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DreamWorks, renown kid’s channel is now available on Pay TV service – StarTimes

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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DreamWorks, renown kid’s channel is now available on Pay TV service – StarTimes

StarTimes TV customers are set for yet another treat with addition of a renown kids’ channel – DreamWorks on its top two packages. This was made possible by a recent collaboration between NBCUniversal International Networks and StarTimes which has a substantial following here in Kenya and Africa at large. DreamWorks offers programs dedicated to kids and family around the clock and has since become available here in Kenya for StarTimes customers.

Customers on the Classic bouquet and Super bouquet can access DreamWorks on Channel 354 and Channel 301 respectively. The channel is expected to bring interesting animated cartoons such as the American computer-animated adventure-comedy PUSS IN BOOTS. It’ll join a bunch of existing channels such as CBeebies, Toonami, Nickelodeon, ST Kids, JimJam and Baby TV to keep kids glued on the screen while schools remain closed for the rest of the year.

 While speaking on the development, NBCUniversal International Networks MD Lee Raftery said the organization was collaborating with StarTimes to bring award-winning shows and beloved characters to Sub-Saharan Africa through DreamWorks which he acknowledged was a key milestone for their business.

StarTimes head of media division Lily Meng said the Pay TV was excited to bring DreamWorks onboard especially in Africa. Lily further acknowledged the collaboration was a continuous commitment by StarTimes to providing premium content to its African audience.

The addition comes at a time when children have been forced to stay home due to current pandemic that has rendered learning institutions not safe. StarTimes has particularly struggled to keep up with Dstv which owns rights to broadcast the English premier league that many Kenyans adore. However, the Pay Tv service has been forging collaborations, striking deals with various organizations to bring more content on its platform. Recently, it received rights to air the Europa games that most Kenyans will find interesting now that top leagues have mostly completed their season games.  

Owner of Dstv Kenya, MultiChoice revises prices upwards by 14pc on rising operation costs

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Owner of Dstv Kenya, MultiChoice revises prices upwards by 14pc on rising operation costs

MultiChoice Kenya is set to increase Dstv subscription prices by as much as 14 percent starting September 1st 2020. The company which has been operational in the country for more than five decades and has been the main source of major sporting events such as the English premier league issued a notice to subscribers of its intended cost revision in a bid to cover rising operational costs.

Under the revised bouquet costs, premium customers will now pay Ksh. 7,800 monthly, an increase of 5.8 percent from a previous Ksh. 7,370. Customers on the Compact Plus package will instead pay Ksh. 4,700 from a previous Ksh. 4,420 which reflects an increase of Ksh. 280 or 6.6 percent hike.

Those on the Compact package will now pay Ksh. 2,600 up from Ksh. 2,455 while those on the Family and Access packages will now pay Ksh. 1,350 and Ksh. 900 from a previous Ksh. 1,180 and Ksh. 885 respectively.  

Closure of hotels and entertainment joints which have been major clients to Dstv as a result of the current pandemic affected the company’s revenue flow and suspension of major sporting events had dealt a major blow that saw the company reduce prices to entice customers.

Xiaomi officially unveils the Mi Smart Band 5 in Kenya for KSh 4,499

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Xiaomi officially unveils the Mi Smart Band 5 in Kenya for KSh 4,499

If there’s one product I can always count on Xiaomi to deliver, is their fitness smart bands, I enjoyed having the Mi band 4 from day one and I’m sure as hell hopeful of my next Mi Smart Band 5. Smart fitness trackers have rivaled smartwatches in areas we never thought they could, and come to think of it, if you’re getting everything you need on the band and costs way less with a long-lasting battery, why should you even care about smartwatches. The Mi Smart Band 5 on paper impresses with some additions we longed on the predecessor, but one thing that makes it even more attractive is the retail price – no reason to miss out on this one.

To be honest, I see no reason for going with pricy smartwatches while smart bands can deliver if not all but a good percentage of what we get on the later. And with all due respect to smartwatch fans, I also like to sample here and there like my recent investment in a Huawei Watch GT2, the main reason I see someone opting for the watch is purely cosmetic rather than functionality, and maybe perhaps a larger screen. Xiaomi’s latest wearable offers just enough you shouldn’t go looking elsewhere for a companion.

New features and improvements over predecessor

The wearable offers a lot of features you’d only expect in a smartwatch but in a smaller package. And just like the previous band, it looks sleek and of course sporty and will surely look well with any outfit. There are quite a number of improvements over the band 4 that will delight fans such as a slightly larger display, a couple of sensors and manages to keep where the predecessor excelled.

The design language is similar to the predecessor except for the charging mechanism which have been improved to not require users to remove straps anymore. When you flip the band over, you’ll easily notice two nodes which connects to the magnetic charger for your convenience.

Xiaomi also increased the display size for the band 5, now at 1.1inches and still uses AMOLED technology from the previous 0.95inch. it’s also slightly brighter ensuring you have greater visibility outside which is impressive for a smart band within this price point. Typically, when you look at cheaper wearables across various manufacturers, the obvious sacrifice is usually the screen – not this time. Below the display panel, you still get the wonderful capacitive button that acts as the home button to return from wherever you are to the familiar home screen.

Swiping left or right gets you to weather, music and notifications, while scrolling up or down brings-up the status menu, personal activity intelligence (PAI), Heart rate, Notifications, stress, breathing, weather, workout and more. The workout section has been further improved to include 12 different workout sections that include; outdoor running, treadmill, cycling, indoor cycling, walking, elliptical, rowing machine, yoga, jump rope, swimming and free style. Once you’ve chosen your workout, simply tap on the display and start recording your session. Putting on the strap is simple as it could get, you just have to pass it thorough the loop and press it into one of the available holes. It has a barometer, pedometer and heartrate sensor and you’ll be shocked just how precise this band is considering the price point.

Mi Smart Band 5 is already retailing on Jumia for Ksh. 4,499. under Xiaomi products.

WhatsApp adds a Google search feature for forwarded messages to fact-check fakes

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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WhatsApp adds a Google search feature for forwarded messages to fact-check fakes

WhatsApp is introducing a nifty feature that’s targeted at double checking forwarded messages in an effort to discover fakes. The feature works by tapping on a magnifying glass next on the chat that let’s users upload it on Google search for further verification. WhatsApp says they’ll not have access to the message themselves and a prompt alert appears asking the user to confirm whether to upload it on the web to search via Google.

Basically, WhatsApp users will now be able to search the web when receiving forwarded messages flagged by the platform. This will help users get detailed information regarding the message and act as a quick way to verify sources and ascertain if the message was legit or not.

A forwarded message appearing in your chats will be accompanied by a small magnifying glass net to it that’ll let you search the web for further details. And to protect user’s privacy, the message is uploaded without WhatsApp itself ever seeing the message. That way, end-to-end encryption will be maintained since the user will be the one sending the contents of forwarded messages to their web browser.

WhatsApp has had a hard time tackling fake news with its efforts dating back in 2018 when the platform started flagging forwarded messages. At the start of this year, the platform further tightened its grip on fakes by limiting the number of users you could share a forwarded message with at a time. The feature will become available immediately in Brazil, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, UK, and the US for Android, iOS, and WhatsApp Web. We also expected to be rolled out to masses hopefully sooner with Kenya slated to be amongst countries that receive it next.

About time manufacturers emulated Google’s approach to Pixel pricing with Pixel 4a launch

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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About time manufacturers emulated Google’s approach to Pixel pricing with Pixel 4a launch

Google just unleashed its next sequel on the Pixel lineup that had us turn heads when we glanced at the pricing. For USD. 350 (roughly translates to Ksh. 38,000) it’s not cheap by any means especially for average Kenyans, and we don’t expect any official availability here either, but for those of us who like exploring online stores, it’s a no brainer. Rather than going for pricy labels that often leave wealthy consumers in tore while pushing the rest of us to other brands, Google is apparently targeting the masses – just not here in Kenya!

Google like many other android OEM’s has had its tribulations, but it’s the perfect brand some of us go to when we want to feel that sleek un-bloated version of android and the top of class camera performance. It’s the only brand I can comfortably say goes toe to toe with Apple in terms of software and hardware optimization.

But since Pixel devices are yet to officially retail in Kenya, I’m going to compare the approach taken by Google to the one embraced by let’s say Samsung and Apple. And don’t get me wrong I’m all aware of Apple’s cheaper version – the 2020 SE. The reason why I’m really not that into it is the different areas the American tech giant had to sacrifice for the price. I mean it’s a wonderful device mostly, but there are certain elements for example in the next iOS 14 that just don’t work on it such as back tap – more on than from my previous editorial here.

Samsung is expected to preside over its unpacked event this week where it’ll unwrap its next Galaxy Note 20, and somehow, we’ve got used to the Idea of expecting a price tag of well over Ksh. 100,000 that it doesn’t surprise us anymore. The same can be attributed to Apple. From what the latest Pixel is offering compared to other slightly pricier devices from Google is way closer than what someone would imagine.

Samsung has cheaper versions of its galaxy devices, but my point is, there’s a ton of differences between them and Samsung’s pricier alternatives while the same couldn’t be said on Google. Someone once said, he would like to see a hybrid device that takes Samsung’s hardware while running on Google’s lean android like that on Pixels. It’s a plain acknowledgement that indeed there’s quite a lot of value someone would get going for the Pixels than Galaxies.

Conclusion;

The Pixel 4a isn’t officially launching in Kenya, but I can confidently say it’ll be on my shopping list once my reliable sources confirm they have it. The phone offers something that we’ll continue pleading with the rest of OEM’s to embrace rather than pushing our pockets to limits with something that’ll probably stay relevant for a year or two.

How to protect yourself from MPESA fraudsters and report them to Safaricom

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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How to protect yourself from MPESA fraudsters and report them to Safaricom

Technology has transformed the way we do things in the 21st century in a big way, some which we’d never have imagined for those of us who have had the privilege to live a bit longer. But not everything has been rosy and cozy in areas that technology has touched, we now face lots of threats as a result than we did a few years back. One area that hasn’t been spared especially here in Kenya is the use of mobile devices to carry out cash transactions; paying for our shopping, utility bills or even transferring money to other entities. MPESA has a tremendous success in the business, but as is with almost all areas of technology, the service faces unprecedented amount of fraud both from the staff themselves and some ill-minded Kenyans.

We’ve all had this notion that MPESA fraud is mostly perpetuated by prisoners in Kamiti here in Kenya, this is far from the truth, ask anyone and you’ll mostly hear them lamenting on how they were or almost conned by some guys pretending to be working for Safaricom. There are a couple of loopholes that unfortunately expose MPESA customers to these frauds that Safaricom is either unable to fix or hasn’t had anyone inform them.

How to protect yourself from MPESA fraud.

  • Never share your MPESA PIN with anyone and use a difficult to guess PIN not your date of birth!

This is the first precaution you ought to take. With your PIN, someone can easily access your MPESA balance and transact as they wish. I tend to think some of us trust too much to the extent of sharing MPESA details with agents. It’s a good thing at least Safaricom introduced a way to verify change of SIM cards before the exercise is completed.

  • Trust Safaricom staff through their official means alone.

I say this because there’s a simple loophole that is often utilized by individuals with ill motives to steal from unsuspecting Kenyans. Its a good thing that Safaricom collaborated with banks to allow customers make withdrawals via ATM machines. Problem is the solution was unveiled half-baked. Unlike other MPESA transactions that require a PIN, only this method doesn’t require one to put an MPESA PIN. The process of withdrawing cash from an ATM machine works via a verification text message that is sent on your phone once the process has been initiated. This means if anyone has access to your phone, they can literally do anything as they wish unless you have set a SIM PIN.

  • Set a SIM PIN

As elaborated above, you ought to set a SIM PIN just in case your phone lands in wrong hands. The process for setting a SIM PIN is pretty straight forward and can be achieved on any type of phone.

  • Set a password or some form of security on your phone.

I remember way back when a friend’s phone was stolen while she was boarding a matatu. Because the phone didn’t have some sort of security, the perpetrator was able to get contact details of her parents and extorted money from them saying she was in some kind of trouble at a police station and a bribe was urgently needed to set her free. She didn’t have a phone at the time so there was no way they could verify than just comply.

  • Never comply with dubious MPESA messages

I’m sure a good number of us have had to endure this. You get an MPESA message that isn’t really from MPESA but someone who calls immediately asking for you to refund their cash.

  • Always verify from your MPESA mini statements in case of a claim from someone and let them report to Safaricom for a reversal

How to report MPESA fraudsters to Safaricom

  • Compose a text message with the number of the perpetrator or a text you’ve received
  • Then send to “333”
  • Its free of charge.

OPPO Watch is now official, here is what you need to know before buying and price in Kenya

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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OPPO Watch is now official, here is what you need to know before buying and price in Kenya

No, this is not an Apple watch, neither is it a Chinese clone but it’s the latest wearable from Oppo that has a stunning resemblance to the Apple watch. It’s not the first time we’ve seen someone try to mimic Apple’s design – after all, the American tech giant is famous for having a unique palate for design which somehow is worth adopting by other brands. The OPPO watch has its strengths that unfortunately might be clouded by the design, in a nutshell, this is a wearable worth considering for some compelling reasons.

The reasons OPPO chose to go with this design is everyone’s guess, but I’d assume the motive was rightly placed and probably wanted to intro a device that had a design which most of us could relate to. And for the sake of it, who doesn’t like the Apple watch? Somehow the American tech firm managed to convince everyone else that we needed a smartwatch and in a good or bad way, has managed to render previous title holders irrelevant even some going out of business.

What you need to know about the OPPO Watch before buying

In simple terms, smartwatches are with us and maybe for the long hall whether we’re fans or not. I’d imagine, only smart bands may probably threaten their very existence at reasonable prices, but for some of us, they’ve become part of our daily lives.

First things first; Yes, it definitely has a striking resemblance to the Apple watch, and for some reason most of us would find this intriguing but I’d rather have my reservations as the Apple watch has never been the design I would choose if it came down to it. That doesn’t mean I hate the watch, it has a perfect combination of ecosystem, features and consistence in operation that unfortunately our android counterparts haven’t been able to match.

  • Wear OS

Android’s version for smartwatches is definitely catching up really good. OPPO watch comes loaded with it. From the reports we’re so far getting from individuals who have had a chance to test the OPPO watch from overseas and are privy to the gadget, it works amazing and those swipes are just as sleek.

  • 1GB RAM 8GB internal

For some of us, RAM mean nothing when choosing a wearable, but it’s the difference of having those seamless swipes compared to UI stutters on low-RAM devices. To be honest, 1GB was somehow an overkill but for your liking, expect really smooth UI on this watch. I’m out options why you’d need as much as 8GB storage on a smartwatch, but just in case it’s there if you need it.

  • 1.91inch AMOLED Screen

AMOLED has a way of making tiny displays amazing. Colors just pop and I’d be wrong but this watch is perfect on the display.

  • 430mAh battery

According to OPPO, you should expect up to 21days worth of battery life, something I was only able to achieve on my previous Xiaomi Mi Smart band 4. But I’m a bit skeptic considering wear OS’s thirst for battery life, at least from gadgets I’ve had before.

Price in Kenya: to be updated i due course.

iOS 14 cool features you should care about if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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iOS 14 cool features you should care about if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem

Here we are again friends, just a few months before we get an official release of the top two smartphone operating systems. For those of us who are font of beta testing new OS’s, you already had a taste of what to expect before everyone else and just like you’d imagine, I’m stuck on iOS for reasons I can’t really explain but can share on some of the cool features to expect. I’ve used the beta version of iOS 14 on my iPhone 11 for a couple of weeks now and here is my experiences on what to expect but not guaranteed, as Apple might just decide to pull some of these features before the official public release.

Top cool features to care about

  • Back Tap

Apple has been pretty conservative on the new features it deemed appropriate for their devices, this can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. Coming to the next iteration of iOS 14 is a back-tap feature that let’s you initiate specific functions by just double tapping at the back of your phone. The feature currently works on iPhones with a notch so iPhone SE, iPhone 8 or older models won’t be getting it. The feature works in a similar way we’ve seen squeeze feature on android handsets only this time you just tap at the back. To choose your preferred double back-tap initiated function, just head over to the settings, accessibility then select touch. Scroll down until you see Back Tap and choose what you want.

  • Widgets

Finally, what android fans have had for years is now available on iOS 14, well I really didn’t like android’s implementation but now Google can take a lesson or two from Apple’s approach. To select and use widgets, just hold still on your home screen until you’re in jiggle mode, then head over to widgets page and drag and drop wherever you want them to be. You can choose various sizes and even stack some widgets together by dragging and dropping on other widgets.

  • Camera

Believe it or not, Apple just made the camera look new again with some brilliant features in iOS 14. When you launch the iPhone’s camera and point onto something then click and hold volume down button, it’ll automatically start recording and as soon as you let go, it’ll stop recording. It’s a small feature that might come in handy for some of us – more like a shortcut. Additionally, if you want to take those burst photos, then just press and hold the volume up button.

  • Photos app

It’s now easier to add captions on your photos, just slide up and at the bottom of the photo you’ll see “add caption” option. You can then search photos by captions whenever you want to send an email or share on different platforms.

  • App Library

Just swipe to the right and you’ll see all of your installed apps. Call it app drawer for android but I think it’s pretty nifty to ignore this addition on iOS 14. Apps are automatically grouped in folders such as socials, recently added for your convenience.

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