Home Blog Page 91

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

MediaTek intros Dimensity 800U a 5G-capable chip aimed for use by affordable flagships

Looks like the 5G future is shaping up in our very own eyes, and MediaTek has unveiled what looks like a 5G chip we might be getting in several mid-range handsets. The latest chip from the company is taking an aim at the lucrative mid-tier segment filling the shoes of its immediate predecessor the 820 that was released sometimes earlier this year.

According to Yenchi Lee, the company’s Deputy General Manager in wireless communication business unit, the chip maker had mostly focused on improving user experience for consumers with streaming, gaming and photography needs. Lee said the Dimensity 800U would bring top notch technology in the chip series aiming at bringing the company’s advanced 5G, imaging and multimedia technologies to high-performance 5G smartphones.

Phones that will utilize this chip will be able to support screen refresh rates of up to 120Hz, FHD+ panels and even comfortably render content in HDR10+. In addition, expect to see more of 64MP quad-camera setups as well as dual sim standby support in 5G+5G.

In a nutshell, the Dimensity 800U is taking a shot at the mid-tier segment and is expected to bring tons of enhancements to devices with 5G goodness, where we can have things like dual sim support with both lines getting 5G reception and some high-level processing in terms of image processor as well as the processor itself.

Boda-Boda Safety Association of Kenya unveils BIMS to capture member details and curb crime

The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) has unveiled a centralized database to capture member details and help curb crime by rogue operators in the country. In an effort that is expected to bring some sanity in the sector that has been marred by several incidences of crime, the association has turned to technology to capture relevant details of all its members across the country for easy management.

Speaking at the launch, Kevin Mubadi who is the national chair of the association said the system was going to make it more efficient and easier for the law enforcement agencies to root out criminals who often present themselves are operators and at the same time protect legitimate bodabodas trying to make ends meet through the sector.

The interior cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i who attended the launch at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development was quick to congratulate the initiate to self-regulate while the government implements policies aimed at reforming the sector.

Matiang’i further said there was willingness from the government to reform the sector and indicted that the initiative was more of self-driven than government involvement. He also noted the association was moving forward and achieving regulation faster and voluntarily.

Back in November of 2018, the government has set up a task force on policy – Legal and Administrative Reforms Regarding Public Service Motorbike Transport that was mandated to review the existing policy, to come up with a comprehensive data regarding the safety, reliability, cost and other matters of interest to public service motorbike users.

The Information Communication Technology Chair Joe Mucheru assured the security of data collected through the system, and pledged support for such initiatives, and urged the operators to explore the possibility of transforming the Association into a formidable courier service movement in collaboration with other entities like Posta Kenya.

How to open a National Bank of Kenya account (NAT625) purely on your mobile phone

Remember the old days when opening a bank account here in Kenya involved several back and forth and some unrealistic requirements? Today, its easier than ever to open an account and this can be solely done on your mobile phone such as a National Bank of Kenya account. Technology has made it easier for Kenyans to open an account without having to visit the bank offices first for approvals.

The National Bank of Kenya has a savings product that only requires customers access to a mobile device to open an account. Customers can use a USSD option which doesn’t necessitate for a smartphone but rather a cellphone with an active SIM card from any of the available mobile service providers. Within a few steps, you’ll have a working bank account that can immediately start earning customers interest depending on the amount deposited.

Benefits of having a NAT625 account;

  • Ability to operate your account from anywhere
  • No need to be an existing customer
  • Access several services such as view your balance, get a mini statement, transfer money.
  • Easily deposit money via MPESA using PayBill number 625625
  • You can purchase airtime directly from your account
  • Pay school fees directly from your account
  • Earn interest of up to 5.5% p.a. on your balance.

How to open a bank account on your mobile phone;

  • On your mobile phone, dial *625#
  • Then follow prompts and you’ll be a new account holder in no time.