Category: Mobile

  • Little’s MySalary app offers employees instant access to wages

    Little’s MySalary app offers employees instant access to wages

    Little officially launched MySalary, an on-demand salary access platform, designed to transform how African employees access their earned wages.

    MySalary replaces monthly pay cycles with instant withdrawals, giving workers more financial freedom and lowering their need for high-interest loans. This platform is excellent for emergencies before payday.

    On March 14, 2025, Nairobi launched a new service that allows workers to withdraw wage portions at any time using a mobile app.

    Read also: Schneider Electric targets 50% gender equality in recruitment, 30% female representation in leadership roles

    Kamal Budhabhatti, CEO of Little, emphasised the platform’s benefits: “MySalary is designed to provide employees with a simple and secure way to access the money they have already earned. With our robust security framework, users can trust that their transactions are safe, and funds will be transferred instantly to their mobile money or bank accounts”.

    How it works

    You can download the MySalary app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei Store.

    Register & Connect Employment Details :Employees link their work credentials to verify salary access.

    View Real-Time Earned Wages : Employees can track their income and available balance anytime.

    Request a Withdrawal : Funds are transferred instantly to the user’s mobile money wallet or bank account.

    Features that enhance financial control

    MySalary offers several key features that make it an essential tool for employees:

    24/7 Salary Access: Employees can withdraw part of their earned wages anytime, eliminating financial strain.

    Read also: Elevate your meetings, content, and research with Restream.io’s transcription

    Seamless Integration: Employers can integrate MySalary into their existing HR and payroll systems without additional costs or disruptions.

    Increased Employee Satisfaction & Productivity: Reducing financial stress can improve workplace morale, engagement, and productivity.

    The app is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei Store . It allows employees to track their income and request withdrawals directly. By providing employers with a financial wellness tool that enhances retention and performance, MySalary is poised to become a leading financial solution across Africa.

  • TikTok’s latest update allows parents limit teenagers’ screen time with new feature

    TikTok’s latest update allows parents limit teenagers’ screen time with new feature

    As the digital world becomes increasingly intertwined with daily life, social media platforms like TikTok recognise the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for young users.

    TikTok announced on Tuesday the expansion of its  Family Pairing feature with new tools designed to give parents more control and ensure a safer experience for teens on the platform.

    The safety feature, which was first rolled out in 2020, allows parents, guardians, and teens to customize their safety settings based on individual needs.

    Read also: TikTok bypasses U.S. App Store restrictions, offers direct Android downloads

    TikTok introduces ‘Time Away,’ follower insights for parental control

    The latest updates introduce two key features: the ability to block access to TikTok during specific times and increased visibility into a teen’s follower list. Parents can now use the Time Away feature to decide when their teens should take a break from the app, whether during family meals, school hours, or bedtime.

    Teens can request extra time, but the final decision remains with parents. Additionally, parents can see who their teen is following, who follows them, and which accounts have been blocked, fostering open discussions about online interactions and helping teens manage their digital relationships safely.

    TikTok also said it is introducing a wind-down feature to promote healthier digital habits. This feature will prompt teens under 16 with full-screen reminders and calming music if they’re still on the app past 10 p.m. A meditation component is also being tested to encourage better bedtime routines.

    Read also: DR Congo faces widespread social media restrictions amid tensions in the East

    TikTok adds 15+ parental control options

    TikTok has continued to expand its parental controls since the launch of Family Pairing. Parents now have access to over 15 adjustable settings, including options to enable a STEM-focused feed, customize screen time limits for weekdays and weekends, and reset a teen’s account to private if it was previously public.

    The company is also developing a feature that allows teens to notify a trusted adult when reporting content that may violate platform guidelines.

    “Since launching Family Pairing – TikTok’s parenting controls – five years ago, we’ve continually added new features based on feedback from families and guidance from leading experts,” TikTok noted in its announcement. “With increased visibility into their teen’s network, parents will be better equipped to have ongoing conversations and help their teens develop the digital literacy skills they need.”

    TikTok’s commitment to teen safety includes default screen time limits, enhanced privacy protections, and proactive removal of suspected underage users. The company enforces strict safeguards for minors and prioritizes user safety and well-being.

  • Amazon announces closure of Android app store

    Amazon announces closure of Android app store

    Amazon has announced that it will discontinue its app store on Android devices, effective August 20, 2025.

    This decision was announced on February 20, marking the end of Amazon’s decade-long attempt to compete with Google’s Play Store on Android platforms.

    Read also: AI domination? Amazon’s $100 billion investment says yes

    Amazon appstore ending on Android in 2025

    The discontinuation means that users will no longer have access to the Amazon App Store on their Android devices after August 20, 2025, and developers will no longer be able to submit new apps to the store. 

    Amazon clarified that the app store will continue to operate on its own devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablets, which serve as the primary marketplace.

    Amazon’s decision to focus on its own devices is driven by the fact that most of its customers engage with the app store on these platforms.

    As a company spokesperson noted, “We’ve decided to discontinue the Amazon Appstore on Android to focus our efforts on the Appstore experience on our own devices, as that’s where the overwhelming majority of our customers currently engage with it”.

    Additionally, Amazon will discontinue its digital currency program, Amazon Coins, which was used to purchase apps and games. 

    As of February 20, 2025, Amazon Coins are no longer available for purchase, but users can still use their existing coins until the service ends. Any unused coins will be refunded after August 20, 2025.

    Read also: Amazon expands to South Africa, opens walk-in centre in Cape Town

    Appstore closure threatens purchased games, apps

    The shutdown may affect users who have purchased apps and games through the Amazon App Store, as these may cease to function correctly once the store is closed.

    Users are advised to download the apps they purchased to their devices before the shutdown to ensure continued access, although functionality is not guaranteed.

    Developers must adjust their strategies, as they can no longer distribute new apps through the Amazon App Store on Android. This change reflects Amazon’s strategic shift towards focusing on its proprietary devices, where the app store remains integral to the user experience.

  • Discover the affordable iPhone 16e: Create images, generate text summaries offline with Apple intelligence

    Discover the affordable iPhone 16e: Create images, generate text summaries offline with Apple intelligence

    Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, a new model designed to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence features at a more accessible price point. 

    The iPhone 16e, announced on Tuesday, is priced at $599, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking powerful technology without the premium cost associated with higher-end models.

    Read also: Apple ditches DeepSeek for Alibaba’s AI features

    Introducing Apple Intelligence

    One of the standout features of the iPhone 16e is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s innovative response to competing technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. 

    This feature allows users to generate text summaries, compose letters, and even create images directly on their devices without an internet connection. The integration of compact AI models enables seamless functionality, significantly enhancing user experience.

    The iPhone 16e joins an elite group of devices, including the entire iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhone 15 Pro, that can utilise Apple Intelligence. Powered by the A18 processor, this model supports advanced capabilities previously reserved for more expensive devices. 

    Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasised that these features are designed to “help save time, quickly get things done, and express yourself in new ways.” 

    Notably, users can access ChatGPT through Siri without needing an OpenAI account, further simplifying interaction with AI technology.

    Read also: Apple and Google remove SparkCat, other dangerous apps used for crypto theft 

    Performance and specifications

    The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display and is powered by the same A18 chip as its higher-priced counterparts. This chip enhances performance and efficiency, allowing smooth multitasking and app usage. 

    The device also includes a 48MP Fusion camera system that combines multiple functionalities, enabling users to take stunning photos easily.

    Apple has focused on delivering a device that meets modern demands while remaining budget-friendly. Analysts have noted that this strategy could facilitate quicker adoption among consumers looking for affordable yet powerful smartphones. 

    Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore remarked that the iPhone 16e represents “the affordable powerful now on the market,” highlighting its potential to attract users from competing platforms.

    Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e will begin on February 21, 2025, with official sales starting on February 28, 2025. With its advanced AI capabilities and competitive pricing, Apple aims to reinvigorate interest in its smartphone offerings amid recent sales challenges.

  • Apple and Google remove SparkCat, other dangerous apps used for crypto theft 

    Apple and Google remove SparkCat, other dangerous apps used for crypto theft 

    Tech behemoths Apple and Google have aggressively removed several dangerous mobile apps from their respective platforms, the App Store and Google Play, in a recent crackdown on digital security.

    This action follows revelations of data-stealing malware that has been hiding inside these apps for almost a year, affecting the safety and privacy of millions of users worldwide.

    Read also: Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone: What we know about its design, features and release date

    The malware revelation on Apple and Google Play

    Security researchers from Kaspersky Labs, a renowned cybersecurity firm, discovered malware named SparkCat embedded within apps available on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. The malware, active since March 2024, was initially detected in a food delivery app popular in the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. 

    However, the scope of the infection was much broader. SparkCat was found in 19 additional apps and accumulated over 242,000 downloads on Google’s platform alone. Its modus operandi used optical character recognition (OCR) technology to scan and extract sensitive information from images on users’ devices, mainly targeting recovery phrases for cryptocurrency wallets. This method allowed the malware to operate in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, making it a versatile tool for cybercriminals within the Google and Apple ecosystems.

    Google and Apple respond 

    Upon receiving the detailed report from Kaspersky, both tech giants acted swiftly. Apple removed the compromised apps from its App Store last week, while Google followed suit, pulling the apps from Google Play and banning the developers responsible. Google’s spokesperson, Ed Fernandez, confirmed that all identified apps had been removed from Google Play, and users were protected from known versions of this malware through Google’s built-in security feature, Google Play Protect. On the other hand, Apple has not publicly commented on the specifics of this incident. However, removing the apps from the App Store indicates a zero-tolerance policy towards such security breaches.

    The broader context in Google Play and App Store

    This incident is not an isolated case. The battle against malicious apps in official apps like Google Play and Apple’s App Store has been ongoing. Both companies constantly update their security protocols to combat increasingly sophisticated threats. 

    In 2024, security experts at Zscaler discovered over 90 banking apps on Google Play with the Anatsa banking trojan, leading to millions of installations. 

    Similarly, Apple has had its share of challenges, with various reports of malicious apps slipping through their stringent review processes in the App Store in the past. Removing these apps underscores a critical issue in the digital ecosystem: the cat-and-mouse game between app developers, cyber criminals, and security teams. 

    While Google and Apple employ advanced algorithms and manual reviews, the dynamic nature of malware development means that new threats are constantly on both platforms.

    Read also: Apple to introduce affordable power with iPhone SE 4 and Powerbeats Pro 2

    User vigilance and protection on Google and Apple platforms

    For users, this serves as a stark reminder of the importance of digital hygiene. Downloading apps from official sources like Google Play and the App Store provides a layer of scrutiny, though not infallible. Checking app permissions is crucial; be wary of apps asking for permissions that seem unnecessary for their functionality within the Google and Apple app ecosystems. Keeping your device and apps regularly updated ensures you have the latest security patches on both platforms. 

    Utilising security features like Google Play Protect on Android or reviewing app access to personal data on iOS can add another layer of protection. 

    Finally, while not foolproof, user reviews and ratings can sometimes expose app issues, offering insights into potential risks before installation on either Google or Apple’s platforms.

    The removal of these malicious apps by Apple and Google from the App Store and Google Play is a testament to the vigilance required to maintain digital safety. 

    However, it also highlights the continuous need for tech companies and users to stay one step ahead of cyber threats. As technology evolves, so must our approaches to cybersecurity, ensuring that the digital world, including the environments of Google Play and the App Store, remains a safe space for innovation, communication, and personal use.

  • TikTok bypasses U.S. App Store restrictions, offers direct Android downloads

    TikTok bypasses U.S. App Store restrictions, offers direct Android downloads

    On February 8, 2025, TikTok announced that U.S. Android users can download the app directly from its website using Android Package Kits.

    This move allows users to bypass restrictions imposed after the app’s removal from the App Store and Google Play Store following a U.S. ban on January 19.

    The ban was enacted due to concerns about potential misuse of American users’ data under ByteDance’s ownership.

    Read also: Trump open to Elon Musk buying TikTok if he shows interest

    According to TikTok, the app remains “safe and secure,” with ongoing reviews of its source code by Oracle and Independent Security Inspectors chosen by ByteDance.

    “We’re enhancing ways for our community to continue using TikTok by making Android Package Kits available at TikTok.com/download so that our U.S. Android users can download our app and create, discover, and connect on TikTok,” the company stated.

    Users can download either the full version of TikTok or TikTok Lite, which is designed for users with slower internet speeds.

    The primary benefit of downloading from the official website is safety assurance without additional security concerns.

    How to download TikTok via APK

    To download TikTok’s APK (Android Package Kit) from TikTok’s official website, users can follow the outlined steps:

    Open a web browser and go to TikTok’s official website.

    Find the “Download TikTok” button or the APK download section.

    Tap the “Download APK button” to begin downloading the installation file. Confirm the download if prompted.

    Before installing, go to Settings > Security on your Android device. Enable Install Unknown Apps for your browser.

    Open the Downloads folder and tap on the TikTok APK file.

    Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

    Open the TikTok app, sign in to your account, and begin using it.

    Read also: TikTok operational in U.S. after brief ban

    Political and security concerns

    The U.S. government has expressed concerns over potential data misuse under ByteDance’s ownership. TikTok has denied allegations regarding its ties with China.

    The situation took another turn when President Donald Trump, who assumed office the day after the ban took effect, signed an executive order delaying enforcement for 75 days.

    Trump also initiated discussions about a potential sale of TikTok to a U.S. company and proposed creating a sovereign wealth fund to buy the app.

    ByteDance repeatedly said that it had no plans to sell the social media app, but one of the company’s biggest investors recently said that a deal is in “everybody’s interest.”

    Several companies and individuals, including Perplexity AI and MrBeast, have already expressed their intention to purchase TikTok in the U.S.

    Free speech advocates have criticised the ban, arguing that it unfairly targets TikTok while other platforms with foreign ownership operate freely. TikTok has stated that U.S. user data is stored on Oracle-operated cloud servers and that content moderation for American users is handled domestically. The app has around 170 million users in the U.S.

  • Apple to introduce affordable power with iPhone SE 4 and Powerbeats Pro 2

    Apple to introduce affordable power with iPhone SE 4 and Powerbeats Pro 2

    Apple is poised to announce two new additions to its product lineup on February 11, 2025. The anticipated launch includes the fourth generation of the iPhone SE and the much-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds, signalling Apple’s commitment to innovation across its smartphone and audio accessory segments.

    Read also: Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone: What we know about its design, features and release date

    The new iPhone SE: A blend of tradition and innovation

    The iPhone SE has always been Apple’s answer to those seeking flagship performance at a more accessible price point. This year’s iPhone SE 4 iteration will bring significant changes. According to various reports, the new iPhone SE will adopt a design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, featuring a flat-edge chassis and a modern, all-screen front with a notch for Face ID. It will move away from its predecessors’ outdated Touch ID and thick bezels.

    Under the hood, the iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to incorporate the A18 chip, the same processor expected in the iPhone 16 series. This upgrade will ensure that users enjoy top-tier performance even at a budget-friendly price. It will also support Apple Intelligence, enhancing user interaction with the device through AI-driven features. A USB-C port will replace the Lightning connector, aligning with recent trends towards universal charging solutions.

    The camera system is also set for an upgrade. Rumours suggest a 48-megapixel rear camera, promising better photo quality and low-light performance. This model could start at around $499, maintaining the affordability that has made the SE series popular while bringing it closer in feature set to Apple’s flagship offerings.

    Powerbeats Pro 2: Elevating the audio experience

    Parallel to the iPhone SE announcement, Apple’s Beats brand is expected to introduce the Powerbeats Pro 2. These earbuds are described as a sportier alternative to the AirPods Pro, with a design that includes adjustable ear hooks for a secure fit during vigorous activities. The highlight of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the integration of the H2 chip, similar to the one found in the AirPods Pro 2, which is set to improve active noise cancellation and audio quality.

    New features like heart rate monitoring during workouts are teased. The data will be accessible via the Health app on iOS devices. The charging case will feature a USB-C port, reflecting Apple’s broader shift towards this standard. Battery life is expected to improve, with reports suggesting up to 45 hours of total playtime with the case. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is rumoured to come in vibrant new colours, including an electric orange, and is expected to retail at $250 in the US.

    Read also: Calculator app tweak, other key features in Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.3

    What this means for consumers

    For consumers, February 11, 2025, could mark the beginning of a new era in which Apple’s budget-friendly options boast features once exclusive to their premium counterparts.

    The iPhone SE 4 promises a leap in design and performance and aligns more closely with Apple’s ecosystem than ever. Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro 2 could redefine what users expect from sports-focused audio devices, blending advanced technology with Apple’s renowned sound quality.

    As we wait for the official announcements, the anticipation for these products underscores Apple’s strategy of democratising technology without compromising innovation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a fitness buff, or looking for value in Apple’s ecosystem, this launch could cater to various needs and preferences. Stay tuned for what promises to be a defining moment in Apple’s 2025 product narrative.

  • Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone: What we know about its design, features and release date

    Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone: What we know about its design, features and release date

    Apple is reportedly working on a foldable iPhone, which could be launched in September 2026. A recent leak revealed detailed specifications of the rumoured device.

    Design and display

    The foldable iPhone is expected to have a 12-inch display when unfolded, which is “comparable to two 6.1-inch iPhones folded together”. 

    The device will have a “large folding mechanism” on the left rear side, opening like a book, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. When unfolded, the phone will be 4.6 mm thin and 9.2 mm when folded.

    Read also: Calculator app tweak, other key features in Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.3

    According to the leak, Samsung will develop the display. As for the frame, Apple seems to be exploring various materials, such as titanium alloy, stainless steel, and carbon fibre. 

    The upcoming foldable phone is said to use Apple’s design solution, which will cost around $110. Amphenol and Taiwan’s Xinyiheng will source parts for it.

    Internal components

    The foldable iPhone is rumoured to house a 5000 mAh battery, with two stainless-steel-cased battery cells stacked in a 3D configuration.

    The front camera may feature Meta Lens technology to enhance low-light performance and sharpness. The rear cameras use a hybrid glass-plastic structure, which may improve durability while maintaining image quality.

    Foxconn, an Apple regular partner, will produce the device. Apple is various materials for the frame, such as titanium alloy, stainless steel, and carbon fibre.

    Read also: Apple introduces new API for enhanced In-App purchase formats

    The leak surfaced on February 6, 2025, from an unknown source called “zwz”. 

    Jukanlosreve (previously TechReve) on X claims that Apple may release a foldable iPhone next year, followed by an iPad or MacBook in 2027.

    A user, @luhajoma on X, replied to the post, ” Hope it’s better than the terrible @samsung fold 3.”

    The leaker, who has a history of reliable disclosures, attributes foldable iPhone features to a company dubbed ‘zwz’, which may be ZWZ Bearings, a Chinese ball bearing manufacturer.

    The front of the foldable iPhone is rumoured to feature a camera lens with “ultra-thin technology”, while the rear primary and ultrawide sensor might use a “hybrid glass-plastic structure.” 

    Apple may use two 5,000mAh stainless steel-cased batteries for batteries. With the foldable iPhone expected next September, this is viewed with scepticism.

  • DR Congo faces widespread social media restrictions amid tensions in the East

    DR Congo faces widespread social media restrictions amid tensions in the East

    Since Saturday, February 1, residents of several Congolese cities, including Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, and Lubumbashi, have faced difficulty accessing popular social media platforms like X and TikTok.

    While there has been no official announcement, analysts suggest these restrictions are aimed at curbing the spread of information about the escalating situation in the eastern part of the country.

    Read also: Congo Digital 2025: Government to drive economic, digital growth

    While some users were able to bypass the restrictions by using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), many others complained that they were unable to connect to their applications.

    NetBlocks, an internet monitoring group, claims that the data shows a targeted restriction on social networks and application download platforms, which makes it harder to access VPNs.

    Trend of internet restrictions in Africa 

    These measures come amid heightened tensions in the DRC, with civil society organisations condemning the limitations as an attack on free speech while the government accuses certain groups of using social media to spread misinformation or stoke violence.

    Similar to the DRC, a number of African nations impose internet restrictions during security crisis or political unrest.

    Read also: Congo seeks Qatar’s expertise to accelerate digital transformation efforts

    Sub-Saharan Africa would have lost around $1.5 billion in 2024 as a result of internet shutdowns, social network ban, and decreased bandwidth, according to the Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns report, which was released last January by the British platform Top10VPN.

    These limitations impact important industries like e-commerce and digital services, slow down online transactions, and interfere with supply chains in addition to directly harming independent contractors and digital enterprises.

    Restrictions on Internet and social network access have grown commonplace in Africa during times of social or political unrest. These security-justified limitations raise questions about free speech and its impact on the economy.

  • YouTube expands ‘Communities’ feature to rival Discord for creator-fan engagement

    YouTube expands ‘Communities’ feature to rival Discord for creator-fan engagement

    YouTube is expanding its Communities feature, offering more creators a dedicated space to engage directly with fans—without relying on platforms like Discord.

    First introduced at the Made for YouTube event in September 2024, this mobile-only feature is now rolling out to a wider audience. The expansion aims to enhance creator-fan interactions by providing a central hub for discussions, updates, and fan-generated content. 

    Read also: Netflix announces June 27th premiere for Squid Game’s final season

    YouTube’s Communities

    YouTube’s Communities feature creates an interactive space where both creators and viewers can initiate discussions, share updates, and post content. Unlike traditional YouTube Posts, which are mostly one-way updates, Communities enable two-way engagement, fostering deeper connections among fans.

    Creators can manage these interactions using the Community Hub within the YouTube Studio app, consolidating channel activity and even suggesting responses to fan comments. During the initial testing phase, YouTube has received positive feedback from creators, prompting a broader rollout.

    YouTube ‘Community’ tab becomes ‘Posts’ to avoid confusion

    To avoid confusion between the new Communities feature and the existing Community tab, YouTube is rebranding the Community tab as ‘Posts’. While the functionality remains unchanged, the new name distinguishes standard updates and announcements from the more interactive Communities space.

    Creators can continue using Posts for quick updates, while Communities will act as a more immersive, discussion-driven environment for fans.

    Read also: Tems wins first solo Grammy award for Best African Music Performance

    Exclusive, invite-only access for now

    For now, access to Communities is by invitation only. Selected creators will receive an email notification and a banner alert on their channel pages within the YouTube app. Invited users will be prompted to visit their new Community space and choose whether to activate the feature.

    This expansion signals YouTube’s intent to rival Discord, offering creators a built-in fan community without needing external platforms. As YouTube continues refining Communities, it may eventually open access to more creators, making it a powerful tool for engagement.