Category: Tablets

  • Top tech Valentine’s Day presents for your loved one

    Top tech Valentine’s Day presents for your loved one

    We buy gifts for loved ones on International Day of Love. Instead of flowers and Lindt chocolates, try the reverse.

    Find a Valentine’s Day tech gift she’ll adore! This year has more intriguing digital gadgets and equipment. Fashionista, fitness buff, or productivity expert—she can get the proper tech gift.

    Skylight Digital Photo Frame

    Use the Skylight Digital Photo Frame to save her favourite moments. The 10-inch colour touchscreen display of this easy-to-use frame displays images in fantastic quality. With an email address, friends and family may submit photos to the photo frame, making it an excellent, ever-lasting gift.

    Read also: 5 dating apps for Valentine’s Day

    Apple Watch Series 9

    Maybe she’s into fitness and appearance? Get her the Apple Watch Series 9. It’s ideal for mobile techies due to its elegant design, fitness monitoring, health metrics, and Siri processing. Was she engaged in Apple’s ecosystem?

    Bose QuietComfort 45 Over-Ear Headphones

    Give her the Bose QuietComfort 45 Over-Ear Headphones for relaxation, silence, and great sound. High-quality noise-cancelling headphones with a comfortable over-ear style are ideal for work, exercise, and home relaxation. Rich, balanced sound and the opportunity to retreat into her favourite music or podcasts will please her.

    Sunrise Alarm Clock 

    It’s been shown that women need more sleep than males. Allow her to sleep well with this bespoke clock that gently wakes her up by simulating a sunrise. With a built-in speaker, it promotes restful sleep.

    Apple iPad Air (5th Gen) 

    The Apple iPad Air (5th Gen) with the strong M1 CPU is ideal for doodlers. It has everything she needs for drawing, writing, and multitasking. With the Apple Pencil 2, it’s the best digital art tool.

    Kindle Paperwhite (2021) 

    Please give her a pocket library with the Kindle Paperwhite. Its glare-free e-ink screen makes reading for hours comfortable. It’s waterproof and lightweight so that she can read anywhere. This one charges USB-C and has 8GB of storage, enough for books and reading.

    Polaroid Go Gen 2 Instant Camera

    Use the charming Polaroid Go Gen 2 Instant Camera to capture memories. Its tiny size and ease of use make it ideal for unplanned photo shots. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy this retro gift with extra colour film.

    Nintendo Switch OLED 

    For gamers, this is vital. Unbeatable Nintendo Switch OLED. Its beautiful display and flexible gaming settings make it smooth at home or on the go. Nintendo fans and portable gamers will appreciate it for alone or multiplayer gaming.

    Try these tech gift ideas to locate the perfect Valentine’s Day present for her.

  • The new drive in technology, VR or AR

    The new drive in technology, VR or AR

    The competition to make the best VR or AR product has begun, marking the start of a new age. The AI war is still going on, and we’ve moved on to a new phase. This is how technology grows.

    Apple’s Vision Pro is a new spatial computer that has sent shock waves through the tech industry.

    This amazing product not only goes beyond what a regular headset can do (it’s not even called a headset), but it also has a wide range of features that you couldn’t even think of.

    Meta unveiled the Meta Quest 3 AR/VR device days before Apple did, sending the tech industry into an uprising. Apple’s surprise killed Meta’s buzz.

    We examined and contrasted both devices to help you choose.

    Read also: Apple unveils $3,500 augmented reality headset at Conference

    VR Price and Availability

    Even though Meta has released two versions of the Oculus Quest VR gear and plans to release the Quest 3 in the near future, the prices of these devices may not add up to the price of Apple’s Vision Pro, which costs $3,499.

    The Oculus Quest 2 and Quest Pro currently cost around $300 and $999, respectively, and the Meta Quest 3 is expected to cost $499. This big price gap could be a turnoff for many people, but it could also be a way for these two tech giants to market their products.

    Apple’s Vision Pro might be aimed at tech-savvy VR/AR fans and companies, while Meta’s main Quest line might be aimed at consumers. When reviewing what each company has to offer, the different prices may be just right for each product.

    If you’re interested in VR or AR and want to buy the Apple Vision Pro, you have a lot of time to save up because it won’t be on sale until early next year. On the other hand, Meta Quest 3 is expected to be released later this year.

    Battery durability

    The battery life on both the Meta’s Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro is impressive, with the former offering up to 2 hours of nonstop use and the latter offering a prolonged 3 hours of operation. In terms of flexibility, the Apple Vision Pro is better than the Meta’s Quest because it has a plug-in pack for an extra battery.

    The Quest 2’s Elite Strap, which effectively doubles the battery life, gives users the option to increase the device’s uptime. But Meta hasn’t told you everything you need to know about how well the much-anticipated Quest 3 battery works. Who knows? It could just be a battery put in.

    Usage

    The use of natural intuitive models like hand tracking, eye tracking, and voice control is a great thing about the stand-alone Apple Vision Pro. Apple doesn’t include a controller or motion wand with the Vision Pro like it does with other VR and AR glasses.

    On the other hand, Meta Quest devices have controllers with common features like a thumbstick, touchpad, touch-sensitive buttons, and tracking sensors. They are also smaller and take up less space. Both headsets have stereo speakers and can send sound in different directions, but the Apple Vision Pro goes a step further by having audio pods built in to support spatial audio. For work, it also works with the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad.

    Hardware Design

    In terms of size, the Quest 3 is said to be 40% more attractive than the Quest 2. But it looks more plastic and bigger than the other one. Apple’s Vision Pro has a 3D screen and a digital crown on the side. The Vision Pro from Apple has more buttons for features, but the Quest 3 has more.

    The Vision Pro’s sleek and simple design, which looks like ski goggles, is a breath of fresh air for people who are tired of using big devices. It’s comfy because the straps can be bent. There are three straps on Meta Quest 3. Meta Quest 2 is 40 times less thick.

    The Apple Vision Pro has an unusual external screen view. Laminated glass forms this distinctive feature. It uses human presence to seamlessly shift consumers from virtual to real. This is new to VR and AR headsets.

    The Apple Vision Pro has an external screen, unlike the Meta Quest 3. The Meta Quest 3, aimed at average customers, has three pill-shaped holes with camera sensors instead of a screen. Full-color passthrough allows hybrid reality.

    Display features

    Meta Quest 3:

    Display Features: Meta Quest 3 introduces an LCD display with two options:

    Resolution (both eyes): 4128 x 2208 pixels

    Resolution (per eye): 2064 x 2208 pixels

     

    Vision Pro:

    Display Features: The Vision Pro features two micro-OLED displays with the following specifications:

    Resolution (per eye): More than 4K

    Total pixel count: 23 million pixels.

    Both devices use pancake lenses.

    Software design

    The next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset will power the Meta Quest 3. A four-camera array with two side cameras and a depth sensor will improve its tracking.

    The M2 processor will boost performance in the Apple Vision Pro. Apple will add an R1 chip to handle data from the 12 cameras and five sensors on the M2 chip.

    Meta Quest 3’s Android OS has a large collection of apps and games. VisionOS, Apple’s first “spatial operating system,” powers Apple Vision Pro. It has apps for iPads and iPhones.

    Meta launches the Quest 3 VR headset

    Requirements and registrations

    Apple Vision Pro is for productivity and entertainment, while Meta Quest 3 is for gamers. Meta Quest 3 may take longer to collect VR-friendly apps because of its focus on 3D reality.

    FaceTime is easier with the Apple Vision Pro. The Apple Vision Pro still supports Apple Arcade games.

    Apple Vision Pro analyzes the user’s face during sign-in to create a 3D avatar. The Meta Quest 3 requires a Meta account, whereas the Apple Vision Pro may need an Apple Optic ID for identification.

    Lastly, we can’t tell you which product to go for because they’re both great. The trademarks for Reality Pro and Reality One have been filed, according to a 2022 report from TomsGuide. Also, the fact that a new product called Vision Pro is coming out soon suggests that there might be a Pro version or an improved version of the Lite version.

    We can’t wait for more exciting new goods to come out, even if some of their features may change over the course of the year. Meta Quest 3 is making a new breed of series, and it looks like Apple is going in the same direction.

  • Google launches pixel, foldable smartphone

    Google launches pixel, foldable smartphone

    Google has launched its foldable smartphone through a video on Twitter and YouTube showcasing a Pixel phone featuring a vertical hinge that can be unfolded to reveal a tablet-like display. 

    This unveiling comes ahead of Google’s upcoming annual developer conference, scheduled to take place at its headquarters in Mountain View, California. 

    Speculations suggest that during the event, Google may also unveil the Pixel 7a budget phone, its latest Android operating system, and advancements to its AI-powered Bard chatbot. 

    While specific details about the Pixel Fold’s specifications were not disclosed, it has become a common practice for companies to showcase products before their own events to generate anticipation and establish expectations, especially when surprising the audience with something truly unexpected.

    Read also: Samsung Unveils Foldables Galaxy Series

    Foldable market challenges

    Despite the significant interest in foldable phones, including the resurgence of flip phones reminiscent of the 90s among celebrities and TikTok influencers, the foldable market remains relatively small. 

    Samsung currently dominates this category, followed by other players like Motorola/Lenovo, Oppo, and Huawei. According to ABI Research, foldable and flexible displays accounted for only about 0.7% of the smartphone market in 2021, and it is projected to reach slightly under 2% in 2022.

    One major factor limiting consumer adoption is the high price points associated with foldable phones. Rumors suggest that the Pixel Fold, for instance, may start at $1,700.

    Given these circumstances, it is not surprising that Google is now venturing into the world of foldable. However, it’s possible that the company waited until the technology became more advanced before launching its own version. Early iterations of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, for example, faced issues with the screen, and most apps were not well optimized for the unique design.

    Hence, Google has been working diligently to bring about improved foldable phone technology.

    Samsung’s Flex Hybrid pushes foldable phone

     

    Foldable smartphone market outlook

    The outlook for the foldable smartphone market is expected to be promising and filled with potential. Foldable smartphones, which feature flexible displays that can be unfolded to provide a larger screen size, have generated significant interest and excitement among consumers and tech enthusiasts.

    Several major smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and Xiaomi, have already released foldable smartphones or announced plans to enter the foldable market. This indicates the growing importance and competitiveness of this segment.

    One of the key advantages of foldable smartphones is their ability to offer both portability and larger display sizes. When folded, these devices can be easily carried and used with one hand like a regular smartphone. However, when unfolded, they provide a tablet-like experience with a much larger screen, making them suitable for activities such as multimedia consumption, gaming, and multitasking.

    The demand for larger and more immersive screens is a driving factor for the growth of foldable smartphones. Consumers are increasingly seeking devices that offer enhanced viewing experiences for videos, movies, and productivity applications. Foldable smartphones meet this demand by offering a larger canvas for content consumption and improved productivity.

    Additionally, technological advancements and improvements in foldable display technology are expected to drive the market forward. Companies are investing in research and development to enhance the durability and flexibility of the displays, as well as to improve the overall user experience. As these technologies continue to evolve and mature, foldable smartphones are likely to become more mainstream and accessible to a wider audience.

    However, challenges still exist in terms of pricing, durability, and mass production. Foldable smartphones are currently priced at a premium, making them less accessible to the average consumer. Additionally, concerns about the durability and longevity of foldable displays remain, as they are relatively new and untested in the long run. NoManufacturers will need to address these challenges and make improvements to gain broader market acceptance.

    Overall, while the foldable smartphone market is still in its early stages, it holds significant potential for growth and innovation. As technology advances, prices decrease, and consumer demand increases, foldable smartphones are expected to become a more integral part of the smartphone market, offering unique and versatile experiences to users.

    The future of foldable smartphones looks promising, with more manufacturers entering the market and improving the design and durability of their devices. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting foldable phones in the years to come.

  • Truecaller Unveils Live Caller ID for iPhone

    Truecaller Unveils Live Caller ID for iPhone

    Truecaller, a prominent platform in global communication that offers caller ID, spam-blocking software, and research-centered on-call services, has recently announced the launch of a significant upgrade to its product that is offered on iPhone. With just one click and the assistance of Truecaller’s premium service, you may put an end to the intrigue surrounding calls that seem to be anonymous.

    The iPhone application for Truecaller has been fully redesigned from the bottom up to be more lightweight, efficient, and, most notably, 10 times better at identifying spam, scam, and business calls in comparison to earlier versions of the app. Also, this update includes the addition of amazing new capabilities, all of which will result in an enhanced and more secure experience for users of iPhones all around the globe when it comes to communication. This utterly comprehensive Live Caller ID experience is now available for the first time on iPhones.

    Alan Mamedi, co-founder and CEO of Truecaller, made the following statement in reaction to the newest update: “This is something our iPhone consumers have been asking for for a long time. Live Caller ID for iPhone is the one key feature that has been missing from our iPhone app up until this point, and we are thrilled to provide it finally. We have been witnessing robust expansion from a variety of nations ever since we performed a comprehensive overhaul of the Truecaller experience on the iPhone a few months ago. And now, with the addition of Live Caller ID, our iPhone customers will be protected against the ever-increasing risk of spam and fraudulent calls.

    Read also: ‘Microsoft Teams’ partners Snapchat Lenses

    New Features:

    Live Caller ID using Siri: When an iPhone user gets an incoming call from an unknown number, they simply need to say, “Hey Siri, Search Truecaller.” Siri will then provide them with caller identification information. After that, the app will do a brief search and display the results directly on the screen you use to make calls. However, this brand-new feature is only accessible to Truecaller Premium subscribers on iOS 16 and newer versions.

    Spam feedback: Users may now read and add their own comments about spammers. In addition to improving Truecaller’s spam detection skills, this feature gives consumers the ability to report on their own experiences.

    Messages received through short messaging service (SMS) will now be automatically filtered into seven distinct categories: Finance, Orders, Reminders, Coupons, Offers, and Junk. This enhancement is now available for iOS 16 users in India, South Africa, and Nigeria and will soon be released in other countries.

     

    How to setup Truecaller Live Caller ID on iPhone:

    1. Go to the app’s Premium tab and click ‘Add to Siri’. (This helps you add the shortcut with one tap. The first time you use this feature, you will be asked to allow access for Truecaller; choose ‘Always allow’ to avoid being prompted again.)

     

    1. After you have set up the Siri shortcut in step 1, whenever you get an incoming call, simply say, ‘Hey Siri, search Truecaller’, and Truecaller will instantly tell you who is calling.

    AI: Alibaba launches ChatGPT rival

    Other features offered in the Truecaller app

    You can do a lot more with Truecaller than merely ignore unwanted callers. It includes a dialer, and users may use Truedialer as their primary dialer if they choose. Its Discovery function is similar to Twitter and Facebook in that it helps you locate friends and acquaintances. It utilises your current contact information and physical location. If a contact’s information is hidden, Truecaller will display a network diagram to help you locate a mutual contact.

    Protect yourself from spammers; Truecaller automatically safeguards you from known spammers in a region once you install and set up the app on your device. You can also choose to reject calls from people who hide their identity while calling through this app.

    Instead of sending text messages from a phone, Truecaller lets you have conversations from inside the app. Even after the message has been read, users have the ability to alter the message that was sent simply. You need to be connected to the internet in order to use the chat feature on Truecaller.

    You have complete control over who may see what information in your Truecaller account, enabling you to protect your privacy and limit access to your contact information. You are able to see the total number of individuals that searched for your number. Additionally, in order to see the identity of the Truecaller user who visited your profile, you will need to upgrade to the premium version of the app.

  • Netflix adds TV Gaming services

    Netflix adds TV Gaming services

    Netflix Inc. is taking steps to get its video-game service onto televisions.

    Despite being available on tablets and smartphones, Netflix’s app contains code that references TV games. 

    According to their gaming CEO, their cloud gaming business was “seriously investigated” last year, and their mobile games are currently available on the App Store. Although the company’s plans for TV gaming are unknown, the code also mentions using phones as game controllers.

    Steve Wozniak Moser, an app developer, noticed that one line of code stated, “A game on your TV requires a controller to play.”

    Do you want to play games on your phone?

    If Netflix incorporates games into its television app, customers will be able to use their cell phones as controllers.

    Read also: Google Closes Stadia Cloud Gaming services in the UK 

    Netflix’s games services

    Video games were first included in the company’s products two years ago. In an effort to increase its presence in the gaming sector, it has more than 55 games on its programme and expects to release 40 new games for mobile devices this year. In order to create more than 70 games for the platform, the business also intends to work with a number of creators.

    It offers Android and iOS games. The user downloads and activates the installation. This requires an active account subscription. If the test is successful, new and returning members may play more games on the platform because televisions will make gaming easier.

    The entertainment sector stated that TV gaming would be intentional and “more than just casual games.” It highlighted a new gaming studio’s hard work behind closed doors.

    In its announcement, the firm stated that “14 of the new games are being created by its own studios,” and it added that it would shortly open a new studio in Southern California. According to a Netflix source, Chacko Sonny, who previously held the position of executive producer for the Overwatch video game series from Activision Blizzard, would be in charge of the studio.

    Africa’s largest gaming company (MVM) raises $3.2M at a $30M valuation

    About Netflix 

    The American media firm Netflix is headquartered in Los Gatos, California. It was established in 1997 in Scotts Valley, California, by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. It runs the over-the-top subscription video-on-demand service Netflix, which features both proprietary contents that the company commissions, such as original movies and television shows, and third-party content that is licensed from other distributors.

    Netflix mailed DVDs for a year before renting them. Netflix streamed and VOD in 2007.  The company entered Canada, South America, and the Caribbean in 2010. House of Cards was the first original content the service acquired and produced in 2011. Netflix’s US library will have 50% original content and video game publishing by 2022.

  • A guide to buying the right Smartphone

    A guide to buying the right Smartphone

    We both recognize the importance of smartphones in everyday life. Working from home, gaining access to crucial data, and engaging with coworkers are more productive.

    These tools have allowed people who couldn’t previously use technology to have access to it. Using accessibility capabilities like voice recognition, screen readers, and magnifiers, people who are deaf or hard of hearing can use smartphones just like everyone else. No matter where you are in the globe, staying in touch with loved ones is simple with the help of apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

    However, the market offers so many options that finding the right smartphone can be challenging. It’s not only about getting the latest phone with the best camera. To get the most for your money, consider various criteria.

    Read also: How To Use Your Smartphone as a CCTV Camera Without Internet

    Here are the things to consider before choosing the right Smartphone

    We’ll cover smartphone basics to help you buy. These tips will help you choose a smartphone, whether you’re a technophile or a casual user.

    What is its processor?

    The processor is without a doubt one of the most crucial things to take into account when deciding which smartphone to purchase. Your phone will function efficiently, process information rapidly, and offer a seamless user experience if it has a high-quality processor. Your smartphone may lag or freeze without a strong CPU, making it annoying and challenging to operate.

    You can multitask with ease while playing games, streaming videos, and switching between programs on a quick desktop. Thus, a good processor is necessary for a fantastic smartphone experience. Don’t compromise on performance; invest in a smartphone with a strong processor for quick response times, seamless multitasking, and a fantastic user experience.

    Guidelines

    Casual users: A mid-range processor like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series or the MediaTek Helio G series should be adequate for consumers who primarily use their phone for online browsing, social media, messaging, and light gaming. On your smartphone, these processors deliver respectable performance for routine tasks.

    Power users:  A flagship desktop like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series or the Samsung Exynos 2100 would be a fantastic choice for consumers who routinely use demanding apps like video editing software, top-tier gaming, or AR/VR apps. These Desktops offer top-of-the-line performance and can handle demanding workloads without slowing down.

    Budget-conscious buyers:  While looking for a smartphone, those on a tight budget should focus on models with mobile processors from the MediaTek Helio A or P series or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 series. Despite being less potent than mid-range or flagship single-core processors, these ones are nevertheless capable of handling simple jobs and light gaming without any problems.

    Battery-minded users: For those who prioritize battery life over performance, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 700 series and MediaTek Dimensity series processors are viable possibilities. These CPUs are designed to be energy-efficient, allowing them to give an excellent performance while conserving battery life.

    Photographers: For photo and video enthusiasts, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series or Samsung Exynos 2100 CPUs are good choices. These image-processing devices can handle high-resolution photographs and films without lag.

     

    Do you like its phone screen?

    We utilize our smartphones’ displays for movies, gaming, and social media. An excellent display may offer an immersive and engaging experience. The display’s brightness, color accuracy, resolution, and size influence a smartphone’s quality. Thus, don’t ignore the display while buying a phone. You’ll never regret buying a gadget with a fantastic display.

    Guidelines

    Casual Users: IPS phones are good for casual users who text, browse social media, and watch videos. 

    These displays offer good color reproduction and viewing angles at a lower cost compared to other display types. 

    Gamers: OLED or AMOLED smartphones offer rapid response times and smooth images. Gamer-friendly panels include quicker refresh rates, shorter input lag, and deeper blacks. 

    Photographers: Use an OLED or AMOLED smartphone for color fidelity. These panels provide superior color accuracy and deeper blacks for photo processing. 

    Outdoor Users: Choose a smartphone with high brightness and outside visibility if you use it in bright sunshine.  OLED and AMOLED displays have superior brightness and contrast ratios; however, certain high-end LCD panels are also good for outdoor viewing. 

    Content creators: A smartphone with a Quad HD or 4K display is ideal for editing videos and photos on the road. While editing, these monitors offer greater screen space and crisper photos.

     

    How long does a battery last?

    Battery life is crucial when purchasing a smartphone. A powerful phone that dies midday is useless.  A long-lasting battery is crucial for everyone who uses their phone for business, communication, or leisure. A smartphone with a long battery life lets you watch films, play games, surf the web, and take pictures without charging. A phone with a long battery life can save you money by eliminating the need for charging cases and other batteries. If you want your smartphone to be ready when you need it, buy a device with a long battery life.

    Guidelines  

    Casual Users: If you mostly use your phone for messaging, checking social media, and calling, a smartphone with a 3000mAh to 4000mAh battery should last all day. 

    Heavy Users: For gaming, streaming, and other resource-intensive operations, a smartphone with a battery capacity of 4000mAh to 5000mAh or more is advised. Fast-charging smartphones are also useful for rapid top-ups. 

    Business Users:  If you use your phone for work-related duties like emailing, video conferencing, and document editing, a 4000mAh to 5000mAh smartphone is advised. A removable battery phone lets you replace the battery when it runs low. 

    Outdoor Users: If you frequently use your phone in regions without power, a smartphone with a 5000 mAh battery is advised. Power-saving phones also extend battery life. 

    Travelers: A smartphone with a 4000mAh to 5000mAh battery is recommended for regular travellers who use their phone for navigation, translation, and other travel chores. Wireless charging lets you charge your phone anywhere.

    9 Google products that are powered by AI

    How much storage do you need?

    Consider what a smartphone can accomplish and how much it stores in terms of photos, videos, music, and apps.  Storage first, right? “You’re out of storage space” after installing a vital app?

    Low storage slows your phone. A phone needs enough storage to be effective. Don’t skimp on stockpiling when buying your next smartphone.

    Suggestions

    Light users: If you mostly use your phone for calling, texting, accessing social media, and occasionally shooting photos, 32GB of storage should be sufficient. 

    Average users: If you frequently browse, stream videos, play games, and take photographs and videos on your phone, then 64GB or 128GB of storage would be appropriate. 

    Heavy users: If you often save huge games, high-resolution images, videos, music, and other files on your phone, 256GB or more storage space is advised. Those who routinely record 4K videos should utilize this as well because they use a lot of storage.

    Several smartphones support microSD card storage expansion. You can choose a lower storage capacity and upgrade it later if your phone supports this functionality.

     

    How secure is this smartphone?

    In today’s digital age, where cyber-attacks and data breaches are becoming more frequent, choosing a secure smartphone ensures that your personal information, such as passwords, bank account details, and social media accounts, are protected from unauthorised access by hackers or malware. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in a phone that offers the latest security features, such as biometric authentication, encryption, and regular security updates, to ensure your data remains safe and secure.

    Guideline


    Watch for  Basic security measures like setting a password or PIN, enabling two-factor authentication for important accounts, and updating the device and apps should be considered.

    Higher security is recommended for work-related activities and storing sensitive data like customer data, business plans, and financial information. In addition to setting a strong password or PIN and enabling two-factor authentication, they should use a secure messaging app, install antivirus software, and enable remote wipe in case the device is lost or stolen. 

    Extra precautions should be taken for high-security activities like online banking or cryptocurrency transactions. 

    Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection. Avoid public Wi-Fi and use a password manager to create and store unique passwords for all your accounts. 

    To restrict children’s access to inappropriate content, apps, and features, look for parental controls.

  • Safaricom and Google Partner on YouTube content production

    Safaricom and Google Partner on YouTube content production

    Safaricom, a Kenyan telecommunications company, recently announced that it had made a deal with Google to promote and add more short videos from YouTube to its platform.

    During the promotion, which will last for a total of two months, content creators in the east African country will be able to get 1GB of data for as little as 10 Kenyan Shillings, or $0.08 USD.

    The telecommunications company also said that it is offering these services at such low prices to encourage Kenyans to get used to streaming videos.

    According to a statement from Safaricom, the company’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, said, “I believe this new data bundle offer will help lift up new talent by giving them more chances to show off their skills and talents and get recognized both locally and internationally.”

    Read also: YouTube Takes on TikTok: Give Creators 45% Revenue

    The campaign will be called “YouTube shorts challenge” 

    According to the statement released by the telecommunications company, the campaign will be held in conjunction with a competition that will be known as the YouTube Shorts Challenge. Individuals who create and upload original videos will have the opportunity to win both weekly cash prizes and a grand cash prize.

    The weekly cash prize awards will honour 15 content creators. Depending on how much they won, each will get between KES5,000 ($41.20) and KES120,000 ($990) in cash.

    “At the conclusion of the competition, the content creator who achieved the highest ranking by garnering the most combined likes and views will be awarded a prize of KES1.2 million ($9,900). The runners-up will each receive KES 800,000 ($6,600), which puts them in second place, and KES 600,000 ($4,950), which puts them in third place, “the telecom company said.

    Customers can buy the daily KES10 for 1GB data bundles that are being offered for the YouTube shorts competition by dialing *544*55#.

    This brand-new campaign will be accessible to a significant number of mobile users in Kenya. As the telecommunications company that has only just activated its mobile network and services in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia,

    As of the second quarter of 2020, market research company Omdia said that the telecommunications operator Safaricom has 43 million members.

    Airtel Kenya, which has 16.4 million customers, comes in second place. In the second quarter of 2022, Telkom Kenya maintained its position as the third-largest mobile service provider in the country, with over 4.4 million clients. Jamii Telecommunications comes in at number four despite having only 275,000 customers.

    YouTube Introduces “Name Handle” To Make Creator Tagging Simpler

    About Safaricom

    Safaricom PLC is a publicly traded mobile network operator in Kenya. Its headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Safaricom House.  It is the most important provider of telecommunications services in Kenya and is consistently ranked among the most successful businesses in the East and Central Africa area. The company provides a variety of services, including mobile phones, mobile money transfers, consumer electronics, online commerce, cloud computing, data, music streaming, and fiber optics. The most well-known aspect of it is that it is the birthplace of MPESA, a mobile banking service that is based on SMS.

  • Security alert: NCC warns against software that steals banking app data

    Security alert: NCC warns against software that steals banking app data

    The Nigerian Communications Commission, an independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria has alerted Nigerian against software targeting users’ banking app information.

    According to NCC spokesman Ikechukwu Adinde in a statement released on Sunday, the Nigerian Communications Commission has found newly-hatched malicious software that steals Android users’ banking app login information.

    NCC’s Computer Security Incident Response Team discovered the virus, which uses SMS and notification interception to log in and utilize possible two-factor authentication tokens, as well as to steal passwords.

    “A security advisory from the NCC CSIRT said the malicious software called ‘Xenomorph’, found to target 56 financial institutions across Europe, had a high impact and high vulnerability rate.

    “Xenomorph is propagated by an application that was slipped into Google Play store and masquerading as a legitimate application called “Fast Cleaner” ostensibly meant to clear junk, increase device speed and optimize the battery. In reality, this app is only a means by which the Xenomorph Trojan could be propagated easily and efficiently.

    The CSIRT said the malware also steals victims’ banking credentials by overlaying fake login pages on top of legitimate ones. Considering that it can also intercept messages and notifications, it allows its operators to bypass SMS-based two-factor authentication and log into the victims’ accounts without alerting them.

    “In a quest to avoid early detection or being denied access to the PlayStore, ‘Fast Cleaner’ was disseminated before the malware was placed on the remote server, making it hard for Google to determine that such an app is being used for malicious actions. He added.

    Furthermore, he explained “Once up and running on a victim’s device, Xenomorph can harvest device information and Short Messaging Service (SMS), intercept notifications and new SMS messages, perform overlay attacks, and prevent users from uninstalling it. The threat also asks for Accessibility Services privileges, which allow it to grant itself further permissions.

    “The Fast Cleaner app has now been removed from the Play Store but not before it garnered 50,000+ downloads,” the CSIRT security advisory affirmed.

    In conclusion, Mr. Adinde said that the commission had advised telecom consumers to be on alert in order not to fall of this manipulation.

    He urged telecom consumers and other Internet users, particularly those using Android-powered devices, to use trusted Antivirus solutions and update them regularly to their latest definitions.

  • How to locate your Android phone IMEI number

    How to locate your Android phone IMEI number

    You might have been wondering, what is IMEI number and what is it used for? Don’t worry, it will be explained here.

    About IMEI number.

    Every phone no matter how cheap or expensive it might be will have an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The IMEI number is a 15-digit unique identifier that can help you find a lost or stolen phone.

    My Phone History

    Android is a touchscreen mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, built mainly for smartphones and tablets. Google commercially sponsors Android, which is created by a group of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance. And it has been around for nearly 15 years.

    Now, after having a brief understanding of your mobile phone, let’s proceed.

    Read Also : OnwardMobility discards the 5G BlackBerry project

    How can I locate my phone IMEI number?

    Perhaps If you ever misplace your phone or it got stolen, you’ll need to provide the IMEI number to law enforcement so they can track down your device. Companies use mobile device identification codes (IMEIs) to track down lost or stolen phones and prevent them from being used on their network by blacklisting IMEI numbers associated with those devices.

    Method 1

    1. On your Android phone, open the Settings app.
    2. Go to About Phone and tap it. In some android versions, you will find it at the top while for some, you will have to scroll down.

    3. The number can be found under IMEI if you scroll down.

    How to locate your Phone IMEI Number

     

    Note, if after looking around, you can’t still locate it, use the search option in the setting and search for IMEI

    Search for IMEI

    Read Also : Samsung Heavy Industries Has Appointed a New CEO for its Nigerian Subsidiary

    Method 2

    Another approach to get your IMEI is to dial USSD Code on your Phone app.

    1. On your Android phone, open the Phone app.
    2. Dial *#06# into the Dialer.
    3. And wait for the appearance of the dialog box.

    Get Your IMEI by dailing USSD Code on your Phone app

    Following the entry of this code, your IMEI number and other numbers will be displayed on the screen.

    You might need to write it down for reference purposes Since this method works on any Android device, it might be the simplest option.