Tech
Apple’s Major Announcements at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2024
Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) just wrapped up, and it was packed with exciting news, particularly the company’s bold step into artificial intelligence. This was very clever because now every time you search for “AI” the search results recognize “Apple Intelligence” as a result option. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights:
Apple Intelligence for Mac, iPhone, and iPad
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, a new AI initiative designed to enhance the functionality of Mac, iPhone, and iPad. This technology aims to make devices smarter and more intuitive.
ChatGPT Integration with Siri
In a significant update, Apple announced that users will soon be able to use OpenAI’s ChatGPT with Siri. This integration is optional, giving users the choice to enhance Siri’s capabilities with advanced AI.
iOS 18 and Siri AI Update
The upcoming iOS 18 includes a substantial update to Siri, incorporating new AI features to improve user interaction and functionality. The future is truly AI.
AirPods and tvOS Updates
Apple also rolled out updates for AirPods and tvOS, promising better performance and new features for Apple TV users.
WatchOS 11
The latest version of WatchOS, WatchOS 11, brings new features and improvements to the Apple Watch, enhancing user experience and functionality.
iPadOS 18
iPad users can look forward to iPadOS 18, which includes various updates to make the device more powerful and user-friendly. You should see what they have done with the calculator app in specific, now on iPad.
macOS Sequoia
The new macOS Sequoia promises to bring enhanced features and improved performance to Mac computers.
VisionOS 2
Apple’s VisionOS 2 is set to deliver an upgraded experience for augmented reality applications, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AR.
Apple Passwords App
Security gets a boost with the introduction of the Apple Passwords app, designed to manage and protect user credentials seamlessly. I mean a lot of companies say they are data protection-centered but nothing beats Apple’s track record for security.
Custom Emojis: Genmoji
Apple also unveiled Genmoji, a new feature that allows users to create custom emojis, adding a fun and personal touch to messaging.
Release Timeline
Developers will get access to the new software starting Monday, with a public preview set for next month. The final versions will be available to all users in the fall.
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to innovate and integrate advanced AI into its ecosystem. Everyone thought they were a little late to the game now we find out if the delay was with good reason. Maybe they just picked on it too late, or maybe like before they perfectly innovate as opposed to invent.
Watch the full keynote livestream Here:
Spotify, the worldwide music streaming giant, has unexpectedly raised its subscription prices in Kenya. This change impacts all subscription levels, ranging from the economical Premium Mini to the extensive Family plan.
Spotify has just announced that it will raise the prices across all its subscription tiers in Kenya. This increase reflects how much one will have to pay to access premium features of the music streaming platform, with a new price change that applies to several user plans. This move is part of a wider trend within the streaming industry, where globally, these platforms inflate their prices in response to inflation and increased operational costs. Beginning today, users in Kenya will pay more to listen to their favorite music streaming services as Spotify continues to add more features and music to the platform.
The prices in Kenya have risen by 13.3 percent to 40.8 percent depending on the particular subscription. The wide range shows that some plans only have a moderate adjustment, while others see substantial rises. That is to say, many users are likely reviewing their current subscriptions or their more financially apt tiers. Specific reasons for these particular percentage increases have not been discussed, but this shows the platform’s intention: keeping profitability with competitive services.
Amongst the lot of subscription options, Premium Mini received the highest increase in percentage terms. The plan, previously the most affordable that gave access to Spotify’s premium features for either a day or a week, is now one of the relatively dearer options compared to other tiers. This steep increase may particularly affect users who rely on short-term premium access for occasional use and encourage them to either upgrade to longer-term plans or switch to other streaming platforms.
Here’s a comprehensive look at how Spotify’s prices have changed for Kenyan subscribers:
| Plan | Old Price | New Price | Increase | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Mini (1 week) | KES 49 | KES 69 | KES 20 | 40.8% |
| Premium Individual (monthly) | KES 299 | KES 339 | KES 40 | 13.4% |
| Premium Student (monthly) | KES 149 | KES 169 | KES 20 | 13.4% |
| Premium Duo (monthly) | KES 389 | KES 439 | KES 50 | 12.9% |
| Premium Family (monthly) | KES 479 | KES 549 | KES 70 | 14.6% |
- Premium Mini:The most economical choice experienced the largest percentage rise, at 40.8%. Such a substantial increase could affect users who depend on weekly subscriptions and are mindful of their budgets.
- Premium Individual and Student: Both plans saw a 13.4% increase. Although the absolute increase for students is smaller, the percentage rise is the same as that of the individual plan.
- Premium Duo:This couples’ plan experienced the smallest percentage increase at 12.9%, potentially rendering it a more appealing option for couples aiming to save.
- Premium Family: The price of the most expensive plan rose by 14.6%, potentially impacting households dependent on shared accounts.
For individuals seeking to optimize value, the Duo and Family plans may provide greater cost-effectiveness for those who are eligible. Students are advised to keep their verification current to maintain access to reduced rates.
Over the last couple of months, Infinix has been making waves in the smartphone market, and their recent attempt at solidifying this move looks set to serve Kenyan consumers as the smartphone manufacturer launches their latest series of budget-friendly gadgets, and oh are they something.
The newly launched budget phone is the Infinix Hot 50i with functional elements users on a tight budget will find quite appealing. The budget-friendly market is where real competition exists if you ask me. Here’s whats on paper so far.
Infinix Hot 50i
The Infinix Hot 50i, part of the same Hot 50 series, brings its own set of features, which is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81, which is paired with 4GB of RAM.
However, this RAM can be expanded to 8GB, providing users with more flexibility depending on their usage requirements. This model offers similar performance in day-to-day tasks but at a more affordable price point.
Infinix Hot 50i Specs
- Display: A large 6.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: Powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 processor, for smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- RAM and Storage: Available in configurations of 4GB or 6GB RAM, which can be virtually extended up to 8GB. The device also boasts a generous internal storage capacity of 256GB.
- Camera System: 48MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera for selfies.
- Battery Life: 5000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging.
- Audio: Dual DTS speakers designed to enhance sound quality, making it ideal for music lovers and media consumers.
- Operating System: Runs on XOS based on Android 14, providing a user-friendly interface with various customization options.
- Additional Features: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, a USB Type-C charging port, and TÜV’s 48-month performance certification for long-term reliability.
Infinix Hot 50i Pricing
The Hot 50i is available in the Kenyan market at a price of KES 13,699, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable, yet capable smartphone.
The phone comes three attractive color options: Sleek Black, Sage Green, and Titanium Grey.
It will be widely available in retail stores after September 30th. Stay tuned to watch us review these units and give you a hands-on review of whether this should be your next phone or why not.
WhatsApp has recently added a new feature to its Status updates, allowing users to tag contacts directly.
Currently available on Android for users with beta version 2.24.20.3 or higher, this update introduces a @ button that lets you mention specific contacts in your Status.
Once tagged, they receive both a notification and a message, ensuring they won’t miss your update. Tagged contacts can also reshare your Status, but only they will see their mention, preserving privacy.
Unlike Instagram, WhatsApp keeps the identity of the original Status creator hidden when tagged contacts reshare it. One key thing to note is that if you’ve blocked someone from viewing your Status, they can still see it if tagged using this feature.
This update, along with WhatsApp’s other hidden features, aims to make interactions more personal and dynamic on the platform.
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