Everything is converting into subscription models, remember when cloud storage was free? The early days of Google Drive made it quite attractive to users once the service offered unlimited free storage for high-quality photos. Back in 2021, Google capped photo and document storage, forcing many people to look elsewhere, the next optimal option, is Dropbox. Similarly, Dropbox monetized a portion of its service and went from one of the most popular free services out there, offering limited free storage with options to upgrade to paid plans. But what do we do now? Here’s a few options to consider;

Google Drive

Google Drive still remains one of the favourite cloud services as it works wonderfully with other applications in Google Workspace like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This offers free storage of about 15GB shared across all Google services, while paid accounts start at $1.67/month for 100GB.

It’s a decent enough choice if one is already in the Google ecosystem, more so for students and professionals who use these apps a lot.

iDrive

IDrive is popular for its hybrid approach to cloud storage that also backs up to the cloud. Besides many other features, it includes real-time syncing, a backup scheduling option, and end-to-end-encryption. It offers 5GB for free. Paid plans start at $59.62 yearly for 5TB.

The service suits users looking for complete-scale backup possibilities along with regular cloud storage services.

pCloud

pCloud provides some of the best value for long-term use, available with lifetime plans, besides subscription options. Up to 10GB are available for free, while its premium plans start at $3.99 per month for 500GB.

Indeed, pCloud is a strong competitor, with zero-knowledge encryption, block-level syncing for faster uploads, and even robust media playing features without download.

Sync.com

Sync.com is a privacy-driven service, best known for its zero-knowledge encryption with excellent security features, ideal for users handling sensitive data.

It’s competitively priced at $6 per month, offers unlimited storage, and is the best choice for power users who value privacy and security.

MEGA

MEGA enables users who want a more generous free storage amount up to 20 GB with strong encryption and a good privacy policy. Paid plans offer as much as 16 TB of storage, so it suits users who require ample space and value data security highly.

OneDrive

OneDrive is deeply integrated with Microsoft Office applications. It’s a very convenient choice for users in the Microsoft ecosystem and provides 5 GB of free storage, besides offering paid plans starting at $1.67 per month for 100 GB.

It’s particularly useful for professionals who need tight integration with Office tools.

Dropbox

Dropbox is still one of the fiercest competitors, thanks to its ease of use and powerful collaboration toolset-especially for business users. It offers 2GB free, with paid plans starting at $9.99 per month for 2TB.

Dropbox is excellent to use regarding team collaboration, but probably not so great when it comes to huge free storage requests.

Egnyte

More businesslike, Egnyte also throws in advanced collaboration settings for teams, while integrations with other apps include Slack and Google Workspace.

It starts at $10 per user per month, making it a great choice for organizations needing advanced security and compliance features.

Cloud storage has undergone an extraordinary metamorphosis, and the various services have introduced several features and diverse pricing to suit a wide number of needs. While Google Drive and Dropbox are still widely used, other services like IDrive, pCloud, and Sync.com provide interesting options for serving data renters who want either the strongest privacy protection or large back-up solutions. Your individual needs of storage quantity, security requirement, and integration with other applications should be weighed while choosing the best cloud storage service for yourself.

Utacheza ‘loser’ for how much longer? If you really think you are that good, why not put that to the test? Why not make some money and name for yourself? The world of competitive gaming has exploded, and it’s not just something you see in flashy tournaments in the UK or read about in gaming magazines. If you’ve ever found yourself completely immersed in a game at home, or at your locals whether it’s dominating in FIFA, constructing the perfect strategy in League of Legends, or building in Fortnite, there’s a good chance you’ve got the skills to compete against other gamers. This could mean something. You know how if you’re good at football you go places if you get spotted or if you can run pretty fast you get to represent the country? Well, gaming is now in that same category and could take you places.

Welcome to the World of Esports

Esports, or electronic sports, has become a massive global phenomenon. Picture this: stadiums packed with cheering fans, not for a Manchester City vs Manchester United match, but to watch teams of gamers compete in intense, fast-paced virtual battles. These are real athletes of the digital age, training hard, developing strategies, and competing for glory and substantial cash prizes. Esports is a billion-dollar industry, and it’s only growing. There are leagues and tournaments dedicated to popular games like FIFA, Fortnite, and Call of Duty, with some events drawing in millions of viewers worldwide.

Let us know which games you think you are the best at in the comments

Esports in Africa and Kenya

You might think that this gaming fever is something only happening far away, but Africa is rapidly becoming a hotspot for esports too. In Kenya, the gaming community is vibrant and growing. Local tournaments are becoming more frequent, offering a platform for gamers to showcase their skills. This September 7th, all eyes will be on the Gaming Impact Grand Series at the Kenya Cinema, one of the most anticipated esports events of the year. Organised by AlphaClan Esports in partnership with EsportsAfrica, SmartVR, Jiwe Esports, Paydhq, Barbah Games, Kenya Film Classification Board, and VibeYetu, this event is a golden opportunity for local gamers, you, to step into the limelight.

From Home Gamer to Esports Pro

So, how do you go from playing games at home to competing in these high-stakes tournaments? The first step is simple: start competing. Many gamers begin their journey by entering local competitions, whether online or at nearby gaming hubs. Not only do these tournaments provide a platform to test your skills, but they’re also fantastic for meeting other gamers, learning new techniques, and maybe even finding a team to join. Even more similar to reality sports, at these local tournaments your talent could be spotted by sponsors and coaches.

Imagine going to the Gaming Impact Grand Series, not just as a spectator, but as a competitor. Picture yourself going head-to-head with other gamers, feeling the rush as you score that winning goal in FIFA or pull off a last-second victory in a shooter game. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the experience, the community, and the thrill of the game. Who knows, your name might be the next one called out as a champion!

The Career Potential in Gaming

Beyond the glory of competition, gaming has even more career potential. Pro gamers can earn money through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and even streaming their gameplay online. But it doesn’t stop at being a player. The gaming industry is vast, with roles for game developers, designers, shoutcasters (the commentators of the esports world), and coaches. If you’ve ever had a passion for gaming, there’s a place for you in this industry. And getting involved in local tournaments is the first step towards making that passion a profession.

If you love gaming, don’t limit yourself to just playing at home. Explore the competitive side of gaming, enter local tournaments, and see where your skills can take you. The Gaming Impact Grand Series is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect place to start. Whether you come as a competitor or a spectator, you’re sure to leave with new friends, new skills, and a newfound love for the world of esports. So, why not give it a shot? You could be the next big name in Kenyan esports!

You’ve just posted a picture on Instagram, and within minutes, the likes start rolling in. Your phone buzzes with notifications from people you barely know but who are somehow part of your digital circle. It feels good, right?In a world where social media reigns supreme, the notion of friendship has taken on a new form. We’re constantly connected, our feeds filled with the highlights of lives lived in high definition. But behind the carefully curated images and witty captions, there’s a growing sense of emptiness and disconnection.

You have hundreds, maybe thousands, of followers, yet something’s missing. Let’s talk about this strange paradox—how can we feel so lonely when we’re surrounded by so many digital friends?

Social media has transformed how we connect with others. It’s no longer just about keeping up with friends and family; it’s about building a brand, finding a tribe, and staying in the loop. But somewhere along the way, the lines between real and virtual friendships have blurred. We’re constantly connected, yet meaningful connections seem harder to come by.

The truth is, social media friendships often lack the depth and authenticity of real-life relationships. Online, it’s easy to present a version of ourselves that isn’t entirely accurate—filtered, curated, and, at times, fabricated. This digital façade can make it difficult for others to know the real you and, in turn, for you to know them. The result? Shallow interactions that leave us craving something more substantial.

One of the biggest challenges with social media friendships is the pressure to keep up appearances. We post the highlights of our lives—the vacations, the nights out, the achievements—while quietly dealing with our struggles behind the scenes. This creates a false sense of reality, leading others to believe that our lives are perfect. And when we see others doing the same, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and, yes, loneliness.

But it’s not just about appearances. Social media algorithms are designed to show us content that aligns with our interests and beliefs, which can create echo chambers. We end up surrounded by people who think like us, which might seem comforting, but it can also limit our exposure to different perspectives. This can make online friendships feel less challenging, less enriching, and ultimately, less rewarding.But here’s the thing: while social media can connect us in some ways, it’s crucial to cultivate genuine relationships outside the digital world.

Making time for face-to-face interactions, meaningful conversations, and activities that don’t involve a screen can help bridge the gap between online connections and real-life friendships. After all, the likes and follows may feel good in the moment, but nothing beats the warmth of a true friendship.

So, how can we make our social media friendships more meaningful? Here are a few tips:

-Be Authentic: Share the real you, not just the highlights. Authenticity invites others to do the same, creating a space for genuine connection.

– Engage Deeply: Don’t just like and comment; start conversations. Ask questions, share thoughts, and take the time to truly engage with others.

– Meet Offline: Whenever possible, take online friendships offline. There’s something irreplaceable about face-to-face interactions that digital communication can’t replicate.

– Limit Your Time: It’s easy to get sucked into the social media vortex, but setting boundaries can help. Spend more time nurturing real-life relationships.In the end, social media is just a tool—it’s how we use it that matters.

By being intentional about how we connect online, we can build friendships that are just as meaningful as those we cultivate offline. After all, it’s not about the number of followers you have; it’s about the quality of connections you make.By balancing our digital lives with real-world interactions and prioritizing authenticity, we can create a social circle that truly supports and enriches us. So next time you scroll through your feed, remember to look beyond the likes and comments—there’s a real person behind each profile, and that’s where the magic of connection begins. As hard as that may seem, I’d advise you take that shot, or what do you think?