Tech

Essential Smartphone Features for the Modern User

Published

6 months ago

July 9, 2024

Hey there, fellow smartphone enthusiasts! When it comes to using your smartphone as your daily tool, whether you’re a team iPhone or Android, one thing’s for sure: we all want a phone that can keep up with our fast-paced, meme-filled, selfie-snapping lives. But what exactly makes a smartphone worth swiping right on? Let’s break down the must-have features every user should look for in their next digital sidekick.

Camera Quality: Because Pics or It Didn’t Happen

First up, let’s talk about the camera. We need those crystal-clear selfies and vibrant golden hour shots for our Instagram feeds. A good smartphone camera should have at least 12 megapixels, optical image stabilization, and probably some fancy AI magic to make us look even more fabulous. And don’t forget the front camera for those flawless TikToks!

Battery Life: For the Endless Scrolls

We’ve all experienced the horror of seeing that dreaded low battery warning when we’re out and about. A phone with a battery life that can last a day of nonstop texting, streaming, and snapping is essential. Aim for at least 4000 mAh – it’s like having a phone with the stamina of a marathon runner. Besides, most smartphones nowadays come with 5000 mAh.

Performance: Speed Is King

Lag is the enemy of fun. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or just browsing the web, a fast processor is a must. Look for phones with at least 6GB of RAM and a top-tier chipset. It’s like having a Ferrari in your pocket – you’ll go from 0 to Snapchat or TikTok in seconds.

Storage: More Space for Memories (and Memes)

With all those high-res photos, videos, and countless apps, storage is crucial. A minimum of 128GB of internal storage should keep your digital life clutter-free. Bonus points if the phone has expandable storage because who doesn’t love a good memory card?

Display: For Your Viewing Pleasure

Binge-watching the latest series, playing games, or just scrolling through your social feeds – all these need a screen that can do them justice. Look for a phone with at least a Full HD+ display, and if you’re feeling fancy, an AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate will make everything look buttery smooth.

Design: Style Meets Substance

Let’s be real – we all want a phone that looks as good as it performs. Sleek designs, vibrant colours, and a good hand feel are all important. You want something that fits in your pocket and looks great in your hand for that mirror selfie.

Software and Updates: Keep It Fresh

A user-friendly interface and regular software updates are crucial. You don’t want to be stuck with a phone that feels outdated in a year. Make sure your phone’s brand is known for timely updates and a smooth operating system.

Connectivity: Stay Connected, Always

5G is the buzzword of the day, and for good reason. Faster internet means better streaming, quicker downloads, and smoother gaming. Make sure your next phone is 5G ready so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Choosing the perfect smartphone is a bit like dating – you need to find the one that ticks all your boxes and keeps up with your lifestyle. So next time you’re on the hunt for a new phone, keep these features in mind. Happy phone hunting, and may your selfies always be on point!

Related Topics:Android Apple Featured Latest smartphone

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Tech

Spotify Has Quietly Hiked Prices in Kenya

Published

3 months ago

October 8, 2024

Tony Gaya

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.

Tech

Infinix’s Hot Launch; The All New Hot 50 Series is Here

Published

3 months ago

September 27, 2024

Tony Gaya

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.

Tech

New WhatsApp Feature Lets You Mention Contacts In Status Updates

Published

3 months ago

September 19, 2024

Murugi Gichovi

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.