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The Pixel 8a 256GB Option has One Major Downside You Need to Know

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Despite Google’s lack of presence here in Kenya interms of it’s smartphone linenup – the pixels, there’s still a good number of us who follow and like to indulge with its devices. The tech giant has unveiled the latest addition to its Pixel lineup: the Pixel 8a, which has been tailored for budget-conscious individuals like me. You might think it’s good news for those that want more room for apps and other things on their phone like photos or files but there is one major drawback when you decide to opt for the one with a larger storage capacity, you can’t expand your memory using an external card.

The 256GB model, unlike its 128GB version that is offered in Bay (light blue), Porcelain (off-white), Aloe (a vivid green) along with Obsidian (black) colors, can only be obtained in Obsidian. This factor might prove to be a major drawback and could potentially frustrate prospective buyers who were planning on purchasing one of the other appealing color varieties.

On the other hand, the 256GB model isn’t all that bad, it’s estimated to cost aroung $559 in the US, and provides an interesting option for people who want more storage. But it’s important to consider this against paying just a little extra for the complete Pixel 8 that has better features like improved display quality, camera system and build quality.

So far the reactions about color options are mixed. Many people are leaning towards Bay, Porcelain or Aloe more than Obsidian which is set as the default choice for this particular model. However, users can always put on colorful cases for both protection as well as to make their Pixel 8a look lively.

Qualcomm Announces Make in Africa 2024 Shortlisted Startups

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Qualcomm Incorporated has unveiled the shortlisted startups for its prestigious Make in Africa 2024 program. This equity-free mentorship initiative aims to empower early-stage startups harnessing cutting-edge connectivity and processing technologies for transformative solutions.

This year’s cohort comprises an eclectic mix of visionary ventures poised to revolutionize diverse sectors with advanced technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT. Among the standout selections are Kenyan-based Aurora Health, pioneering AI-driven cardiovascular healthcare tools, and CropScan, leveraging solar-powered smart farming IoT devices to revolutionize agriculture.

NextAI Studios stands out with its mission to embed AI-based emotion detection into toys, transforming children’s mental healthcare. RIM Nextgen brings innovation to energy management with smart tools for monitoring propane consumption.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Cure Bionics from Tunisia impresses with its smart 3D printed prosthetic arms, while DevisionX from Egypt offers AI-based low-code computer vision tools.

Additional startups include Kalio from Cameroon, developing AI tools for Agricultural IoT, and Kitovu from Nigeria, providing smart agricultural warehouse management solutions. South African Sparcx enhances radar signal processing with AI, and Vizmerald from Tunisia pioneers AI-based textile industry inspection.

Alex Rogers, President of QTL and Global Affairs at Qualcomm Incorporated, expressed excitement about the program’s success, stating,

“The quality and diversity of the applications received reflect the immense talent and potential within Africa’s technology ecosystem.”

There are more than 250 startups from 30 different countries that are vying for a spot in the the Qualcomm Make in Africa 2024 program. This huge number demonstrates the continent’s vibrant tech landscape as well as its potential to drive impactful innovation. These startups are expected to embark on their journey with Qualcomm’s guidance and are touted to make a lasting impression both in their communities and on a global scale.

How to Forward All your Calls to Another Number on Safaricom Network: A Handy Guide

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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I don’t know about you maybe by being here I might have some clues, but there was a time when I was dying to forward all my calls to a certain number instead. There are a couple of circumstances when this service might come in handy. In my case, travelling to “shaggs” is one definite moment that I always need to divert my calls to another number.

Usually when you come from faraway place such as I do, travelling to rural areas has its own set of challenges that might be too much to some of us. A good example is poor cellular network, and the most effective way I usually get around it is by diverting my calls when unreachable to someone in a place with better cellular reception.

These situations can be daunting, but if you’re a Safaricom subscriber like me and want to redirect incoming calls to another number or voicemail? Great news! Safaricom offers some tricks that enable you to redirect or calls guaranteeing you stay on top of important communications. Let me walk you through the process.

Forwarding Calls to Voicemail

Sometimes, it’s just not feasible to answer every call. Voicemail comes in useful in that scenario. Let me walk you through the setup process.

When on Another Call: Dial **610722122# or **670722122# to activate call diversion.

  • Check Status: Dial *#67# or *#61# to confirm activation.
  • When Unreachable: If your phone is off or out of coverage, dial **62*0722122# to divert calls.
  • Check Status: Confirm activation by dialing *#62#.

Forwarding Calls to Another Number

Perhaps you prefer having calls redirected to another mobile number. Safaricom allows for that too:

  • For All Incoming Calls: Dial 21 followed by the mobile number you want calls diverted to, then # (e.g., **210722222222#).
  • Check Status: Dial *#21# to verify activation.
  • For Unwanted Calls: If you want to avoid certain calls, dial 61 followed by the desired mobile number, then # (e.g., **610722222222#).
  • Check Status: Verify activation by dialing *#61#.
  • When Primary Phone is Off: To divert calls only when your primary phone is off, dial 62 followed by the mobile number, then # (e.g., **620722222222#).
  • Check Status: Confirm activation by dialing *#62#.
  • When Primary Phone is Engaged: If your primary phone is engaged, dial 67 followed by the mobile number, then # (e.g., **670722222222#).
  • Check Status: Verify activation by dialing *#67#.

By using these convenient steps through USSD codes, you can effortlessly handle your incoming calls on the Safaricom network. Whether you’re occupied, out of reach or just, like the option to have calls redirected Safaricom offers the versatility you desire. Give it a try. Ensure you never overlook a call again!

Starlink’s Satellite Internet Now Available in Kenya via Jumia

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Ever thought on exactly how you can acquire Starlink’s internet? Well, Jumia – one of Kenya’s biggest e-commerce portal has just announced its availability on its network. What this measns basically is that you can now head over to the e-commerce site and easily purchase the kit and wait for its delivery. This is particularly interesting considering that besides Starlink, none of the current internet service providers here in Kenya is available on the platform. As expected, the latest developement is expected to cause a buzz in the competitive internet service provision market segment especially for the underserved regions, by providing high-speed and reliable internet access.

Since July 2023, Starlink has been delivering its services to Kenyan customers. However, initial adoption faced hurdles due to the substantial costs associated with the residential kit. The kit was priced at KES 89,000 for hardware plus shipping along with a monthly subscription of KES 6,500 which posed a significant barrier to accessibility for the common Kenyan.

Now, with the Starlink Residential Kit available on Jumia at a discounted price of KES 39,500, the technology becomes much more accessible to a wider audience. Starlink has been actively promoting this offer on various Kenyan social media platforms, but it remains uncertain as to whether the discounted pricing will go beyond mid-May or is just for now. We recently shared news on how Starlink had decided to lower the installation cost as a promo but it’s just a matter of wait and see whether it’ll last any longer.

Now, have you ever wondered exactly how Starlink operates? Unlike traditional fixed internet providers who utilize fibre optic cables to connect customers to the internet, Starlink on its part relies on a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that provide internet coverage, and in this case its the most suitable for areas with poor or nonexistent connectivity. The technology ensures that there’s an avilable high-speed internet with minimal latency that can confortably support various online activities such as video streaming, online gaming, and remote work, that may otherwise be challenging in most parts of Kenya.

The collaboration of Jumia and Starlink has moved into its second stage, starting from Nigeria to Kenya. This planned alliance is making use of Jumia’s big logistical network and strong client group so that they can deliver high-tech products straight at the homes of customers.

As expressed by Hisham ElGabry, the Group Chief Commercial Officer at Jumia Group, “Our mission focuses on improving daily existence via technology”. By including Starlink in their platform, Jumia aims to make it easier for people to get reliable and fast internet services which are important for Kenya’s progress economically.

The Starlink Residential Kit has been marked down in price, making it more financially viable for Kenyan homes and businesses to use its advanced technology. The kit includes a user terminal (satellite dish), mounting tripod, and wireless router that are designed for easy installation as well as to align with the satellites automatically.

The wide reach of Jumia, along with Starlink’s high-tech satellite, shows a big jump in Kenya’s efforts for total digital connection. The link between these two companies not just underlines Jumia’s commitment to reducing technology gaps but also aligns with the nation’s goals of enhancing internet access in far-off and less privileged areas.

Those who are excited to take advantage of this short period offer can now find cheap Starlink Residential Kits on Jumia’s platform. It guarantees an easy way into one of the most groundbreaking technologies of our current digital era.

Airtel Kenya Enhances Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net Plans Following Revised MTRs

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Airtel Kenya has lowered its Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) to benefit its customers all over Kenya. The rates saw a decrease from March 1, 2024 when the Communications Authority revised MTR rates – and consequently Airtel revised its rates to reflect this from KES 0.58 to now KES 0.41 per minute. Following the rate adjustment, the telco has moved to reduce prices on its various packages to allows customers feel the changes that were implemented by the Communications Authority.

Ashish Malhotra, Airtel Kenya’s Managing Director, showed his support for the MTR reduction, saying, “We welcome and endorse the reduction of the Mobile Termination Rates.” He announced the reduction in prices for Weekly and monthly Voice bundles as a result.

Apart from the reduction in prices, the telco has also moved to expand its current infrastructure with a view of improving it’s current network coverage. The company has since setup over 300 sites bringing the total coverage to over 3700, which it aimed at offering better coverage as well as service quality for customers nationwide.

In line with the revised MTR and network expansion, Airtel has revamped its Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans. These updates include reduced pricing for Weekly and Monthly Tubonge plans, as well as the introduction of SMS bundles to facilitate cheaper communication across networks.

Prisca Murigu, Airtel Kenya’s Marketing Director, shared her excitement about the revamped plans, highlighting their affordability, flexibility, and value. “We are delighted to introduce Airtel’s revamped Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans,” she said, “designed to offer more affordability, flexibility, and value to our customers following the reduced MTRs.”

Below is a breakdown of the new Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans:

New Tubonge AllNet Plans:

  • Tubonge All Net Daily: KES 20 for 1 Day (20 minutes, Free Airtel to Airtel calls)
  • Tubonge AllNet Weekly: KES 80 for 7 Days (100 minutes, 100 SMS)
  • Tubonge AllNet Monthly: KES 250 for 30 Days (300 minutes, 300 SMS)

New Tubonge On Net Plans:

  • Tubonge On net Daily: KES 10 for 1 Day (40 minutes)
  • Tubonge On Net Weekly: KES 50 for 7 Days (100 minutes, 100 SMS)
  • Tubonge On Net Monthly: KES 150 for 30 Days (100 minutes, 100 SMS)

Uber Eats Expands to Kisumu: Bringing On-Demand Delivery to the Lakeside City

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Uber Eats has finally set foot in Kisumu town, bringing the total number of cities that it has operations in Kenya six. The on-delivery food app has been operating in five towns in Kenya which include Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and Naivasha. With its venture in Kisumu town, residents should expect an array of options at their fingertips, ranging from delectable cuisines to essential groceries as well as retail items.

And as I always say, there’s always something positive with change and in this case, this particular move is good for people who live in the city because they will get more choices now. On top of that, It also helps restaurants, shops and delivery workers who will now have an opportunity to make money in a flexible way that will also help the local economy.

Kui Mbugua, the General Manager of Uber Eats Kenya, showed a lot of excitement about the launch. He highlighted how Uber Eats is dedicated to improving delivery experiences and boosting Kisumu’s economy. The platform’s seamless connection between businesses and customers ensures a wide variety of goods and services, catering to different needs and budgets.

Uber Eats has added new categories like Convenience, Liquor, Pharmacy & Wellness and Everyday Essentials which majorly show that they’re listening to what people want. This fits with its ambition of expansion to more towns within the country. Farida Salim, who’s in charge of Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Marketing in the County was impressed and noted how the move was inline with the plans the county had in terms of helping local businesses and everyone in the community.

Since it started six years ago, Uber Eats has been changing to fit what Kenyan people want. It offers food from local favorites to big stores, so there’s something for everyone. This makes things easy to get and use for everyone.

Opera Suspends Free Data in Kenya Amidst Regulatory Backlash

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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In an unexpected turn of events, Opera, the renowned multi-platform web browser, has pressed pause on its free data initiatives in Kenya. This decision comes in response to regulatory directives from local authorities concerning advertisements displayed on speed dials within web browsers.

Opera has been giving Kenyan users free data bundles for the last four years, and now they want to end this offer owing to recent developments. Opera had started sharing data with the goal of reducing the digital gap in sub-Saharan Africa by making internet more available to all people.

Regulatory bodies like the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) have stepped in, shaking up Opera’s plans. Their latest directive puts a halt to licensed betting firms advertising on the Opera browser’s speed dial feature without proper regulatory approval. This move came after concerns were raised by the Consumer Federation of Kenya about minors being exposed to betting ads.

It’s a major blow for Opera, as they have been working hard to facilitate internet access in Kenya through the free data offering. But now with the latest developments, the company is rethinking on how to approach the current situation. What this means is that Opera will have to navigate complicated legislations to proceed with the service that according to them might not prove worthwhile.

Despite Opera’s initiative to give free data bundles to most of us here in Kenya who need it, and the number is said to be over 13.5 million Kenyans, users who were primarily using the so-called feature phones, for those who might not resonate with the term it means non-smartphones, regulatory hurdles have proven to be insurmountable. The tech giant known for its mobile based browser had investment in the Kenyan market more than $11.81 million in provision of free data as of 2023 alone showing its commitment to addressing the challenges of expensive internet access in the region.

Therefore, it’s decision to suspend the free data offering here in Kenya is expected to affect millions of users as well as raise questions about the future of internet accessibility in the country. Currently, even with improved internet speeds as we saw from the recent speed report from French firm nPerf, internet costs are still steep averaging about $6.44 per GB in sub-Saharan Africa, initiatives like Opera’s free data plan played a crucial role in making online services more accessible to the masses.

Infinix Unveils NOTE 40 Series in Kenya, Here is What You Need to Know

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Infinix has officially launched its latest NOTE series in Kenya, showcasing the groundbreaking Infinix mobile has finally officially unveiled its latest NOTE series in Kenya, showcasing some of its innovative tech and ready to take on Kenyans by a storm. The Infinix NOTE 40, NOTE 40 Pro, and the highly anticipated NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G were announced here in Kanya marking a major step by the manufacturer to offer consumers unparallelled cutting-edge features and innovations.

All-Round FastCharge 2.0 Technology

The NOTE 40 Series introduces the revolutionary All-Round FastCharge 2.0 technology, powered by Infinix’s innovative Cheetah X1 chip. This technology integrates high-precision power detection, secure voltage detection, and versatile scene support, ensuring exceptional charging efficiency and diverse capabilities. The NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G leads the pack with its industry-leading 100W Multi-Speed FastCharge, reaching an impressive 50% charge in just 8 minutes in hyper mode.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

For mobile gamers, the NOTE 40 Series offers up to 24GB of extended RAM for improved multi-tasking capabilities. Additionally, the vacuum chamber cooling system reduces temperatures by up to 7°C, ensuring optimal performance during intense gaming sessions. With XBOOST Frame Rate Control, users can enjoy a premium gaming experience with peak frame rates, especially optimized for popular MOBA and FPS games.

Sleek Design and Stunning Display

The Note 40 Pro embodies sleek urban aesthetics, featuring a stunning 55° curved display enhanced with durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass. The 120Hz AMOLED display offers a 1080P resolution and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring enhanced visibility in all lighting conditions. With TÜV Rheinland certification for anti-blue light eye protection, users can enjoy a flicker-free experience, enhancing visual comfort.

Advanced Camera Functionality

The NOTE 40 Series elevates mobile photography with advanced camera functionality. Utilizing in-sensor zoom technology, the 108MP main camera captures long-distance moments with 3x Lossless Superzoom, maintaining image clarity and detail. The Pro series incorporates Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) technology, ensuring sharper and more stable shots even in challenging conditions.

Seamless Charging Solutions

Infinix introduces the MagKit for a convenient magnetic charging experience, including the MagCase and MagPad. Extreme-Temp Tech ensures reliable charging even in harsh environments, while Bypass Charging 2.0 prevents overheating during intense usage. With reverse charging capabilities, users can share power with other devices wired or wirelessly at speeds up to 10W.

Pricing and Availability

The Note 40 series offers a range of models catering to diverse consumer needs, with prices starting at 29,599ksh. The Note 40 and Note 40 Pro are available online and offline, while the Note 40 Pro+ 5G will hit the market in mid-May. Every model of the Note 40 series comes with 180 days screen protection insurance, ensuring peace of mind for consumers.

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