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Top 5 crucial must-have smartphone apps on android and iOS if you currently live in Kenya

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Top 5 crucial must-have smartphone apps on android and iOS if you currently live in Kenya

Getting a new smartphone has some kind of effect on most of us, it’s one of those glorious moments we get to decide on what we need and don’t on our precious handset. But being as careful as I am, I often don’t go on a rampage installing all sorts of apps I deem beautiful on the app stores; instead, I carefully choose just a few important ones so I don’t end up cluttering my home screens with I cons I’d probably never going to tap. This might be the opposite on many of us, and believe me, I’ve seen friends and even colleagues with all manner of apps you could think of.

If you are one of those who are a bit cautious on the apps you install on your brand-new device, then here is a few of must-haves specially customized for those residing in Kenya. The apps might not be relevant to other regions, and might as well not be a good fit for some of us, but are surely some of the most used by a majority of Kenyans as of today.

I’ll be excluding common apps that are native and exclusive to specific operating systems such as messaging apps but will include those that can be used on both platforms. Secondly, this apps can be installed from respective stores, except for iOS which has zero tolerance on applications from other sources, I won’t be including apk’s from unknow sources.

5 must-have apps on android and iOS

  • WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the king of social messaging here in Kenya. It’s widely used than let’s say Facebook and twitter. You can easily install from any of the top two app stores.

  • Gmail

At some point, you might want to sent mails for work or any other reasons and Gmail is by far the commonly used client. You’ll be better off having this app for receiving and sending mails.

  • YouTube

While the country is grappling with the effects of the novel corona virus that has forced many of us to work from home, and with schools shut, YouTube remains the best source for entertainment as well as getting educational materials.

  • MySafaricom App

For those of us using a Safaricom line to receive MPESA services, this is a definite must-have app on your device. You’ll easily access various services such as sending money, paying utility bills and even requesting for an Mshwari and KCB-MPESA loan.

  • Respective banking Apps

To access various bank services quickly, you might want to consider their respective apps. Whether its sending money or paying for various services, you’ll need to install apps for your bank. Our analysis indicate that most bank apps support transferring cash from accounts to MPESA and can even be used to manage some aspects on your account without having to visit their offices.

Mi Smart LED Bulb (cool white) – here is the extra features you’ll get with this smart led bulb

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Mi Smart LED Bulb (cool white) – here is the extra features you’ll get with this smart led bulb

The term “Smart” has become a household name that sometimes we’re confused if there’s anything that’s yet to adapt the terminology. While the term itself has been widely used to refer to objects or things that have some sort of capabilities beyond what traditional items as we’ve known them can accomplish, some aspects are better referred to as upgrades rather than “Smart”. Today we’ve taken a swipe at one of the items you could use in transforming your house into a smart home – a detailed article on that here, Xiaomi’s Mi smart LED Bulb.

In our previous editorial on smart homes (find link from above), we detailed how you could easily start transforming your home into a smart home starting with lighting which shouldn’t cost much then moving on to other areas that cost a little bit more. Smart lighting basically references to home bulbs that can be controlled remotely, from other devices such as smartphones and in some cases have the ability to change colors. Xiaomi’s Mi smart LED bulbs are some of the options we currently have for our home lighting solutions. Here in Kenya, you can easily get one for less than Ksh. 3,000.

Mi Smart LED Bulb features;

First of all, I have to admit my bias towards the Smart LED bulbs, they just make things easier such as dimming or switching off right on your phone rather than having to walk to where the switch is located. I have used a couple of them and surprisingly, there are some pretty reliable Chinese variants that cost a fraction but are filled with several features.

  • Support for popular smart assistants

If you’ve set some of your household items with Alexa or Google assistants, then you’d probably be delighted to learn that Mi smart bulbs can easily be integrated into the system. Easily control your home lighting with voice commands.

  • Adjustable brightness

Set just the right amount of brightness depending on the occasion. For those of us with new family members can appreciate this feature.

  • Control from the Mi Home app

Just connect the bulb to your home WiFi, download the Mi Home app on your device and control to your liking. You can schedule when to switch on/off and issue voice commands such as “Hey Google, turn off the light” at your convenience.

Mi smart LED Bulb specifications;

  • Color Temperature: 6500K
  • Lamp Fitting: E27
  • Rated Power: 7.5W
  • Service Life: Approx. 25,000 hours
  • Operating Temperature: -10℃ to 40℃
  • Operating Humidity: 0–85% RH
  • Operating Frequency: 2412–2472 MHz
  • Rated Input: 220 – 240 V ~ 50/60 Hz, 0.048-0.076 A
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
  • Maximum Output Power: 15.31 dBm

Here is how you can activate Telkom’s T-Kash and make transactions on phone

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Here is how you can activate Telkom’s T-Kash and make transactions on phone

With a superior MPESA on the horizon and Safaricom’s unrivaled marketing budget, Telkom’s mobile money service T-Kash hasn’t had an easy time in the latest history. While Safaricom’s service has seen tremendous growth time over time, Telkom has rather focused more on other solutions such as affordable data that boy-oh-boy, it’s just amazing! But the telco hasn’t given yet, you can still activate T-kash on your Telkom line in a few simple steps.

Mobile money services have played a major role in our efforts to curb the spread of the current pandemic, but from the protest we’ve seen from Safaricom against CBK’s directives to offer zero fees on less than Ksh. 1000 transactions, it’s always a good Idea to diversify – you know just in case! T-Kash might not seem like a viable option though, especially with an ever-evolving Equity bank through its Equitel service and a ton of mobile apps from various banks such as Vooma that manages to offer the convenience we’ve enjoyed with MPESA.

And as people say, it might be down but not out. For most of us who are forced to have different SIM cards for various reasons, such as Safaricom for MPESA and Telkom for Data and voice, it might not be in vain considering other telcos for something more than data and voice. While there aren’t many agents to offer T-Kash services, you can still use the service to move cash to and from bank account and also pay some utility bills.

How to Activate T-Kash mobile service

  • Head over to your T-Kash Menu.
  • Choose ‘Activate’.
  • Enter your ID
  • Followed by Date of Birth
  • Then set a New PIN.
  • Repeat putting a new PIN again & confirm details.
  • You will get a T-Kash confirmation SMS.

How to access T-Kash Menu using USSD Code

  • On your phone, Dial *160#

Safaricom retires Platinum plans in favor of all-in-one plan effective 30th August 2020

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Safaricom retires Platinum plans in favor of all-in-one plan effective 30th August 2020

Safaricom is set to retire its Platinum plans in favor of all in one plan effective from 30th August 2020. In a press release sent to media houses, the telco plans to upgrade existing customers to Karibu Post Pay plan or all-in-one plan with no expiry resources which it says offers more voice and data. The plans which are just shy of their 3rd anniversary were tweaked to favor professionals who favored accessing services without worrying about exhausting their allocated resources.

Customers chose between two plans; basic and plus with plus option coming with more data, voice and sms. Additionally, customers were able to access some discounts from services such as EatOut and mostly resonated with international callers at subsidized rates.

In a statement to media, Safaricom acknowledged the latest development came as a result of their review process which commenced In October 2019, when they focused on their current slogan of being Simple, Transparent and Honest with customers.

The telco is therefore poised to retire these plans by the end of August and has since started notifying customers on the same. Additionally, customers are being asked to move to the new Karibu PostPay, which is also accessible via MySafaricom App or the Safaricom products website, safaricom.com.

Current customers on auto-renew will be migrated to All-In-One auto-renew plans, while customers who purchase Platinum plans on a one-off basis can select from the All-In-One plans available on MySafaricom App or by dialing *544# and selecting option 3 “Normal Data Bundle WITH EXPIRY” then option 1 “All in One Bundle.” All affected customers can also choose from alternative Safaricom services that suit their needs.

Xiaomi on an innovative venture to store your earbuds inside your smartphone

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Xiaomi on an innovative venture to store your earbuds inside your smartphone

How about storing those tiny earbuds inside your very own smartphone rather than a separate charging box, couldn’t that be revolutionary? Xiaomi is apparently on a mission to explore this possibility, where you won’t have a separate storage box but instead shove those earbuds inside your phone once you’re done using them, the same way some manufacturers have implemented storage of stylus. Its an innovative thinking that might just spare us the headache of moving around with separate headset cases.

Looking back at history, Xiaomi has never shied from complex smartphone designs, but the latest rumors if they ever materialize might just be one of those things that actually stretches the limits. From reports we have; the phone manufacturer has apparently patented the possibility of smartphones carrying wireless earbuds. According to a Dutch publication LetsGoDigital, which drew inspirations from patents filed in China and Netherlands, they’ve come up with a render of just how the device might look like

Concerns;

From the patents, earbuds will find home at the top of smartphones with the heads of the earbuds facing upwards, this is particularly interesting because earbuds in turn might actually act as the phones loudspeakers as well. While it might be a concern to some on just how hygienic the buds will fare given they’ll be exposed to hands, its hands down something we actually need to relate and imagine the possibilities.

There are also a couple of hinderances Xiaomi might need to overcome such as the space taken by buds, this might limit the overall space available to fit the battery and the phone’s thickness might need to be a turd thicker. If the current trend is anything to go by, manufacturers are doing away with some components such a headphone jack just to give room to a larger battery and the latest developments might under-pin that.

Advantages

But looking on the brighter side, there are obviously some advantages that might resonate with most of us especially those who like throwing their earbuds at all sorts of corners. Unless you forget your phone, you’d mostly have them wherever you go. In addition, you won’t have to keep up with carrying separate components, which might also spare some room in your bags or pockets.

Finally

As much as we’re fancied by this possibility, it remains unclear whether Xiaomi will go through with it and if yes after how long. Wireless buds still occupy a substantial space in our pockets and any innovation toward reducing that is welcomed.

Tecno Camon 15 Air packs a 6.6inch panel and quad-camera setup for Ksh.17,399

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Tecno Camon 15 Air packs a 6.6inch panel and quad-camera setup for Ksh.17,399

When reviewers decide to put a device on the spot, more often than not, they rely on the paper specifications rather than a long-term review of the device which by the way is dumped as soon as there’s a new kid on the block. Sometimes, it takes a whole lot of usage to hand out a fair criticism and our Tecno Camon 15 Air seems to be fairing on well thus far. The handset was unveiled back in April and has a lot of catching to do, especially with a cunning Samsung around the block and a Huawei that’s spending heavily to get a foothold of the market despite US disappointments.

According to statistics released by the communications authority, Tecno leads the flock with an impressive 21 percent of the devices currently in use here in Kenya, which by the way is a huge thing and might just play out in its favor going forward. Taking a closer look at the latest Tecno Camon Air 15, you’ll notice most of the premium qualities we used to expect from the likes of Samsung such as a punch-hole selfie camera, a rear quad-camera setup and a massive 6.6inch display panel. This is all impressive but notice the price isn’t rock-bottom as we’d hoped, you’ll be going upwards of Ksh. 15,000 if this becomes a final choice for your next device.

What we have in that price range

Becoming a household name has its own implications, it’s most likely that someone already knows about your existence before deciding to accept you, and this is what Tecno currently enjoys amongst Kenyans. There are of course worthy alternatives within the price range such as Samsung Galaxy A21s Huawei Y8P and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 that may or may not turn out better but its worth knowing everything on offer before making such an important decision.

What do we get with the Camon 15 Air?

The basic principle for deciding on the best device for yourself is first establishing your valued needs and available budget. It’s by no means a cheap handset especially for the average Kenyan and for this reason, unless you really need it, there are cheaper alternatives that don’t differ a lot from other manufacturers as well as Tecno itself.

Tecno was decent enough to include some vital accessories such as SIM ejection tool, TPU case and a screen protector that you don’t normally get with other brands. The handset itself looks futuristic and as beautiful as ever – our model came in malachite blue color which is iconic to say the least. You’d think its blue on one side and green on the other, but the overall effect definitely fancied us and was tuned exactly to our liking.

Design-wise, everything is placed exactly as expected except for the fingerprint sensor which I normally prefer on the side or better yet under the screen but this is purely a personal taste.  On the right hand-side is a volume rocker and power button, while the left-side houses a dual nano SIM that stretches a bit to accommodate a MicroSD card.

We like the placement of speaker and charging port at the bottom, but we definitely hated Tecno’s choice to use a dated MicroUSB port instead of a now common USB-Type C. The handset maker has to change from such out dated technologies and embrace newer variations we’ve got used to. As a consolation, you get a 3.5mm jack that’s missing on modern flagship devices.

There’s a dual flash light just beneath the front panel above the 8MP selfie camera that should light-up those snaps in dark areas. Under the hood, there’s a Helio P22 chip, 3GB RAM which by the way is below our minimum benchmark of at least 4GB, 64G internal and a 5000mAh battery. At back, there’s quad-camera setup that includes; 48 MP main, 2 MP macro, 2 MP depth and QVGA

Safaricom unveils Neon Ray Pro (Go Edition) at Ksh.20 daily through Lipa Mdogo Mdogo

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Safaricom unveils Neon Ray Pro (Go Edition) at Ksh.20 daily through Lipa Mdogo Mdogo

Khs.20 a day smartphone! And yes, you heard it right, Safaricom has finally unveiled its much anticipated Lipa mdogo mdogo program that’s been touted as first of its kind in the world. In the latest initiative, Safaricom and Google seeks to bring more than a million unconnected subscribers to 4G technology. Customers will walk away with a 4G capable Safaricom Neon Ray Pro (android Go edition) smartphone for just Ksh 20 bob a day. The offer which was expected to kick off sometime towards the end of June but rescheduled for some reason is now live at the Telco’s outlets across the country and customers can easily access by just dialing *544# and selecting Lipa Mdogo Mdogo.

A few weeks ago, we reported plans by Kenya’s largest mobile service provider to unveil an initiative similar to that of KCB dubbed Beba Sasa Lipa Polepole that would see Kenyans own a smartphone with a minimal initial cost. In the latest venture which is credited from the partnership forged between Safaricom and Google, the two renown tech giants in their respective niche’s hopes to bring 4G speeds to the masses by offering devices at prices that common Kenyans can comfortably manage. With a minimal initial investment of Ksh.20, Kenyans who have lacked behind due to inaccessibility to capable handsets will now join the rest to enjoy the goodness of android OS at Safaricom’s 4G speeds.

Speaking on the device launch, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said they were thrilled to unveil first of its kind initiative that would strive to bring unconnected masses to 4G internet. Ndegwa said the success of internet access in the country was hinged on a stable connection, he said the company was committed to ensuring 4G access across the country.

Ndegwa acknowledge how 4G enabled devices have allowed vendors to trade competitively online where mama ‘mbogas’ can send images of their products to consumers and other vendors can access vast market for their products.

Safaricom Neon Ray Pro (Android Go edition) Specifications

  • 5.5-inch screen
  • 5MP + 5MP rear and selfie cameras
  • 1GB RAM 16GB internal
  • Android Go Edition

Once you’ve paid for 7 days you get youtube bundles for free. Safaricom Neon Ray Pro comes with Lipa Mdogo Mdogo app that disconnects when no payment is made and you can select from various financing options such as daily or weekly.

Qualifications for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo

  • Regular Safaricom user
  • At least more than 1 year on the Safaricom network
  • Must have been on a 2G device
  • At least above 18 years old

How much it costs: Ksh.1000 initial deposit and consequently pay Ksh.20 per day

Digital mobile loan lenders are opposed to Central Bank of Kenya (CBK’s) planned rate cap

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Digital mobile loan lenders are opposed to Central Bank of Kenya (CBK’s) planned rate cap

The relationship between Kenyan-based digital lenders and the Central Bank of Kenya has been a bumpy one to say the least, especially after the regulator took measures that equivaled to handcuffing them when they were denied access to the credit reference bureaus unless they submitted to regulation. The latest move by the CBK to cap loan rates has further fueled an already volatile relationship that has prompted digital lenders to warn of unprecedented negative effects to micro-sized businesses.  

Speaking on behalf of Digital Lenders Association of Kenya, Ivan Mbowa the regional manager of Tala said they’ll protest planned legal attempts by the regulator to cap charges and instead promote risk-based loan appraisal models which are said to be powered by machine learning technologies.

In the latest efforts by the Central Bank of Kenya to cap rates charged by lenders on loans unveiled in the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2020, the new regulations offer to give more powers to the regulator on loan pricing. This will in effect give more authority to the regulator to supervise digital lenders who have previously offered loans to Kenyans at exorbitant rates that led most of them debt traps.  

Mr Mbowa further stated the move was unfair to charge all customers at a flat rate since different customers presented different risks depending on the intended use of funds. He gave an example of someone borrowing for consumption should have a different rate from one borrowing to put in business.

Before CBK stepped in, there has been hundreds of apps offering loans to Kenyans at very high rates that some ended up surpassing the 100 percent mark when annualized. This in turn led to massive defaults rendering most Kenyans to be listed with credit reference bureaus (CRBs).

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