Home Blog Page 78

Here is how you can get the Google Pixel Experience without owning a pixel phone here in Kenya

The android ecosystem is flooded by different tweaks that comes in the form of launchers, skins, themes and even UI (user interface), but the world over has come to appreciate the Pixel phone which eliminates any form of manufacturer branding, carrier bloatware to have what most refer to as the android experience. It makes sense to associate the pixel phones to have the true intended android experience since both hardware and software come from the same company.

Android skins slapped on top of the android OS by most manufacturers such as Samsung’s touch wiz, Oneplus oxygen OS, LG’s UXI and HTC’s sense may come with additional functionalities but they’re not always less of hiccups. In fact, most of them tend to slow down devices and the likes of Samsung are known to duplicate their version of apps such as Gallery and Music Player instead of utilizing Google’s built in alternatives that work better in most scenarios.

By including their own version of apps, you’ll find that these smartphones come with less internal usable space available as some of it has to accommodate the apps. One of the reasons I’d rather not purchase a smartphone from a specific carrier even with subsidized costs is the presence of bloatware that ultimately interferes with true android experience.

On the other hand, pixel phones have gained a credible reputation even though they joined in on the smartphone hardware sales late in the game. They’ve less bloatware and preinstalled apps can easily be uninstalled with just a tap. Carriers and manufacturers often make it impossible to uninstall their bloatware without rooting or rendering your device’s warranty void. In any case you’ll need to have some technology know how to do this.

1.      How to get the Pixel experience on your phone by installing the Pixel Launcher

The easiest and un complicated way to have your phone look just like the Pixels would be installing the pixel launcher. You’ll still need to have some basic knowledge of installing an app from unknown sources since the launcher is not available for other devices on the Play Store. There are numerous pixel launcher ports you could use instead to achieve this just as there are several Google camera ports that work exceptionally well on other devices.

2.      How to get the Pixel experience on your phone by installing a custom ROM

If you happen to own a HTC, Oppo, Motorola, Xiaomi, some LG’s, Galaxy phones, Asus including other brands that I haven’t mentioned here, there’s a very high chance there’s already a pixel experience ROM out there. Installing a Pixel based android custom ROM is a sure way to make your device run and behave just like the Google Pixel phones. Just head over to google and perform a simple search of “Pixel Experience ROM for – your device”, if there’s a custom ROM out there that supports your device you should find it without a hustle

3.      Buy a Google Pixel Phone as a last option

Our editorial is all about having the ultimate pixel experience without owning a pixel phone, but if you’d rather not go through all the hustle involved especially installing a custom ROM, then better buy a Google pixel phone.

Recycle your old android phone by installing latest custom android ROM and a new battery

Have you ever owned an old android smartphone you dearly loved and felt like it could offer some oomph if given chance? There’s a clever way you could bring it back to life with a little hard work, but which is worth it in the long run. Smartphones have evolved in the last five years to accommodate new technologies as well as modern designs, but not all of these new features are essential in the day to day activities. In fact, some pundits out there argue that there’s very little which has changed to date, some go to an extend as prefer older designs especially those found on devices such as older HTC metal enclosures like the HTC 10.

Requirements of Recycling your android phone with latest custom ROM and new battery

There are some minimum requirements your old device should at least meet to be worth recycling. As much as you’d want to recycle your beloved android device, without available custom ROM’s to install and accessories such as batteries, the hustle might not be worth it. In such a case, you’d be better off buying a cheap device instead.  

  • A quick look at the xda forums, you’d easily tell if there’s a custom ROM based on the latest android version supporting your device. In my opinion, this is a must for a device to be worth consideration.
  • Secondly, the latest version of android would require at least a minimum of 2GB ram to run without hiccups, I however prefer 4GB as my bare minimum to have a second look at the device
  • Smartphone batteries are based on the lithium ion technology which degrade over time. It’s highly unlikely that a handset aged three or more years would effectively function without replacing the battery.
  • Something worth consideration also is the complexity of the repair process. Whether you want to change the display panel, charging port or in this case battery, it’s always a good Idea to have a look at the process of performing that repair. Having used the HTC 10 for example, I learnt just how its almost impossible to have the battery replaced without damaging the display panel. And most of these devices with an inbuilt battery would require special tools to carry out the repair, if this can be accomplished by a professional, you’d rather consider that.
  • Your device must have unlocked bootloader. Some manufacturers such as HTC have a simple process you could unlock the bootloader.  

How to finally bring back your old android device to life

Having taken the above requirements into consideration, the process of reviving your old device might require some bit of know-how, so I suggest you buckle-up. At this point, I assume you’ve checked out at xda forums and established availability of a candidate ROM with the latest version of android to install on your device.

If you still have some battery capacity juice left in your device, then you might not need to have it replaced, after shelf third party batteries might not have the same capacity as the original one or something could go awry wrong in the process.

  • First, replace the battery if need be
  • Then proceed to install the latest custom ROM. You’ll need to make all the necessary requirements needed to install the custom ROM such as unlocking the bootloader, installing recovery software and of course updating to the necessary firmware version. Failure to follow some of these steps could render your device useless.

Reviving an old device comes with its own merits, especially if the latest notch generation doesn’t excite you. In fact, its almost impossible to get a phone with such a study-built quality like back in the days when most manufacturers embraced full metal builds.

KCA University partners with Telkom Kenya to Purchase “soma na Telkom” data bundles for students

Students from the KCA University are poised to receive data bundles from the institution in a bid to continue with studies after adopting remote engagement system to ensure continuity in learning and teaching across all its campuses. The digital learning initiative will be offered in partnership with state telecommunications services provider Telkom Kenya to enable all students at different places in the country access internet.

Speaking on the initiative, KCA university’s communication officer Isaiah Were said the move was necessitated to ensure learning and teaching processes continue uninterrupted, and will be offering its students with bundles courtesy of “soma na Telkom” data bundles for students. Eligible students are those who are registered for January- April trimester.

Students from the learning institution will get SIM cards loaded with 10GB of data bundles fully paid for by the University for studies and exams. KCA is among several institution in the country that suspended all campus-based learning activities heeding to the government’s call for social distancing. Several learning institutions have now opted for online learning in a bid to maintain their revenue streams.

According to the Vice Chancellor Prof. Noah Midamba, the institution is still in negotiations with service providers for subsidized internet bundles for students for the May-August 2020 semester. He also quelled fears from the students indicating the university’s Board of Trustees, management council and staff were dedicated to supporting their education by finding ways of reducing the negative impacts current situations to ensure they meet their goals of completing university education.

Phones you can buy from Safaricom through Lipa Mdogo Mdogo initiative from Ksh20 per day

The Lipa Mdogo Mdogo initiative launched by Safaricom is meant to enable Kenyans buy 4G capable smartphone devices for as low as Sh20 per day. While in the long run, the cost of these devices sufficiently surpasses the total amount you’d need to walk-in and walk-out with a device, the initiative offers a type of convenience like no other. For shs 20 daily, you’d be on a path to own a device with capabilities to connect with the fasted internet broadband technologies available in the country.

Lipa Mdogo Mdogo seeks to empower additional one million Safaricom customers to upgrade to 4G enabled devices in this financial year according to the telco’s CEO Peter Ndegwa said. Lipa Mdogo Mdogo is credited with Safaricom and Google’s partnership and comes after a similar success story from Maisha Ni Digital campaign that saw over a million customers get 4G capable smartphones.  

The latest initiative from Safaricom hoping to bring more 4G capable devices to the masses was unveiled during the company’s announcement of financial results for the year ended March 31, 2020 which saw the telco’s profit for the year grow by 19.5% with service revenue growing to Sh251.2 billion.

Ndegwa acknowledged how a smartphone device could be critical in supporting the new realities especially during this period when almost everyone is working from home. The initiative brings a rather low initial investment strategy that Kenyans could own a smart device rather than having to raise full amount.

According to Mariama Abdullahi, Director, Android and Platforms Partnerships for Africa, the platform’s goal is to bring the power of computing to everyone. Access to the opportunities the internet offers is critical for any nations’ economic growth and social inclusion. Majority of Kenyans and Africans at large access the internet via mobile broadband.” A majority of Kenyans estimated to be about 60% of the mobile phone install base is still on 2G feature phones and 40% smartphones with key barriers to people coming online being device and data affordability.

Lipa Mdogo Mdogo phones from Safaricom

  • Samsung Galaxy A10s
  • Samsung Galaxy A20s
  • Nokia C2
  • Samsung Galaxy A01
  • Oppo A1K
  • Nokia 2.3
  • Safaricom Neon Ray Pro Android Go Edition (confirmed to cost Ksh.20 per day)

This is not the conclusive list and will be updated in due course. Lipa Mdogo Mdogo offer is available from all Safaricom retail outlets across the country.

[UPDATE: THE OFFER IS NOW LIVE!]

Head over to the next page to see how you can get yourself one! Next Page >>>>>>

Zero transaction fees on all Equity bank’s mobile banking services and free meal deliveries from Glovo

Equity bank has joined other financial services in the country to encourage customers to utilize mobile banking technology while carrying out transactions from their accounts by waiving transaction fees at least until June 30th 2020. This comes as multiple financial institutions as well as the government are pushing for cashless transactions in the country to eliminate instances of people handling physical money during this period. The strategy is aimed at transactions that include but not limited to Equity to mobile transfers, e-wallet to bank transfers and so forth.

Equity bank’s mobile banking fees effective until June 30, 2020.

  1. All Equity to Equity Mobile bank transfers will now be FREE
  2. Bank to Mobile Wallet transfers will also be FREE
  3. Transfers from Mobile Wallet to Bank will as well be FREE
  4. Customer Payments using Equity Cards to be FREE
  5. Mobile payments for Bills, Utilities, Shopping, Fuel, etc. – FREE
  6. And mobile balance and limit enquiries – FREE

Processing of short term personal and microloans will now be processed digitally on mobile, internet and credit cards. In addition, customers will get pre-marked credit limits for personal and micro customers for easy and automatic access for existing account holders by 31st March 2020

Kenyans wishing to open an account with equity bank will also be able to do so online, and can manage their accounts via the bank’s mobile banking app or through web. For current customers with existing loan facilities that require accommodation during this period are encouraged to engage Equity through contact centre (0763 063 000), on email or speak to Branch Managers and/or Relationship Managers.

Equity bank customers to get discounts on take-away meals from Pete’s Café outlets located in Nairobi

To eased the burden posed by current economic situations, customers from equity bank will get 10 percent discount on any purchases made from the Pete’s Café using equity card or free deliveries via Glovo. The offer which runs up until 30th June will see the financial institution’s customers benefit from the following

The financial institution continues to innovate in various sectors utilizing technologies available to ease the processes of performing transactions. Currently, equity bank is the only known institution that provides customers with the ability to link their accounts and accept cash via PayPal.

Create amazing content with Huawei Y7p using its 48MP AI triple camera setup

There are enough reasons why staying at home shouldn’t hinder Kenyans, especially content creators from being just as productive. In a bid to tackle the current situation, Kenya has extended another 21-day working from home plan, and this shouldn’t scare content creators. With everyone stuck indoors, it seems every aspect of life is moving online: work, study, entertainment… and even socializing. While this does mean missing out on sunshine and get-togethers, there are still plenty of ways to make the most out of this situation. With today’s advanced technology, it’s never been easier to stay informed, communicate with loved ones.

Since Google open-sourced the android OS, developers can therefore edit the code to their liking enabling more features, recompile it, and re-release for a number of devices. Phone owners can then proceed to download the custom android ROMS and install on their devices to modify the overall appearance as well as behavior. Custom ROMs based on Google’s open source platform are mostly developed by a diverse android community, often times by a group of core developers who do this purely out of passion for modding. This means that most are completely free. Custom ROMs are available for phones, tablets, media players, smart watches and almost any type of device running Android.

We’ve seen a consumer trend that’s has evolved over years towards a decent camera setup when shopping for a new device. However, almost a good number of consumers never get to utilize the power of these camera setups in a real world except at least for content creators. It’s therefore very important to invest in a phone that has good camera so that you can take good quality content for your audience it doesn’t matter if it is for fun or for business. 

With Huawei Y7p a device that retails at Kshs 18,499 you will be able to create the content you require without any challenges and here is why.

1.     Use the 48MP AI Triple Camera to your advantage: – with 48MP AI Camera you can take high resolution images and videos thus looking very professional.

The 8MP ultra-wide angle camera will give you a much wider shot, which means you can fit a lot more in the frame, you can take photos such as the food photos, landscape photos, your interior design or even fashion pieces that you can use on your social media to push content relevant for your audience. 

You don’t have to worry about adjusting any settings either. The on-board AI will automatically recognize what you are trying to take a photo of and adjust the settings accordingly, be it your pet, the sunset, the beach, the list goes on to more than 500 scenes in 21 categories even including fireworks, plants, the sky, snow and more.

2.     The night shouldn’t stop you from taking photos since Huawei Y7p has that perfect Night Mode

With the HUAWEI Y7p, all you have to do is switch to Night Mode and take the shot and the smartphone will do the rest, including stabilizing your shot and even adjusting the exposure, resulting in a well-lit photo. It’s that easy.

3.     Shoot creative videos

Video content always attracts more attention and the creative ones even go viral! With the HUAWEI Y7p’s 8MP ultra-wide angle camera you can shoot ultra-wide videos which allows you fit a lot more in the frame. This way you won’t have to keep zooming in and out or even cropping your videos and capture everything in one shot, for example you have been working out from home and need to share with friends on your platforms, you want to do a food throw down and want to walk your followers through the process. Also slow-mode is perfect to shoot videos hence making sure every single details is caught.

4.     Step up your selfies game

Of course, no social media account is complete without a selfie and with the HUAWEI Y7p, every selfie will look like it is taken professionally, standing out from everyone else’s. Thanks to the 8MP AI Selfie camera upfront, you can take selfies in HDR which is further optimized with the help of AI. Not only does the AI recognize the scene and adjust the settings accordingly, it also enhances your natural beauty with Enhanced AI Beautification.

Stunning photos and videos paired with these quick tips are the secret ingredients to give your social media profile the boost it needs. Thanks to a powerful camera setup, the HUAWEI Y7p is easily one of the best choices for the budding social media influencer.

How to install Netflix, Pokémon, Zenka, and other apps on a rooted or device with custom ROM

Android is an open source operating system that’s used on most smart devices such as phones, tablets and TV boxes out there. There’s often a ton of times you’d hear some tech guy talking about custom ROMS. While the term ROM refers to the read only memory part of a device that store the operating system, not all operating systems are custom. A custom Android ROM basically refers to a phone’s firmware, based on Google’s Android platform.

Since Google open-sourced the android OS, developers can therefore edit the code to their liking enabling more features, recompile it, and re-release for a number of devices. Phone owners can then proceed to download the custom android ROMS and install on their devices to modify the overall appearance as well as behavior. Custom ROMs based on Google’s open source platform are mostly developed by a diverse android community, often times by a group of core developers who do this purely out of passion for modding. This means that most are completely free. Custom ROMs are available for phones, tablets, media players, smart watches and almost any type of device running Android.

Google’s “Play Protect Certification”

While the primary agenda for someone to install a custom ROM is to have additional functionalities which would have otherwise been disabled by the manufacturer, some applications on the play store such as Netflix, Pokémon and loan app Zenka will not install unless your device is “Play protect Certified”

How to check if your device is certified
  • On your android device, tap on the Google Play Store app
  • Followed by pulling the sidebar menu from the left
  • Press on Settings and Scroll down to the “About” section. Your device’s certification status should be shown under “device certification.”

There are some requirements a manufacturer need to meet for a device to be certified, however some do ignore these requirements rendering those devices to be uncertified. If you install a custom ROM, there’s almost certain possibility that your device may end up being uncertified but you can submit your device’s ID using this app and  submit here to have it certified.

Safetynet android security flag

Another reason why you can’t install banking apps as well as Netflix, Pokemon and Zenka on a device with a custom ROM is because the safetynet security feature is triggered. Most ROM developers use development keys instead of release keys and these apps will often mistake your device to be rooted – it’s a false positive.

How to install Netflix, Pokemon, Zenka, banking apps on a device with custom ROM

Most banking apps will show that your device is rooted even though its not, to solve this issue will involve to actually root your device for real this time using Magisk.

  • First, you’ll need to install the Magisk manager app from here
  • Launch Magisk manager then tap “install Magisk” zip, magisk app should be downloaded to the downloads folder on your phone
  • Reboot your phone into recovery and install the “Magisk” zip you downloaded.
  • Once complete, restart your device and launch “Magisk Manager” app. You should see that Magisk is installed.
  • You can then press on the settings menu, open “Migisk hide” and select installed banking apps that you want to hide root from.

Magisk will patch the safetynet trigger and you should see Netflix, Pokemon, Zenka on the play store ready to be installed.

How to pay for your parking fees in Nairobi County using MPESA

While every business out there is now practically accepting payments via MPESA, there are several government services in the country that you can as well utilize MPESA’s flexibility without having to physically visit an agent or physical office. However, not all pay bill numbers or procedures required to be followed on how to make these payments are well versed by Kenyans. Nairobi county’s payment system is one of these services that every motorist in the city ought to know how to conveniently pay for parking fees right on their mobile phones. I’ve devised a simple process that you can follow on how to pay for parking in Nairobi and avoid car clamp.

A while back in 2019, the Nairobi county leadership unveiled a new payment platform replacing the old-time friend turned foe Jambo pay, consequently changing on how motorists would now pay for their parking spaces within the city. The new platform dubbed the Internal Revenue Management System (IRMS). The new platform allows motorists in the city to pay for parking using mobile money options such as MPESA. The system utilizes mobile money payments technology to conveniently allow users complete payments for their parking fees right on their mobile devices.

How to pay for your parking fees in Nairobi city using MPESA on your phone

  • First, you’ll need to Dial *235# on your phone
  • Your phone will display the following message ‘Welcome to nairobi City County ePayments’ followed by six options to choose from.
  • Proceed with replying 1 for parking
  • On the next stage, you’ll get eight more options to choose from; Daily Parking, Seasonal Parking, Off-street Parking, Penalties, Parking Status, Offloading Zone, Back and Main Menu
  • To pay parking for one day, reply with 1
  • Enter your car registration details followed by zone. Available zones include; the CBD, Westlands, Kilimani,Upper Hill, Community, Ngara, Highridge, Industrial Area, Yaya Centre, Parking Border, Hurlingham, Lavington, Karen, BuruBuru, Pangani, Muthaiga, Eastleigh or Ngong Road
  • On the next stage, select category of vehicle from bus, canter, minibus, trailer, tuktuk, motorbike, private, taxi or pickup
  • Then select 1 to proceed with payment
  • Confirm the payment amount and insert your MPESA Pin for automatic payment
  • Once you’re done, you should get a message on your mobile phone confirming your payment details.
How to pay for your parking fees in Nairobi county via website
  • If you don’t want to use your mobile phone, you can visit the city’s web portal here and proceed by filling out required fields.