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Online learning resources that Airtel Kenya customers can access with free data

Around mid of May this year, Airtel announced a partnership with UNICEF that would allow customers to access various learning resources with a free data pass. This came as various institutions halted school-based activities instead turning to e-learning option. As of now, Airtel customers can still access several resources without having to buy data bundles. This includes popular platforms such as coursera, alison and edex.

In the partnership, both organizations were aiming at empowering learners with free access to remote learning resources that would somehow mitigate the effects we’re currently facing brought by the novel corona virus. With access to various materials online, Kenyans have turned to furnishing their knowledge by pursuing various online based causes such as programming which is available on various platforms such as those mentioned above.

How to access learning resources without data bundles on Airtel network

  • All you need to do is enable data mode on your phone
  • Then open the respective apps or link

Learning links that you can access without data bundle

No.Free Data Access WebsiteWebsite Link
1ABC Mousewww.abcmouse.com
2African Story bookhttps://africanstorybook.org
3Global Digital Libraryhttps://www.digitallibrary.io/
4Reading IQwww.readingiq.com
5Story weaverhttps://storyweaver.org.in/
6Adventure Academywww.adventureacademy.com
7Alisonwww.alison.com
8Courserawww.coursera.org
9Edraakhttps://www.edraak.org/en/
10Edunethttps://www.edunet.bh/
11Khan Academywww.khanacademy.org
12EdXwww.edx.org
13Moodlehttps://moodle.com/
14Nafhamhttps://www.nafham.com/
15Kolibriwww.learningequality.org/kolibri
16Syafundawww.syafunda.co.zm
17Oppiahttps://digital-campus.org/oppiamobile
18Leaphttps://www.leaphealthmobile.com/
19Classerahttps://www.classera.com/en/home/
20m-Shulehttps://m-shule.com/
21Internet of Good Things1www.internetofgoodthings.org
22Longhornhttps://elearning.longhornpublishers.com/

MultiChoice unveils DStv Explora Ultra and DStv Streama decoders with YouTube and Showmax

MultiChoice has unveiled the long awaited DStv Explora Ultra and DStv Streama decoders with 4K capability and both YouTube as well as Showmax buttons respectively. This was revealed during the Pay Tv’s annual content showcase where it gets to detail some of the upcoming content as well as services. The two devices are coming with new features that are not available on current decoders such as 4K capability on the Explora Ultra and streaming services on the Streama counterpart.

Customers will now be able to stream content from third party providers such as Netflix in 4K video quality on the Explora Ultra PVR. This is a major upgrade from current decoders even though the Pay TV service provider is yet to unveil 4K content of its own. It should however be noted that Netflix and YouTube already have 4K content and DStv has been lagging behind as competition eats into a once almost monotony business.

Commenting on the two devices during launch, the company said the DStv Explora Ultra would bring two worlds together by supporting streaming apps on its platform, thereby adding depth to available content. Since the devices will come with a built in WiFi radio, it’ll make it even easier for users to connect to the internet – MultiChoice added.

Additional features include those that are currently available to PVR users such as Catch Up, BoxOffice as well as Showmax. Users will also be able to enjoy content in Dolby Atmos and comes with a new remote control.

The Explora Ultra includes features previously available to PVR users, including Catch Up, BoxOffice and Showmax. The addition of streaming apps makes the DStv Explora Ultra the “must-have” device for customers wanting an easy and simple way to enjoy content across many services, MultiChoice said.

Using third-party streaming apps will require an active subscription

In a move that’s seen as managing its revenue flow so no one chooses to do without let’s say DStv channels but continues using Netflix, the provider has limited use of third-party apps to only those with an active subscription. No new changes will be needed for customers migrating from the old Explora model. They’ll be good to go once they unplug the old model and plugin the new one. DStv Streama will also support 4K content but unlike the Explora, it’s a streaming-only device. Users will be able to enjoy services like YouTube, Showmax and play music via the Joox app.

Pay TV service providers in Kenya with Maisha Magic and respective channel numbers

Maisha Magic East and Magic Plus channels are obviously one of the most desired channels to watch with thrilling local as well as international content here in Kenya. I’ve been getting numerous requests from friends as well as colleagues on whether the channels are available on all Pay TV providers here in Kenya; sadly, there are just a few providers who have it onboard and on specific packages.

Both channels are owned by M-Net and prides themselves to showcase some of the best content in East Africa within the general entertainment genre. This includes local dramas, series, comedy, lifestyle, reality shows, telenovellas as well as music. If you have any of them on your subscription, you should enjoy a 24-hour entertainment in some of East Africa’s amazing content.

 As I’ve indicated earlier on, Maisha Magic East and Maisha Magic Plus are only available on select Pay TV providers in the country; sadly, you won’t find it on Zuku, StarTimes, Bamba and other providers except for Mutichoice owned Dstv and GOtv.

Dstv Kenya packages with Maisha Magic Plus and Channel numbers;

Packages: DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact DStv

Channel Number: 163

Dstv Kenya packages with Maisha Magic East and Channel numbers;

Packages: DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact DStv, Dstv Access and Dstv Family

Channel Number: 158

GOtv

Maisha Magic East is available on GOtv on channel number: 4

Google assistant will now let you send audio messages to your friends and family

There are a couple of ways the Google assistant has so far been useful in our daily endeavors, you can easily ask for the day’s weather and right away just know what kind of dress to put on, inquire about some complex arithmetic’s that you would have otherwise have to use a calculator to solve. The list is endless, but looks like Google isn’t done just yet, you can now easily send audio messages to your contacts without having to hold or touch your device.

In a blogpost, Google announced the new functionality which will come in handy for those of us who will be buzzy or pre-occupied to send those audio messages while continuing doing whatever will be doing at the time. Audio messages are yet to gain traction here in Kenya, but I’ve seen several people slowly start using WhatsApp version and we can only imagine at some point this useful feature in android’s virtual assistant will get a place in our daily endeavors.  

How to use Google Assistant to send audio messages;

Google has promised to rollout this functionality to English speaking countries in dues course, therefore you’ll need to confirm its availability before using it.

  • You don’t have to hold down the little mic icon, just say “Hey Google, send an audio message” or “Hey Google, send an audio message to Paul saying I’m on the way.”

Simple way to check your Telkom Kenya mobile number in case you’ve forgotten

At some point, you may forget your mobile phone number especially if it’s not your primary contact. Telkom Kenya has an easier way to retrieve your phone number details in such circumstances without having to spent a penny. All you have to do is follow some simple USSD prompts and you’ll easily retrieve details right on your mobile phone.

In our previous editorial, we also highlighted how you could retrieve your Airtel mobile phone number in case it slips your mind, and this happens to most of us on various occasions. There are several ways of course that you could use to get your mobile digits such as initiating a call to another number that’s in your possession and observing the digits that show up, sending a test text message or even using some online selfcare services.

But the problem is, these options may not be optional if you didn’t load enough airtime on the number in question. There are also a couple of mobile devices, especially smartphones that usually have a section with your contact details, but the technology in feature phones we occasionally call kabambe just don’t have a way to check.

How to check your Telkom Kenya phone number digits

  • On your phone, dial “*100#
  • Then choose My account
  • On the second menu, select My number option
  • You should receive a message with your phone number details

How to send or deposit money from MPESA to a Stanbic bank account using a mobile phone

You can easily transfer money from your MPESA account into a Stanbic bank account using a Pay Bill number on your mobile phone. The process does not require a smartphone or any sort of special requirements; you just need an active MPESA account with enough balance and a simple mobile phone to complete the transaction.

Whether you require to make a cash deposit to your own account, or send to someone else, all you need is a phone with an active Safaricom line that’s activated for MPESA services and the account number of the beneficiary.

As a result of the current pandemic which has limited several services, most Kenyans are now turning to cashless transactions especially via their mobile phones. Unlike before where you would have been required to visit an agent, bank offices or need internet to do online banking, you can simply make use of available mobile money transfer technologies to deposit or withdraw cash from your accounts.

How to deposit cash into your Stanbic bank account via MPESA

  • On your MPESA menu, select “Lipa na Mpesa
  • Then choose Pay Bill
  • Enter Stanbic bank’s MPESA business number: 600100
  • Enter the benefiting account number and press OK
  • Put your MPESA pin and confirm the transaction.

Egerton University is set to embrace online learning to provide lectures to learners

Egerton University is set to offer online lectures after upgrading the current infrastructure to support the move. The institution expects to offer online lessons to more than 50,000 leaners according to the Vice Chancellor Professor Rose Mwonya who said the university’s senate will have a seating to approve an online time table and formulate other regulations.

While speaking in a video conference of Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) Public Dialogue Series on COVID-19 Pandemic Responses and Lessons Learnt, the varsity’s VC Professor Mwonya acknowledged the revolution most institutions were undergoing despite the effects of the pandemic.

According to the VC, the institution had sort services from the Kenya Education Network Trust (KENET) to prepare and train lecturers on how to utilize online training facilities as the institution embark on embracing e-learning platform as well as various online based communication tools such as Zoom as well as the KENET conference facility.

While the institution has reverted to short term virtual activities to educate learners, the VC acknowledged the current trend in the country where some institutions had embarked on exploring various technologies that will help them thrive in a post covid-19 era.

As of last month, about 913 students from Egerton held a virtual graduation ceremony that saw only slightly more than a dozen people at the institution attend. This was as a result of the current social distancing directives issued by the Health ministry.

There are ongoing arrangements to ensure all concerned parties had access to the platform and necessary support given so as no one would be left behind. While those without access to the internet, will continue with their studies once varsities reopen according to Professor Owido.

Best affordable smartphones to watch Netflix in HDR10 available locally in Kenya in 2020

Content consumption in HDR10 standard is just something you’ll always want to have once you experience the quality. And there’s a ton of services such as YouTube and Netflix that already offers content in this standard on various devices. To be honest, the first time I watched a video on YouTube that supported the standard; I’ve never looked back ever since, I’m always on the lookout whenever I go shopping for my next smartphone to have this capability as bare minimum.

I understand everyone has their preferences when it comes to devices; which is a good thing, I’ve always made it clear how I treasure the quality of a display panel over anything else, just because we often tent to interact more on it than let’s say the camera. and like I said everyone has their set preferences, but It’s reasonable to say if you’re reading this editorial, you probably fall in the same group as I do.

HRD10 content though not available in masses, but it’s already here with us. The standard offers unmatched contrast and brightness levels that make colors look even more vibrant and just pleasant to look at. Alternative technologies that also promise brilliant colors than normal standards include Dolby Vision which is also supported by Netflix on certain devices.

Requirements to watch HDR10 content on Netflix

There are a few aspects that have to be met for you to be able to experience HDR10 content on Netflix.

  • First, you’ll need to have a HDR10 Capable device – in most cases the device will have relevant hardware to support the standard
  • Then of course, Netflix has to include support for that particular device. Note you might actually have a handset with necessary hardware but lack support by Netflix.
  • Your internet connection must be reliable. Juts like 4K, you’ll need reasonable internet speeds to stream content that is in HDR.
  • You must be on a Netflix package that has HDR enabled. This should be the top tier package.

Netflix HDR10 supported devices available here in Kenya (List may be updated by Netflix to include other devices)

  • Xiaomi Mi 10
  • Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G
  • Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro
  • Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8
  • Samsung Galaxy S9
  • Samsung Galaxy S10
  • Samsung Galaxy S10e
  • OPPO Find X2
  • Sony Xperia XZ1
  • Sony Xperia XZ2