  • Have an active line meaning your line has not gone into expiry due to a failure to top up over a period of 180 days.

How you can use Okoa Jahazi more than once before paying previous Okoa

Safaricom now allows customers to borrow airtime more than once provided they meet a certain criterion;

  • Previous Okoa balance must not be more than 7 days old
  • You have not exhausted your Okoa Jahazi limit; meaning if you have a limit of let’s say Ksh 1,000 and borrowed Ksh 200, you can still borrow multiple times as long as the total Okoa Jahazi doesn’t exceed Ksh 1,000.

How to Okoa Jahazi

On your Safaricom phone, just dial *131# and follow the prompts.

Safaricom does offer other services on credit as well such as Okoa Stima as explained by tuvuti and other service providers continue to follow suit such as Telkom Kenya

How to check for genuine mobile phones from the Communications Authority of Kenya via text message

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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0
How to check for genuine mobile phones from the Communications Authority of Kenya via text message

Mobile phones continue to lead in the number of counterfeit electronics in Kenya, with a lot of counterfeits readily available in Nairobi streets. The trend has seen clones of major brands such as iPhones and Samsung phones sold to unsuspecting Kenyans only to realize when its already late. Previously, we reported on tuvuti how to avoid falling victim of counterfeits but as we all can agree even the smartest of us all can still be a victim.

The communications authority of Kenya has finally unveiled a text-based system that will help Kenyans identify counterfeit mobile phones by sending their IMEI number for verification. It has been pretty hard to tell apart fake android devices since most run the same android OS with similar interfaces compared to iPhones which you’d only need to login to the App store and differentiate an android mimic to the real Appstore.

In a public notice issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), the authority unveiled the text based counterfeit mobile phone verification system referring to its mandate to protect consumers against devices that weren’t genuine. The authority is currently in charge of preventing the sale of illegitimate electronic devices in the country adding to its regulatory roles in the telecommunications, e-commerce, cyber-security, broadcasting as well as postal and courier services.  

How to verify a genuine mobile phone from the communications Authority of Kenya via a text message

  • First, you’ll need to find out the phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) number by dialing *06#
  • Write the IMEI number somewhere, or if its on the retail box, note it and key in a new message body
  • Compose a new text message with the IMEI number such as “35600000000000000000” and send it to 1555
  • The sms does not attract additional charges
  • You’ll then receive a response from the CAK showing the phone’s details including “Make” and “Model”
  • If the details match, then it’s confirmed to be genuine anything else is an immediate red flag of a counterfeit handset.

The authority further cautioned Kenyans against devices that are not genuine saying they are of poor quality and do not offer the ultimate experience. Besides offering poor service, CAK added that these phones could also pose as a risk to personal health as well as national security.

The Huawei Nova 7i goes on pre-order in Kenya with free goodies worth KES 7,000

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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The Huawei Nova 7i goes on pre-order in Kenya with free goodies worth KES 7,000

Pre-orders of the recently announced Huawei Nova 7i are now live here in Kenya. Tuvuti recently reported on Huawei’s intention to bring the phone to the Kenyan market and indeed is now on pre-order. The Chinese phone manufacturer announced a price tag of Ksh 29,999 with some premium accessories included. Customers are expected to make pre-orders up until 24th May from retail outlets across the country including Jumia and Lipa Later. The Nova 7i will be bundled with a free band 4 worth Kshs 4,699 and Bluetooth headset worth Kshs 2,499 for customers who make a pre-order.

Touted for its social media emphasized specs, the handset is expected to impress social media fans with its 48MP Quad AI camera setup that offers exemplary shots. The setup consists of a 48MP HD camera, 120° ultra-wide-angle sensor, a dedicated macro lens and an independent depth sensor, which work in sync to generate flawless images that are worthy your social profile. Underneath are all the necessary sharing apps that will upload those photos in a few touches.

On the front panel, there’s a 6MP AI single-camera setup that Huawei says it’ll master and capture the best of you anytime, anywhere, in any lighting. Huawei Nova 7i’s selfie is said to perform just as well under low lighting environments with a built-in night setting that will capture just as much detail in the neon-lit background, and brilliantly renders your skin as well as facial contours.

The primary camera with 48 megapixels underneath is supported by the proprietary Kirin 810 chipset and its magnificent AI, to enable an intelligent image synthesis algorithm that merges the best parts of multiple shots to form a final image with sharper, richer details than what a standard 48MP sensor would otherwise capture.

Adding some icing to the cake, there’s a 120° ultra-wide-angle sensor, that will capture a broader area and is touted for those perfect full view snaps whether it’s an interesting architecture, or far-stretching cityscapes. It can as well fit the entire party into a group picture.

And lastly within the primary setup is a macro camera that is best suited to snap close-up shots, such as the extraordinary patterns on a butterfly’s wings, or of a creative miniature world. The depth sensor plays a critical role in creating studio-grade portraits by precisely blurring even the most complex background. This also works for multiple subjects.

IThe HUAWEI nova 7i comes with a high-performing Kirin 810 chipset, a 4200 mAh high-capacity battery, and 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge technology.

Old Mutual launches Arifa, a Facebook messenger chatbot to serve its customers

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Old Mutual launches Arifa, a Facebook messenger chatbot to serve its customers

Old Mutual has unveiled a Facebook messenger chatbot that’s expected to offer unitholders the convenience of managing their accounts online as well as giving directions to investors on their investments journey. The use of bots to serve basic customer care queries has increased amongst firms in Kenya with tuvuti reporting adoption by Safaricom through Zuri and even the government in managing the current outbreak.

The Old Mutual Investment Groug (OMIG), is the latest firm to join in on the upcoming customer care focused technology based on chatbots that incorporates common queries on to their chatbot systems with expected customer-based answers. With the unveiling of Arifa Chatbot, the investment group hopes to handle common queries from customers without having the need to call or visit a physical office.

Speaking on the launch, the managing director of Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) Peter Anderson said the firm was focused on enhancing processes through digital transformation, which entailed integrating digital technology in all areas their business that will fundamentally change how they operate and the value delivered our customers.

He also acknowledged how the market landscape around the world is changing rapidly, making the Arifa Chatbot innovation underscore the company’s commitment to customer needs in these changing times.

Old Mutual Investment Group unveiled the Unit Trust Funds investment channel in April 2003 under the previous entity name Old Mutual Investment Services (OMIS). In 2019, the business received regulatory and Unit Holder approval to transfer the Unit Trust Funds from Old Mutual Investment Services Kenya (OMIS) to Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG).

Anderson also pointed out how the transfer of the Unit Trust Funds was informed by a decision to place the management of all client funds under one company (OMIG) as opposed to two companies. He noted ever since the unit trust arm had grown exponentially, and were glad to be taking yet another big stride with Arifa.

Back in 2012, Old Mutual had unveiled i-INVEST – a USSD based platform that allowed Kenyans to invest using their mobile phones from as low as Kes 10 in the Money Market Fund. Arifa Chatbot is therefore expected to complement the operations of i-INVEST and encourage investment among Kenyans.

Anderson further encouraged investors by pointing out the Journey of investment which he said began on day 1 and from the company’s experience, he said those who started out with the lowest price range in i-INVEST were usually testing the reliability of the channel to their financial goals and thereafter invest more, having learned what works for them.How to use Arifa Facebook Messenger Chatbot;

How to use Arifa Facebook Messnger Chatbot for UAP Old Mutual

Cytonn unveils e-wallet option for instant money transfers to MPESA, Bank and to other customers

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Cytonn unveils e-wallet option for instant money transfers to MPESA, Bank and to other customers

Cytonn investment has introduced a digital wallet that will allow customers make direct transactions from customer to another customer, customer to bank, customer to MPESA and a Paybill option to manage online transactions without a hustle.

The e-wallet option is powered by Cytonn’s money market fund and is touted to earn customer’s interest of up to 11 percent when they invest in the fund.

Speaking on the launch, Edwin H. Dande, Chief Executive Officer at Cytonn Investments said the money market firm was in the process of identifying client needs and offering effective and efficient solutions to them. He added the digital wallet solution will complement existing options to allow for instant features such as Instant2MyMpesa, Instant2MyBank, Instant2PayBills, Instant2TransferUnits Instant2SendMoney, Instant2Invest and most importantly earns customers interest of up to 11% P.A.

Instant2MyMpesa feature allows customers to transfer money instantly from Cytonn Money Market Fund (CMMF) to MPesa and Instant2MyBank allows direct transfer from Cytonn’s money market to their bank accounts.

Through Instant2PayBills, Cytonn customers will be able to instantly pay for their bills as well as utilities while Instant2TransferUnits will enable the transfer of units from customer’s CMMF to another member of CMMF

On the other hand, Instant2SendMoney will empower customer to send money from Cytonn money market fund (CMMF) to any bank account or Mpesa number and Instant2Invest will allow the transfer of investments into and out of our CMMF account.

How to access Cytonn money market fund (CMMF) e-wallet

Customers can access both by using the official Cytonn application downloadable from both the Play Store and App Store or by a USSD Code.

  • On your phone, dial USSD code *809# where,
  • You can create an account, request a call or opt for more information on products
  • Download and install Cytonn app on play store.

Customers will then be able to withdraw their cash to M-Pesa or Bank (via PesaLink) with a daily limit of Ksh300,000, and send money from their wallet to another M-Pesa number or Bank account that does not belong to them, instantly.

The Cytonn Money Market Fund is one of local established low-risk investment alternatives that aims to maintain a high level of current income while protecting investor’s capital and liquidity.

Speaking on the same, Cytonn Investment Senior Manager Fintech, Brand and Innovation said the company had embarked on alternative value-added services such as a CMMF linked debit card and a lending facility to offer more value to the growing number of clients.

The Oppo Reno3 is available in Kenya for KES 39,999, here is what you need to know before buying

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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0
The Oppo Reno3 is available in Kenya for KES 39,999, here is what you need to know before buying

Since the Oppo Reno3 was officially unveiled earlier on in the year, there has been much of discussion as to whether the price tag was actually relative to what it offers in the real world. The device is priced at KES 39,999, which is quite a steep for many Kenyans who differs in various aspects as to what a premium price tag should or should not be. In contrast, to most developed economies, the Oppo Reno3 falls squarely within the mid-range genre but at the same price tag, it’ll only appear on shortlist of Kenyans looking at getting something high-end.

Oppo is a well-known brand in the android world offering some of the best combination of specs and price. I remember back in the day when I held my first premium F11 Pro from Oppo that fancied us with a one of a kind pop-up camera setup that spelled premium in capital letters. It was one of those moments we had a feel of what the future could hold when phone makers invested some efforts in innovation rather than following in the footsteps of others or current trend. Unfortunately, a pop-up camera meant Oppo had to sacrifice some features such as water proofing but we still don’t get an official water proof certification with the latest Oppo Reno3.

No pop-up camera present, but a quad camera setup still manages to impress.

Oppo Reno 3 Camera setup

While we’d hoped for a pop-up camera as we saw in the F11 Pro, the current quad camera still manages to impress with some professional level snaps provided the lighting is optimal and holding it just right. We all know there’s so much involved in creating pro-level photography that’s why we’d be hesitant to compare the Oppo Reno3 with industry giants in software optimizations like iPhones, Galaxies and Pixels. In fact, I believe Google still holds the crown with its pixels. The pixel 3a with its budget friendly price tag is touted to snap pro-level pictures without any modifications; typical of just point and shoot camera.

We’re still amazed at how Oppo Reno3 managed to combine a set of sensors in the camera system to snap photos the right way. We get a combination of four sensors; 13MP Telephoto Lens, 48MP Ultra-clear Main Camera, 8MP Wide-angle Lens and a 2MP Mono Lens.

Oppo promises an outcome of an Ultra Clear 108MP Image which optimizes most common usage scenarios in bright light, such as the facial details and text details.

We also get a massive single sensor dedicated for selfies. The 44megapixels sensor is more than what anyone could’ve asked for. The sensor promises more refined selfies that are worth sharing on the social media. The accompanied software modifications ensures that selfies stay presentable even in poor lighting. Multiple photos are taken simultaneously and combined to create the ideal image.

A 6.4 inch 1080 x 2400 AMOLED Screen charms its way to our souls

Oppo Reno3 front – AMOLED screen and a selfie notch

For most of my smartphone reviews, I’ve been very critical of the tech most manufactures implement on some of these costly devices. I’m however happy to report, there’s so much you’ll love on the AMOLED screen used by the Oppo Reno3.  

AMOLED technology ensures you still enjoy true blacks and colors remain vibrant to the tone. We a little perturbed on Oppo’s refusal to stretch within the 1440p resolution bracket. While the text and images are still crisp enough, there’s lots of competitors that offers a little more.  

Oppo was able to implement an under-display fingerprint sensor which is impressive in comparison to putting at the back of phone. A notch at the top specifically for the 44MP selfie sensor ensures that no more screen real estate is hindered by unnecessary bezels. The addition of Dolby Atmos ensures video consumption is just as enjoyable.

Android 10 is welcomed and coloros 7 adds some icing on top

It’s good to know that Oppo Reno3 comes with the latest version of android and some welcomed tweaks on the interface by coloros 7.  

Internals are just as expected and performance doesn’t disappoint

Under the hood is a MTK P90 chipset coupled by 8GB RAM and an impressive 128GB internal storage which can of course be extended by a MicroSD card.

Battery that lasts just enough to take you through an entire day.

We’ve got VOOC Flash Charge 3.0 onboard that promises to charge a little faster from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes while a full charge should take approximately 73 minutes. The inbuilt 4025mAh Battery manages to last through the day, but its good to know when it runs out, you’ll be at full capacity within less than 2hrs.

Design and available colors

The Oppo Reno3 maintains a slim profile at just 7.3mm thick and is light to the touch weighing only 170g. the handset is available in two colors; Midnight Black and Auroral Blue.

Safaricom’s extra security feature alerts users on new SIM card registrations with their ID numbers

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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4
Safaricom’s extra security feature alerts users on new SIM card registrations with their ID numbers

To curb the menace of sim card fraud amongst Kenyans, Kenya’s biggest mobile service provider – Safaricom has unveiled a new security feature with a caption “tuwaanike” – meaning “expose them” that’s expected to thwart conmen from fraudulently registering a new mobile number with someone else ID number. The new feature will alert subscribers with an existing mobile number on the Safaricom network whenever a new phone number is being registered under their details to accept or deny.

Cases of SIM card fraud in the country have risen tremendously with conmen using Identification details acquired from MPESA to register new mobile numbers that often end up being used in criminal activities. The new measure is therefore expected to come as a relief to many Kenyans who have fallen victim to these types of activities.   

Recently, Kenya’s head of investigating criminal activities otherwise known by the acronym “DCI” warned that online crime had skyrocketed where fraudsters go to the extend of selling non existent items, circulating phishing emails and cash in using mobile money services registered with unsuspecting individual’s details.

With a mobile number, someone can easily do a lot of cash related transactions including applying for mobile loans, receiving cash, paying for services and products. In fact, it has become very common to find an MPESA agent colluding with these criminals to share personal details of customers who end up to discover late when a crime has already been committed.

How the new number registration security feature works.

The new security feature is only active to subscribers who are already Safaricom customers. To be effective, Safaricom must already have your details, and this is only possible if you’re already a customer. A text message is automatically sent to your active mobile phone number to either accept by responding with “YES” or deny by responding “NO”. Depending on your response, the new number is ether registered with your ID number or not registered.

Upon a new request to register a SIM card with your ID number, you’ll receive a text message from “707”, reading: Dear customer, a new number is about to be registered under your ID number. Please reply with YES to continue or NO to cancel the registration.

This means, a new SIM is only registered with your approval. Criminals have been registering new SIM cards with someone else details only to end up abandoning the phone number once accomplishing their mission.

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