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Takaful Insurance Unveils My Cyber Care To Monitor and Protect Personal Digital Assets in Real-time

Fredrick Gitaka
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Takaful Insurance of Africa Ltd (TIA), an insurance company offering ethical and innovative products recently unveiled My Cyber Care insurance cover to monitor and protect personal digital assets in real-time.

Takaful, which provides a wide range of risk management and financial security service based on the principles of togetherness, cooperation and mutual solidarity, says My Cyber Care cover will provide users with protection for their digital assets especially as business move towards digital transformation in Kenya.

Founded in 2008, Takaful Insurance Africa operates on ethical and moral foundations and does not cater for activities involving exploitative interest, gambling and excessive uncertainty.

The Sharia-compliant insurance provider says the new digital data protection product will protect Kenyans digital assets against loss or related losses to hackers. The cover is for both individuals and companies whether financial, telcos or retail businesses.

While Kenya’s Data Protection Act protects Kenyans data from unauthorized access and use, criminals break into systems to steal or use the data for their own personal gains. The biggest example has been accessing of digital banking apps where criminals use the data to steal from unsuspecting victims.

My Cyber Care Takaful cover works simply. Using a technology platform, it monitors and protects personal digital assets and devices in real-time. The system monitors one’s digital footprints and alerts users of any fraudulent access or usage of their digital IDs, credit cards, emails, devices, and mobile numbers. In case of unauthorized access, one is advised on what action to take in order to protect themselves and their assets online.

Takaful Insurance says it aims to help its customers to stay safe online and engage in the global digital economy without fear of risks or losses.

Uber App Introduces Safety Feature to Let You Report a Problem While on Trip

Val Lukhanyu
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Uber App Introduces Safety Feature to Let You Report a Problem While on Trip

Uber has added a safety feature on the Uber app to let you report a problem from the car when the trip is in progress. The feature is currently available in the US and Canada.

This is the second feature after the company in 2018 added a 911 button. Where you could alert the cops from an insecurity incident while using Uber. Uber notes that not all the cases need the attention of the cops. The new button will let riders report to the company for quick attention.

“The feature will give riders the opportunity to report inappropriate behaviour during a trip. When it’s on the top of their mind, rather than at the end of the trip” according to Uber.

Uber is Keen to reassure riders that it’s looking out for them. On the app, there is a button that lets you quickly contact 911 when you feel a sense of danger in the car.

However, the new feature is specifically for non-emergency situations. Uber believes the new option will increase the likelihood of a rider reporting an issue, as some are too busy to do so once they exit the car.

From the apps safety tool kit, you will now see the option to report the safety incident which you can access by tapping on the blue shield icon.

To report an incident when a ride is in progress, select the option and tap out the reason for getting in touch. Uber’s safety team will contact you regarding the issue after the trip.

Noting form a 2018 Uber safety report, Uber’s head of women’s safety and gender-based violence programs. She said “Feedback has been a part of the Uber experience since the beginning. However, our research shows that riders may not consistently report experiences that make them feel uncomfortable. After the trip, most rides get distracted.”

From the report. There were more than 3,045 sexual assaults that are alleged to have taken place during trips made in the US. The assaults occurred among 1.3 billion rides that were taken in 2018.

By offering an additional reporting channel, Uber aims to encourage riders to share feedback when appropriate. Enabling the company to identify important issues that it can work on resolving.

 

What Features To Consider When Buying A Nanny Cam

Vanessa Waithera
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What Features To Consider When Buying A Nanny Cam

Do you want to buy a nanny cam?

New age parents prefer buying nanny cams than the old fashioned way of telling the neigbours to checkup on the nanny. There have been plenty of horror stories whereby house helps have been caught unawares abusing children and those videos bore paranoid parents who are forever anxious about their children’s safety. Before buying a nanny cam you need to see if the features are right. Nanny cams are not cheap but there are several brands in the market that are preferred based on the features.

1. What’s the HD?

HD or high definition is a video format with a high pixel rate to give you more details and clarity. But at the same time, it comes at the price of decreased storage and higher cost. Considering your storage space, and practical demand, 720p and 1080p resolution is enough.

2. Can you hear or talk back and forth?

Nanny cameras with audio let you speak to your kids and babysitters for better monitoring. This works especially well if you have already told your nanny that there’s a camera in the house because you prefer seeing what your baby is doing. I have a friend who diligently tells her nanny when she’s in the wrong and is able to see what her baby is watching.

3. Is it wireless?

A wireless security cameras for baby monitoring lets you watch live video feeds while other nanny cameras just record the video for you to watch later. It depends on whether you want to see things as they happen or you prefer watching the videos later.

4. iPhone/iPad/Android compatible

With remote monitoring, you can check live streaming of your kid and the caregiver from your mobile devices when you are at work. This is great because as long as your phone is on you’re able to see what’s going on in your house.

5. Motion activation

You can’t always be watching your PC or smartphone to keep track of everything you nanny does. Motion activation is an awesome feature which can send you alerts when motion occurs in front of it. This one is highly advanced and a bit more pricey as well.

6. Recording

Most nanny cams allows video recording on SD card, but the drawback is that the SD card can be filled up quickly. For a 24/7 reliable recording, use nanny cam with a NVR is a better choice.

7. Viewing angle

Depend on how large your room is, you can choose a wide-angle nanny camera, so that you can see all areas of the room. So make sure the camera has a pan-tilt function.

9. Power source

There are mainly two types when it comes to the power supply of a nanny camera: battery operated cameras and AC powered ones. Battery powered nanny cams run on rechargeable battery packs, while AC powered devices draw their power directly from the outlet. When running out of battery in several hours, the camera will stop working. If it’s convenient for you to find a power source, an AC powered nanny cam is a better choice for ongoing monitoring and recording.

Why so many impact ventures fail to scale

Partner Content
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By Jason Goldberg

We’re in a decade of unparalleled seriousness. Climate change and inequality are urgent crises. Achieving the Global Goals / SDGs is a matter of profound importance to our children, and hopefully theirs as well.

Like it or not, these Goals are in the hands of Founders. We can’t incrementally tweak or legislate our way to the required degree of change. We need to innovate our way there, which requires scaling the proven concepts of great innovators. And of course, that’s what Impact Investing is about: finding and scaling the solutions we need.

And there-in lies our conundrum. We need M-pesa stories. But we have far more WeWork stories. M-pesa became the most successful mobile-phone-based financial service in the developing world in three short years, and went on to fundamentally change financial inclusion in Kenya.

But most of the promising innovations we back don’t work out that way. More go the way of WeWork: stellar rise, followed by colossal fall. Still more simply get stuck at some irrelevant scale: making a small difference, sure; but not creating the ecosystem-level change we’d hoped for.

Why do so many promising impact ventures fail when they scale?

Less than 3% of start-ups last for a decade. After more than a decade of experience in supporting and investing in founders, we believe that the main problem isn’t the quantity of entrepreneurial activity taking place in developing countries (although of course, we’d like more), but rather the ability of successful start-up teams to scale up.

1. Organisations change dramatically as they transition to new lifecycle phases

The issue is how organisations change when they succeed. As they grow, they move from start-up phase into the scale-up phase. And that’s much more dangerous than it might at first appear to be.

2. Different business lifecycles require different leadership styles

The reality is that each stage requires a different set of skills and leadership style. And most successful Founders have what’s required to succeed initially, but not later. In a word: ‘they’re not scalable’. At least not without the right sort of help.

The major challenges begin when successful start-up entrepreneurs (who are fundamentally good hustlers) need to evolve into builders and managers (which fundamentally requires good system architects and builders, and then good system managers).

This requires a completely different set of skills to what the early stages of their businesses required of them, and in fact different mindsets and ways of being as well.

Building Founders that can grow with their businesses

And that’s why so many successful, innovative start-ups fail. Sadly, our experience and research over the last decade suggests a minority of founders who are great in the entrepreneurial start-up stages adapt well to the scale up stages without the right kind of support. In a way, that’s intuitive: the later stages require a fundamentally different kind of leader to succeed than what the start-up stages required. And most Founders just don’t know that!

In addition, where there is assistance, it tends to focus on start-ups, ignoring scale-ups because they’ve ‘made it’. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In some ways, Founders are much more out of their depth when the scale-up stage arrives and they need more support than ever. Absent that support, the result will likely be more disappointing results that aggregate to missing the Global Goals, with all the tragic consequences that follow.

Jason is the founding director of Edge Growth

 and co-founder of Vumela Fund. 

Huawei Mate Xs launches in China

Val Lukhanyu
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Huawei Mate Xs launches in China

Huawei has released it’s 2020 flagship, Huawei Mate Xs folding device at Huawei’s own event in Barcelona after the MWC cancellation last week.

Owing to fears over the coronavirus, GSMA cancelled the 2020 Mobile World Congress. Huawei launched the Mate Xs alongside revamped tablets and laptops at a virtual press conference instead.

Huawei Mate Xs unfolds into a tablet, which directly competes with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold.   

The device completely takes after its predecessor the Mate X with the exact design. However, the Mate Xs has a new, and more robust hinge design and upgraded cameras.

Features of the Huawei Mate Xs

The Mate Xs will boost Huawei’s new Kirin 990 processor supported with 5G connectivity.

The device delivers a true FullView experience with an 8-inch outwards-folding display enabled by the new mechanical hinge design.

It comes with Falcon Wing design which features more than 100 interlocking parts working in perfect harmony to reinforce the display. While delivering a seamless user experience across the two modes. The Falcon wing was First deployed on the HUAWEI Mate X

Made with a zirconium-based liquid metal, the upgraded hinge is much more durable, facilitating a satisfying full 180-degree fold.

The Huawei Mate Xs comes with a flexible display featuring an innovative two-layer polymer structure.

The foldable display is manufactured using a Huawei-pioneered technique adhering two layers of aerospace-grade polyimide with an optically clear adhesive. This unique material allows the display to produce great image quality, colour saturation and brightness while retaining a high degree of durability.

The device is a powerful dual-screen smartphone featuring a 6.6-inch main screen and a 6.38-inch secondary screen. Unfolded, the smartphone becomes an 8-inch tablet that delivers a viewing experience across a myriad of work and play scenarios unrivalled by that of any other smartphone.

The Mate Xs also includes a Flying Fish Fin Cooling System that is designed for the foldable form factor. This unique cooling system utilises flexible graphene with microscopic crevices that allow it to fold along with the device and cover the full surface area for even, effective cooling.

Designed especially for the HUAWEI Mate Xs’ slim form factor, It also comes with a bespoke 5G antenna system specifically for the Mate Xs slim factor. A result of a lengthy R&D process, the antenna design ensures high speed, stable connectivity on the  Mate Xs.

Following the ongoing battle with the US, the smartphone does not have Googles version of Android Apps. Which is a big concern for Huawei’s consumer market.

 

 

 

The future of foldable smartphone screens

Daisy Chepkoech
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In the last few years we have seen an insurgence of foldable smartphones that allow you to capitalize on screen space in a smaller package. Different manufacturers have had different approaches to the problems that foldable screens face and so we’re going to cover some of the most popular ways in which phone manufacturers have been wrestling with this problem in recent times. Along the way we will also discuss the future of foldable smartphones, since many people wonder if they are ever going to be viable, even with all the advancements in technology.

#1 The mini tablet fold

The most popular, and actually the first foldable design that came out had to do with screens doubling their real estate with the fold. Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X are a perfect example of this type of foldable smartphone and they are basically all doing the same thing even though they’re approaching it from a different angle. Namely, the Mate X folds outward, exposing its fragile screen, but giving a more enticing and more futuristic design, while the Galaxy Fold folds inwards, revealing another, smaller screen on the front of the folded device. This might be more practical and secure, but it definitely isn’t as flashy as the Mate X. With either one of the designs we can definitely see the benefit. Imagine playing your favorite free games on a bigger screen instead of your current smartphone.

#2 The flip phone fold

This is one of the more attractive approaches seen with the foldable screens. It doesn’t really offer anything in a practical sense as it just folds out to the same screen size as a normal smartphone. However, it does give you that nostalgic feeling of opening and closing a flip phone like you used to back in the day. The phones that have come out with this design are the Motorola RAZR (and the recently announced RAZR 2) as well as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Samsung obviously likes to experiment with their designs, but the main difference between their rendition of the flip phone smartphone fold and the one coming from Motorola is that Samsung is also packing in all the latest specs as well.

#3 The tablet trifold

While this last approach isn’t on the market right now, manufacturers are looking for ways to incorporate it in their foldable smartphone design. The idea is that instead of folding your screen once and getting a smaller flip phone or a bigger mini tablet, you could actually fold the screen twice instead. This would allow your regular smartphone screen to develop into a full size tablet. Imagine what that would bring in terms of screen sizes. You could watch movies in 4K or even play your favorite HD best online games as well. There are no limits to what you could do with that kind of screen size that could potentially fit in your pocket like a regular old smartphone today!

Google Contacts Regains Ability to Create Multiple Contacts

Val Lukhanyu
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Google contacts on the web have regained the ability to quickly create multiple contacts.  The feature was disabled last year in favour of the material theme redesign to match Gmail and Android App.

The ability to create multiple contacts with Google Contacts on the web is widely rolled out for personal and G Suite accounts.

The new contacts now It fits in well with Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and other Google apps with Material Theme. It also spills over from the Android app.

There are two options to create contacts. First,  you can tap on the create contact tab complete with a multi-colored plus sign — in the top-left corner which  reveals two options: “Create a contact” and “Create multiple contacts.”

The second option opens a dialogue to “Add names, email addresses, or both” by just entering addresses, specifically by copying and pasting from the header of an email thread you might be a part of.

This joins the existing option to import contacts by CSV or vCard file, but more direct as users can just type and separate with a comma.

Adding multiple contacts on Google contacts

1. You can create multiple contacts Under labels by creating a label (at the bottom of the list of existing labels)

2. Create a label (you can use one of the email addresses of contacts you want in the group).

3. Go to create contacts then select multiple contacts
4. Cut and paste all the email address in, and select the label you just created.

Deleting multiple contacts

Google contacts also gives you the option to delete multiple contacts. To delete the contacts, check the box next to all contacts you want to delete. On the top left click more actions then click delete.

 

vivo Smartphone APEX 2020 Concept Phone Coming February 28

Val Lukhanyu
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vivo Smartphone APEX 2020 Concept Phone Coming February 28
vivo Smartphone will be launching their 2020 concept phone dubbed ‘APEX’ on Friday, February 28th in an online-only event.  The device was scheduled for launch during the recently cancelled Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.
GSMA cancelled the MWC event due to coronavirus concerns globally which made it impossible to hold the event.  Bowing to the inevitable, most smartphone makers are now launching their devices in online-only events.
The device will outline vivo Smartphones next line of devices from the design process and features of their next flagships.
Prior to the launch, vivo has released a couple of teasers to stir the hype before the event revealing some of the notable features of the device.
The images shared also give a sneak-peek at the front and back of the device which will employ a port-less design just like on the 2019 concept device.
The teaser also shows a curved screen on the sides and a number “120” running from top to bottom. This could be a  hint for a 120HZ refresh rate or 120-degree display. The panel will come with a 120Hz refresh rate while the sides will feature second-generation pressure-sensitive on-screen buttons.
The front of the vivo APEX 2020 will house a 6.45-inch screen with an extreme 120-degree curve on both sides.

The 2019 vivo APEX concept phone had a “waterfall display” with 88-degree curved edges. The number 120 could also be an indicator for the future design of the vivo phones.

Standing at either on the 120HZ refresh rate or 120-degree curve or both.

The first vivo APEX concept phone at the MWC 2018  introduced the world to pop-up selfie cameras, while last year’s model hinted at the Nex 3’s curved glass and virtual buttons.

Let’s wait for the 2020 package possibly to come with more technological advancements than the previous concepts.

 

 

Google Advises Consumers Against Sideloading its Apps on Uncertified Huawei Devices

Val Lukhanyu
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Google Advises Consumers Against Sideloading its Apps on Uncertified Huawei Devices

Google has issued a warning for customers with newer Huawei products not to sideload its apps.  This includes Gmail, YouTube, the Play Store, or other related software.

Due to the ongoing US ban, the company has been prohibited from working with Huawei. This means the newest Huawei devices do not access to Google Apps.

“New Huawei device models made available to the public after May 16, 2019, have not been able to go through the security process. They will not  Play Protect preloaded. As a result, they are considered “uncertified,” thus will not utilize Google’s apps and services.

The US government only issued temporary general licenses that permit Google to work with Huawei on security updates for existing device models only.

In the statement, Google warns its, users, against sideloading android apps onto those uncertified devices noting that it cannot guarantee safety.

Google recommends that users should not sideload its apps and services due to a “high risk of installing an app that has been altered or tampered with in ways that can compromise user security.” Besides safety concerns, Google cannot guarantee reliable user experience.

The statement comes as Google has received “questions about new Huawei devices.” Specifically, about how it’s possible to unofficially access via sideloading the apps and services on those uncertified phones and tablets.

According to 9to5Google blog. Google is concerned about the average buyer of a new Huawei device wanting to access familiar Android apps. In turning to online guides about sideloading its services. There is a worry that the unofficial sources of those downloads could be malicious. Also, high chances of regular users not being able to understand the user risks involved.

In addition, sideloaded apps will not work reliably. Google does not allow these services to run on uncertified devices where security may be compromised. Sideloading the apps carry a high risk of installing an app that has been altered or tampered with. They can as well compromise user security.

 

Carbon Nigeria Introduces USSD Service to Enhance Access to Finance

Val Lukhanyu
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Carbon Nigeria Introduces USSD Service to Enhance Access to Finance

Carbon, the Pan-African digital financial services company, has introduced a USSD service to its platform. Making it even easier for individuals that have little or no access to smartphones or the internet. They can now access the financial services they need such as instant loans and easy-to-use payments.

This new service will allow existing Carbon customers to access instant loans and other payment solutions via USSD. Which does not require any internet data. Prior to the launch of the USSD channel. Carbon’s financial services were only available to smartphone users via its Android and iOS apps.

Additionally, Carbon is also launching simplified transaction processes for the new USSD functionality that are faster and easier to use. Using the USSD code *1303#, customers on MTN and 9Mobile will now be able to quickly transact. Encouraging more financial inclusion and making access to financial services possible in the absence of internet connectivity.

The new USSD channel will deepen Carbon’s market reach. Allowing it to deliver innovative financial services to a wider range of consumers and giving them easier, quicker access to the funds and services they require to fulfil their needs.

USSD continues to provide an effective and efficient channel for delivering much-needed financial services across Africa. Mobile phone penetration continues to rise on the continent1, providing a platform for much-needed fintech innovation, but the high cost of internet data2 and the prevalence of feature phones3 means many are still excluded from the benefits of mainstream financial services.

According to Chijioke Dozie, CEO and co-founder of Carbon, “One of the biggest advantages of USSD is that it works with or without the internet, which is reassuring in the African context where internet data is expensive and inconsistent. Fintech continues to develop across Africa and ingrains itself into people’s everyday lives. It is important to invest and innovate across the ecosystem. And also ensuring that individuals are not excluded from the benefits of financial inclusion.”

Carbon’s new USSD channel will also enable airtime recharge and funds transfer for existing customers. Bill payments, loans and onboarding of new customers via USSD are among the things that will be included on the platform.

Glovo Opens Glover Technical Center as Part of Investment in Customer Service Enhancements

Val Lukhanyu
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Glovo Opens Glover Technical Center as Part of Investment in Customer Service Enhancements

Glovo has opened a technical centre to tap into customers service and job creation. Already, with the opening fo the new centre, they have created 75 new jobs to Nairobi residents.

The number adds to Glovo’s current employee number of over 1,000 people and 35,000 active globers globally. Who on a daily basis benefit from the company.

The new facility dubbed “Glover Center” and a 2nd new Glovo operations facility in Westlands will help to improve the efficiency of service for Glovo local consumers and riders. Glovo links motorcycle riders to consumers wishing to buy and deliver products.

With the technical centre, the company now targets to provide faster and localised rider and customer support and in turn faster deliveries. The move signals Glovo’s commitment to growing in Kenya by investing in its technology infrastructure.

“This is a major milestone in Glovo’s expansion in Kenya and for our broader vision of providing unparalleled convenience and customer experience to our users. Our overriding objective is to put our customers first. As we grow we are ensuring that our infrastructure and facilities keep pace,” said William Benthall, Glovo General Manager for Kenya.

“We are also really proud that Glovo is creating 75 new jobs in Nairobi. As well as major income-generating opportunities for our local partners who list their products on the platform. Including supermarkets, cooking gas, pharmacies, and restaurants ranging from Big Square to Kibanda Express,” he added.

Glovo has been very deliberate in stepping up. And has been creating an infrastructure that will improve consumer needs and guarantee customer satisfaction. While ensuring that average delivery times on the platform continue to drop well below 45 minutes.

The new launch assimilates Glovo’s aims to lead in every market it enters. While providing an on-demand experience that delivers for customers and beyond believing in innovations.

Earlier on, Glovo’s Co-founder Oscar Pierre had noted that. “We believe innovations such as dark supermarkets. As well as our appetite to innovate to provide everything through one app for city dwellers.”

Glovo competes Sendy, Uber Eats and Bolt Food. It’s delivery spans from services to food, supermarkets, drinks, gifts, as well as courier services to residents as far as Kitengela and Nakuru.

Jahwaiian Cannabis And Hawaiian Culture

Milcah Lukhanyu
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Jahwaiian Cannabis, otherwise known simply as Hawaiian Marijuana, is a prominent tool for those suffering from stress, anxiety, nerves, and depression. The strain does not produce a strong body high, but rather, a subtle and mild extremity high. Where the strain is strong in the mind. Known to create a happy, confident, and stressor free consciousness that will increase focus, determination, and creativity. As an added bonus, many report the urge to talk and laugh due to intense feelings of euphoria. It is important to note that Hawaiian weed is purely a Sativa strain. Covered in orange hairs, the plant is coloured a brilliant light green. Expect large, dense, and compact buds. When smoked, the presence of a sweet citrus aroma is present, along with a variety of flavours that many deem tropical. Interestingly enough, Hawaiian weed is often a factor in the creation of hybrid strains, most likely due to its 20% THC content. Hawaiian weed is an incredibly popular strain, with its popularity growing more and more each day. 

An Excellent Hawaiian Security System

Hawaii is home to many weed farmers, but one, in particular, stands out among the rest. This specific farmer is special not just because he’s farming weed, but because he uses cows to protect his crop. He believed that his old security system wouldn’t do nearly enough to stop invaders from stealing his crop, as thieves tend to be resourceful and cunning. Considering this Hawaiian farmer worked tediously to get his medical crop license, it should come as no surprise that a less than perfect security system was not something he would settle on. Here is where it gets interesting. The farmer contacted a local cattle rancher, and they discussed the possibility of the cattle rancher housing some of his cattle on the weed farmer’s land. That way, the cattle rancher would get free use of the land, and the weed farmer would have the cows to eat away at the shrubbery and keep a clear line of sight available to him. The deal was struck, and now cows across forty acres of land are hard at work protecting the Jahwaiian Cannabis plants. Also, the weed farmer decided to put up signs declaring the cows as angry bulls, and that they would attack anyone who entered the premises. Afterall, he couldn’t rely on the actions of the cows alone considering they don’t much other than eat away at the shrubs and sleep during the night. 

Hawaiian Culture

The story about a weed farmer using the various resources available to him through his social network is a prominent theme throughout most of Hawaii. A society where people share, collaborate and work together on projects big and small. The weed farmer spoken of above one day decided to set up security feeds of the roads leading to his crops and then shared that security feed with neighbours and other local farmers. The goal being aware of not only what he was doing, but who comes toward the farms and why. This particular farmer is an excellent example of Hawaiian culture. He initially ran a tomato farm, but decided, later on, to get his medical crop and license and provide more natural medicine to his community. 

My Glass Removed from Play Store Ahead of Google Glass Apps Shut Down

Val Lukhanyu
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My Glass Removed from Play Store Ahead of Google Glass Apps Shut Down

Google last year, announced that its first-party Mirror apps for Google Glass will no longer work starting in February 2020. The app is no longer available on the Google play store a few days ahead of the removal.

The removal comes ahead of apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Hangouts. Both apps will no longer support Glass after February 25, 2020.

Google Glass is an enterprise product for factories and other similar environments.

The Google glass app allowed you to set-up Glass and manage Glassware apps from Google and third-party developers. It would also let you see captured photos, Screencast, control notifications, and other settings.

Additionally, the app would intuitively fit into your workflow and helps you remain engaged and focused on high-value work by removing distractions. Using voice commands, you can activate the right application for you at any time.

My Glass app could as well connect you with coworkers in an instant, bringing expertise to the right where you are through a live video stream so you can collaborate and troubleshoot in real-time

Its last update on android was in 2017 and August for iOS. And one final update late 2019 for Explorer Version that removes the need and ability to use your Google account on Glass. However, the update could only be installed manually.

This update was intended for Glass units that are signed out of Google or reset to factory conditions although only the basic settings will be available for February.

Noting from google,” There’s a diploma of nuance as to what this software program replace does.

Available functionality after the deadline will include. Pairing directly to your phone over Bluetooth, taking photos, recording videos, and sideloading apps.

Some files, for example, the signed image file, will be officially available until 2022.

There is no clear indication of why google is discontinuing my Glass. However, noting from an article on the Telegraph,  suggests that the pp is googles biggest disappointment as there were no apps to connect.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Google

Fredrick Gitaka
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Google is by far the world’s most dominant search engine, holding over 92.71% of the search engine market share. Just because it’s dominant, however, doesn’t mean that it’s the only one. 

With people becoming increasingly concerned about their online privacy, and Google collecting increasingly more personal information, numerous Google alternatives have sprouted up. 

Some of the alternatives aim to offer better privacy policies to their users, while others attempt to become more eco-friendly. Whatever the reasons for finding alternative search engines may be, users can easily find the one that suits them best. 

Bing 

Bing is the second most popular search engine, with 2.45% of the global search engine market share. It’s the best Google alternative with the highest number of users. 

Yahoo! provides the results, and users can access features such as translator, converter, spell checker, and the like. An app is available for both Android and iOS devices, and one of its strongest assets is the focus on the visual appeal. 

DuckDuckGo 

Users who are more concerned about their online privacy will enjoy DuckDuckGo the most. It’s one of the fastest-growing search engines precisely because of its focus on privacy. 

The search engine doesn’t store any of the user’s searches and doesn’t collect any of the user’s personally identifiable information. 

It’s open-sourced, and the search results are collected from dozens of different sources, including Bing, among others. 

StartPage 

For better search engine results and more privacy, many users turn to StartPage. The search engine’s strongest asset is the fact that it shows the users Google’s results but prevents Google from tracking the users. 

Besides preventing Google from collecting user information, StartPage itself doesn’t store it. All users can also access “Annonymous View,” which will keep them protected when they click on a search result. 

Givero 

With a unique take on search engines, Givero promises privacy while supporting charitable organizations of the user’s choice. The search engine generates revenue through ads, and a percentage of it is sent to a charity that the user specifies. 

Bing provides the search results, and while Givero does an excellent job of protecting users’ privacy, more could be done. Bing still has access to the users’ IP addresses. 

While certainly not the best, Givero is a good choice for anyone looking for a Google alternative with a good cause. 

Ecosia 

Speaking of good causes, Ecosia is a search engine that helps protect the environment. It has a relatively small user base, but a portion of its profits go to reforestation. So far, the company states that it’s helped plant over 84 million trees. 

Its biggest drawback is the privacy policy. While offering more privacy to the users than Google, it still collects IP addresses, users’ locations, browser agents, and more. 

Bing provides the search results, and although they are collected and stored, they’re anonymized after seven days. 

Google is unique in its ability to provide exact and relevant search results and offer a personalized experience to every user. However, this comes at the cost of user privacy. 

The search engines mentioned above offer more privacy, but the search results leave something to be desired. All of them are good alternatives, but the choice is up to the end-user and will depend on their own preferences. 

Online Gambling- Are Players at Risk of Prosecution?

Okii Eli
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The legality of online gambling is ambiguous, as there no well-defined legal framework, while some states in the United States allow online wagering while others do not allow. Laws are amended over time. This gives a chance to people to indulge in these gambling websites and play with cryptocurrencies. When a person visits a website and pays money for playing games like judi online over there, which results in an outflow of more money or loss, that situation is referred to as online gambling. There are different kinds of games which could lead to financial loss, and many of them are set through a gambling service as a casino. The gambling website must have legal registration with proper authority to carry out the business and also important in which country, state it is registered. It is equally important the state or country where you are residing allows online gambling or not.

Risk of online gambling

The websites which carry business without proper legal authorization and regulations can be dubious and can have a malicious goal of laundering money. The website can hack your personal and banking information and can use it in an illegal way. They can infect your computer with viruses and Trojans and can demand a ransom to turn your computer to normal mode.  These spiteful activities can lead to identity theft and apparatus destruction. These fake gambling sites may hack your banking password, record keystrokes, and access other important information. So choosing the right, trustworthy, and legal online gambling website is necessary for your security and safety.

The legal framework of online gambling is evolving over the years. Online gambling- are players at risk of prosecution? The answer lies in the circumstances on the residing place of the player, and if he or she is using cryptocurrency for gambling. There is no federal law concerning gambling, which will charge the person with criminal activity. The chance of prosecution increases if the resident state of the player does not have a well-defined online gambling law. The chance of arrest and prosecution may depend on the type of gambling activity the player is involved in, such as betting with a sports agent.

The law of gambling is formulated and executed at the state level, as they have the police power. Empowered with this jurisdiction, they can make and enforce the law for public safety and morality, such as criminal laws. They have complete freedom to decide whether online gambling is legal or not. And if it is not legal, what penalties are to be levied for not abiding it. Many states choose to penalize the gambling operator or providers, not the players, but simply choice is theirs. There is no legal principle preventing states from penalizing gambling providers but also people participating in online gambling. It is the sole discretion of state for criminally prosecuting you for online gambling or not.

The penalty

Penalties for gambling is not formulated. Equally, there is no standard punishment for not abiding the law. Some states impose a fine as they treat illegal gambling as a “disorderly” offense, with no prison term. Other states can treat illegal gambling as a misdemeanor, wherewith a hefty fine one can be poisoned for days, weeks, or even months. But no states treat the act of indulging in online gambling as a felony, which carries far more severe punishments. If you are caught in Vermont for online gambling coughing up $200 as fine is enough to get rid of the situation. In Oregon, if you are caught for gambling, including online, the act will be treated as class a misdemeanor, which implies a potential jail term for up to a year. Gambling carries both financial and legal risk.

Cryptocurrency

Legal issues around the use of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin are still ambiguous. The use of cryptocurrency in countries like; Algeria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bolivia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Vietnam is completely illegal. Bitcoin is restricted in many countries. Major examples are India and China. The use and exchange rate with major currencies of the world is not clear to most people. Any financial transactions with cryptocurrency bear a risk of legal complications. Even properly gambling without any legal issues, just using cryptocurrency, can increase the risk of prosecution of the person.

Kenya’s Sokowatch raises $14M led by Quona Capital, to revamp Africa’s supply-chain markets

Karani Nyamu
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Kenya’s Sokowatch, which enables informal retailers to order products at anytime via SMS or mobile app, and receive free same-day delivery to their store has raised $14 million in Series A funding for expansion.

Sokowatch, launched in 2016, has operations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. The $14 million Series A, led by Quona Capital, with the participation of Amplo, Breyer Capital, Vertex Ventures, Timon Capital and existing investor 4DX Ventures, will help it to enter into new products such as working-capital, data-analytics and launch into new markets.

Sokowatch makes it easier for shopkeepers to source goods and helps manufacturers ensure that their products are consistently available to consumers. It leverages historic purchasing data to provide retailers with access to credit and other financial services typically not available to informal businesses.

The firm uses its technology to track real-time sales and orders across thousands of stores. The data also gives it access to market trends and purchasing habits to enable manufacturers to tailor their marketing strategies, personalized promotions and business insights to individual retailers.

The firm’s platform also connects merchants directly to local and multinational suppliers and helps digitize orders, payments and delivery for over 15,000 small retailers across its markets.

Sokowatch offers retailers an app to order products from its partner suppliers and maintains a fleet of vehicles, primarily three-wheel tuk tuks, for delivery.

“We handle all of our last-mile logistics exclusively ourselves,” said Yu.

The startup is also generating additional enterprise services. “As part of the product we are developing other tools for merchants to directly manage other aspects of their business, especially when it comes inventory and overall sales,” said Yu.

The data analytics Sokowatch creates for clients is also opening up working-capital solutions.

“We’ve been able to use that data to offer in-kind credit lines to many shops that can’t gain it from banks,” said Yu.

3 Suspected Hackers Arrested In Ngara For Huge NTSA Cyber Crime

Vanessa Waithera
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3 Suspected Hackers Arrested In Ngara For Huge NTSA Cyber Crime

Suspected hackers in Ngara have been arrested in Ngara for huge NTSA crime.

3 Suspected hackers have been arrested on suspicion of cyber crime. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed that two Kenyan men were trying to break into the National Transport And Safety Authority (NTSA) and the TIMS online portals. The suspects were found in Ngara and were found with KSH 1.1M in cash and USD 100, three motor vehicles and fiber laser cutting machines that they were using to cut number plates. Micheal Onyango aged 54 and his partner Sylvester Onyango have now been arrested under serious criminal charges.

The team also had a number of painted number plates, functional desktop computers, laptops and logbooks, modems and flash drives that they were using to store NTSA data. Of course they couldn’t compete their task without having someone from the inside. A NTSA employee who worked at the call centre was also arrested and was accused of helping Michael and his partner Sylvester to access NTSA data remotely. Mr Antony Rugut Korir was found guilty of helping the hackers and had also connected a Local Area Network turtle gadget; an undercover system administration and pen testing tool that was providing stealth remote access to the suspects.

Clearly the team were brilliant minds, but why use such skills on heinous activities like these?

The reality is that there’s a serious level of unemployment in Kenya, are we really surprised that people are willing to risk their lives and freedom to get money in such a fast and criminal manner? It’s unfortunate that people like Michael and Sylvester will probably spend a good part of their lives in jail and waste their skills and talents.

Twelve African EdTech Companies Named as First Fellows at Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT

Val Lukhanyu
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Twelve African EdTech Companies Named as First Fellows at Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT
The Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) Rwanda have today announced the first cohort of 12 EdTech Fellows.
The EdTech Fellows include companies that will benefit from the Centre’s support to expand their operations and improve secondary teaching and learning across the continent.
The Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning is a five-year initiative. It was launched in 2018 as part of the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy to enable 30 million young people. Especially young women, to find dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
The Centre aims to spark innovation and promote promising practices in the use of information and communications technologies for teaching and learning. And to catalyze significant improvements in education across the continent.
The  EdTech Fellows were selected after an Africa-wide Request for Proposals late last year. Where  Innovators were invited to submit proposals on such topics as:
Those that enhance and increase accessibility and affordability of professional development for in-service teachers, which also minimizes their out-of-classroom time.
And secondly, proposals on how to create and deliver enriched learning content that improves quality, relevance. As well as accessibility to both in-school and out-of-school secondary school learners.
, “The announcement of these first Fellows at the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning is a milestone moment. We are bringing together these talented entrepreneurs.  supporting them as they innovate to drive excellence in teaching and learning offers. Together with new opportunities with great potential to raise the bar in African education. And benefit tens of millions of students.” said, Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer at the Mastercard Foundation.
The companies will receive a comprehensive package over the next year. It will include customized mentorship, financial support, the opportunity to test. And also validate and scale their business, and a USD40, 000 grant to aid in the development of their solutions.

Selected companies for the EdTech Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning

  • O’Genius Priority, Rwanda: O’Genius Panda is an educational platform where students use computers to perform laboratory experiments equipping them with experiential and practical scientific knowledge.
  • iCog Labs, Ethiopia: iCog Labs will provide coding and soft skills training to young people in 15 Ethiopian cities.
  • M-Shule, Kenya: M-Shule is the first personalized, mobile learning platform in Africa to connect learners with tailored tutoring, training, assessments, and data through SMS.
  • The Dr C.L. Smith Foundation, Kytabu Co. Ltd., Kenya: Kytabu Co. Ltd. has developed technology that enables students to access short and engaging curriculum content. Either in text, audio, and video formats through a mobile application.
  • Litemore, Kenya: Litemore has developed a mobile-first data management platform that allows students to access Kenya’s best instructors anywhere, at any time.
  • Chalkboard Education, Ghana: Chalkboard Education offers low tech software and services for institutions to create and track training programs on mobile, without the internet.
  • HITCH, Nigeria: HITCH is an educational video platform that provides underserved African schools with curated, high-quality educational content.
  • Siyavula Education, South Africa: Siyavula Education is a customized online learning platform that uses the latest research on motivation, sequencing, and cognitive science to optimize student study habits and improve test scores.
  • Instil Education, South Africa: Instill Education is a mobile teacher-training platform that provides educators with bite-sized and practical content using an approach that reinforces learning and deepens retention.
“We’re very proud and excited to have this first group of leading African innovators in EdTech with us,” . says Joseph Nsengimana, Head of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT.
“These EdTech fellows are working to expand the use of ICT. And also to address some of the most pressing issues facing education in Africa today. We will give them access to the customized mentoring and financial support they need. So that they can test, refine, and validate their products. With that, they can grow their businesses and help to improve learning outcomes throughout Africa.”  he added.

Nissan is Launching “Nissan Switch” a Subscription Service that Allows Drivers to Switch Cars

Val Lukhanyu
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Nissan is Launching “Nissan Switch” a Subscription Service that Allows Drivers to Switch Cars

Nissan is launching Nissan Switch, a Netflix-style program that allows drivers to switch between Nissan brand cars on a daily basis. Drivers are allowed to switch between two tiers, select and premium.

The select option costs $699 and the premium option costs $899 per month. Signing up the program attracts a one-off membership fee of $495.

The monthly subscription includes the vehicle unlimited switches, as often as a new vehicle each day. Delivery, cleaning, insurance, roadside assistance, and regular maintenance.

“Nissan Switch is another way Nissan is testing alternatives to the notion of traditional mobility. Without long-term financial commitments for our customers,”. said Andrew Tavi, vice president, Legal, External Affairs and Business Development, Nissan North America, Inc.

“This program provides more choice, convenience, and flexibility. You can chose to have sedan during the week and an SUV. Or sports car, like the GTR, on the weekends, Nissan Switch provides the solution,” he added.

The program will go live first in the Greater Houston area for pilot testing before rolling out in other areas.

Drivers who wish to switch the car just need to open the Nissan Switch app or text their “personal concierge”. Nissan will deliver the car to a specified service area.

The dealership concierge will also help transfer items from car to car. Offer to walk-around the vehicle at the time of delivery to answer any questions about key features, safety, and driver-assist technologies.

“Changing up your ride is as easy as binge-watching your favourite show,” said Nissan. “For those who want a sedan during the week and an SUV or sports car, like the GTR, on the weekends, Nissan Switch provides the solution.”

“We are eager to explore subscription services to understand how we can best serve customers’ evolving wants and needs. This is one great opportunity for people to drive what they want when they need it. All this comes with a predictable payment,” said Chad Milow, general manager, Central Houston Nissan.

Nissan Switch It joins Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz who offer similar subscription plans.

The program is supported by  Clutch Technologies LLC (Clutch). Which offers vehicles that represent the latest model year featuring well-equipped trim levels.

Some of the technologies include driver-assist technology, allowing shoppers to try innovative features like Nissan ProPILOT Assist.

 

 

Android 11 Preview Dropped With Exciting Top-Notch Features

Val Lukhanyu
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Android 11 Preview Dropped With Exciting Top-Notch Features

Android 11 first developer preview is here and it looks like it has exciting features altogether topping what Android 10 brought in.

The developer preview has realised very early just months after Android 10 rollout which saw a massive shift for the operating system.

Currently, it’s only available to download for a few Pixel phones.  For example, the Pixel 2,3, 3A and 4 and it’s not a public beta. It can only be installed by wiping and flashing your phone.

From a comment on Android Central blog post, “Android 11 looks to be a fairly modest year-over-year improvement compared to Android 10. At least in Developer Preview 1, there aren’t any major UI changes.”

Some of the biggest features include big improvements to how Android handles 5G connections, support for more display types, and more powerful permission controls.

Features of the Android 11 preview

Early features of the developer preview 1 include:

Bubbles — Reminiscent of Facebook’s chat heads, the “bubbles” feature. It’s a new UI for messaging apps that let you keep several conversations easily accessible anywhere through a floating bubble. It seems Google’s own messaging app has support, but the idea is that any app like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Signal could take advantage of the feature.

Conversations — There is a new conversations section of the notification shade that breaks out new messages into their own area ahead of all your emails, Instagram likes, and app updates. The idea is to make the communication parts of your phone more accessible.

Better app permissions — Android 11 is adding the option to just give apps temporary permission to your camera, microphone, and location data. It’s a simple addition, but one that makes Android a lot more secure.

Screen recording — Google already had a version of this in Android 10’s betas that didn’t make its way to the final version. But screen recording is back and has a whole fancy UI this time. This means that the feature may finally be shipping in Android 11. It basically can record your screen.

Smaller tweaks and changes:

  • Automated dark mode toggles
  • A new Motion Sense gesture for the Pixel 4 to play or pause music
  • An “increased touch sensitivity” setting for the Pixel 4, meant for use with screen savers
  • The option to pin apps to the top of the share sheet is back from the Android 10 beta.
  • Turning on airplane mode no longer disconnects Bluetooth audio connections.

There are also plenty more changes that are simply under the hood. For instance, better support for the folding, waterfall, and pinhole displays, 5G integration. It comes with scoped storage, improved privacy and security, and more.

But remember, the current Android 11 developer beta is a very early version of what we’ll be getting. So feature tweaks and major changes should be expected.

Video Gaming as a Mental Break

Val Lukhanyu
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Video Gaming as a Mental Break

All work and no play makes—well, Jack less healthy and productive. This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s absolutely true; breaks are essential for mental and physical health. And one of the best ways to take a truly relaxing break is by video gaming! Thankfully, this is easier than ever, thanks to the rise of mobile games and computer-based jobs. 

Curious exactly how playing video games as a mental break can help you be more successful? Dive into some of the biggest reasons below—and see how fun and useful mental breaks can be.

Gaming Stations At Work Help Get the Job Done

Unfortunately, gamers get a bad rep as lazy, unfocused or unambitious. But in reality, video games can help you be the exact opposite. When you take full mental breaks—where you completely mentally step away from work, like when your game—your productivity can actually increase. Not only that, breaks can prevent exhaustion, increase creativity and decrease burnout. Because of this, more businesses are choosing to have gaming stations in the office.

But corporations aren’t the only ones using gaming stations in unique areas to relax workers. Employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs are taking it upon themselves to game wherever they most need it. For example, this trucker installed a gaming pc in his big rig so that he can take fun breaks on the road.

 

Remote Workers Can Use Games to Connect With Others

Thanks to the internet, more jobs can be done remotely, meaning people can work from home—or even travel the world. While this offers many benefits (avoiding commutes, flexibility for parents, more personal freedom), loneliness and depression can be a downside. It can be easy to imagine video games would only add to this isolation, they can actually encourage camaraderie. Many online multiplayer games foster a strong sense of community, teamwork and friendship. In fact, an impressive 34% of online gamers say those building relationships is their favourite part of gaming.

A remote or isolated worker can take advantage of this by playing socially-minded games during their mental breaks. Not only will they refresh their minds, but they’ll also connect with others and add fun, meaningful social interaction to their day. And this can help coworkers bond and be more productive as well. One study found that when coworkers played games together for 45 minutes, their productivity increased by up to 20%. This is a productivity-boosting and relaxing way to bond (and is way more fun than meeting at the water cooler).

Your Video Gaming Station Can Be Your Sanctuary

If you feel like stress at work is worse now, you’re not at all wrong. It turns out workplace stress has been increasing 20% over the last 30 years. This isn’t a small issue at all. In fact, stress at work can increase the risk of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and psychological issues. This means it’s more important than ever to relax and truly care for yourself during mental breaks.

Thankfully, your video game setup (often called a “battle station”) can be an absolute self-care centre. You may assume video games setups are purely practical, or even sterile, but today, anything goes. Think luxuriously comfortable chairs, ambient lighting, noise-cancelling headphones and ergonomically-designed desks. (You can get some inspiration for “zen-level” Battlestations at Reddit’s Battlestations subreddit.) And this can be a self-care treat anyone can enjoy. Many city-dwellers with small apartments will turn entry-ways, closets, or other spaces into their own gaming centres.

Using Video Gaming  as a Mental Break is a Smart Way to Refresh

It may be tempting to go-go-go in our current culture. But stepping back and disconnecting is an essential part of staying healthy. Don’t risk burnout, health issues or mental health problems; instead, let yourself take the fun, engaging breaks by playing video games. From boosting productivity and inspiring social connection to be a source of self-care, video games can improve anyone’s life. So step back from whatever is stressing you out, settle into your favourite game, and let it work its magic on you.

 

How To Utilize Your IGTV For Your Business

Vanessa Waithera
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How To Utilize Your IGTV For Your Business

How do you utilize your IGTV for your business?

IGTV is becoming very popular especially because the algorithms keep changing and they same to favour videos a lot more. You need to have a creative way of creating IGTV videos so that you actually gain a good audience. IGTV and Instagram are two separate apps, like Facebook Messenger and Facebook. The IGTV platform is designed for sharing and watching long-form videos. It’s similar to Instagram Stories, only your videos stay forever on your channel.

The question is how do you grow your brand’s visibility with your audience?

1. You can use your previously published content

You can repurpose horizontal videos you’ve posted on YouTube and Facebook, or live-stream recordings. Short tips and listicles are always great for sharing so repurpose your blog posts into IGTV videos as well. Once you start repurposing your videos for IGTV, keep an eye on how your audience reacts to this long-form video content. Based on that data, you can offer other meaningful stories about your brand. I find that shorter videos get more traction and people are more willing to watch which makes sense because people’s attention span especially on Instagram is very short. People are more willing to consume snackable content, something that’s quick.

2. Only have exclusive content with a niche

Sharing exclusive content with viewers will help you build a dedicated audience. The content you share could be behind-the-scenes videos that show product development, production, and distribution. The best thing is that these videos don’t require extra editing. People love to view authentic content that they can relate to at the end of the day we are emotional beings and we like knowing that there are real people behind a business.

3. Create tutorials

Educational videos are always a good way to introduce your products. To take your videos to the next level, teach followers something new about your business and allow them to follow what you’re doing in real time. You can always have tips that your business can offer.

4. Start an actual series

IGTV is a modern form of television so you can approach it in a similar way by sharing a weekly or monthly segment at a recurring time. Consistency is important because people love predictability. Publishing episodes on a regular schedule will get your audience accustomed to coming back and watching a show on your IGTV channel.

5. Plan a Q&A

Answering questions from your audience is an amazing way to improve engagement while providing useful information. If you position yourself as open, and committed to discussion and answering questions, people will start trusting and relying on your business. How do you plan a Q&A? By telling people on instastory to ask you their questions then you will respond by a video.

6. Get customers talking

Nothing is more persuasive to consumers than customers talking about why they love your brand. Take a chance and spotlight some of your loyal customers on IGTV. Invite them to be featured in the video and let them tell viewers why they love your products or services.

5 KEY Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses

Partner Content
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5 KEY Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses

If you have ever thought of taking your business to the online world, then you already know how important SEO is. However, there are quite a lot of users out there who thinks that SEO does not help small business at all, and it is a big business thing only.
And in case if you are thinking the same, then you are completely wrong. Be it a small business or a large one, SEO has a lot of benefits to offer. However, to help you to understand in a better way, let me just go ahead and share 5 KEY Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses:
5 KEY Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses

1. User-Friendly Websites

Any small business owner can now create a faster, smoother, and user friendly website. However, the website is not the only thing that you need to do. Although there are quite a lot of people who think optimizing a website is all the SEO required. But in today’s time, SEO also means improving user experience.
A well structured, clean, and uncluttered websites compel a casual visitor to stay longer, thereby decreasing bounce rate and increasing page views. Along with that, high relevant content keeps the readers engaged to your blog and they get an answer to their questions. As a result, you get to solve their customer issues and serve them what exactly they are looking for.
Also, if you do on page SEO properly, you will be able to make your users happy. So the search engine will also be happy and reward you with rankings and traffic.

2. Bring in MORE Customers

With the help of SEO, you will also be able to bring in more customers. By having a website, you will be able to stand out from your competitor and increase your customer base. Small businesses which have an SEO optimized website can bring more customers and grow as twice fast than businesses that do not have any website or focusing on any kind of SEO.
Also, you should know that SEO is probably the most efficient and affordable way to market your business online in today’s time. And it will only help you to bring in customers who are interested in buying your product or want to get the service that you are offering.
SEO can help you to bring targeted traffic to your website, and then you can turn those targeting traffic to your customers and grow your business.

3. Better Conversion Rates

With SEO, you will also get better conversion rates. SEO optimized websites loads faster, and it is easy to read and surf. Also, it will look great across devices, and it does not matter if the user is using a desktop or mobile device.
Also, the websites which are easier to navigate are more likely to grab the customer’s attention. As the user will be able to get all the information they require at a lesser time. Hence, they are more likely to become your customers.

4. Build Brand Awareness

With the help of SEO, you can also build brand awareness. One of the main benefits of getting higher rankings on SERPs is building brand awareness.
When your Sites appear on the first page of the major engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing your potential customers are more likely to trust you. As a result, the next time they are going to buy something they, and if they see your product in their search results, there is a high chance that you can get a sale.
And this is one of the major reasons why small businesses that wish to build their brand awareness should focus on SEO. Also, you should know that search engine rankings play an important role when it comes to making or breaking your brand online.

5. Bypass Competition

Finally, with SEO, you will be able to bypass your competitions easily. For example, if there are two businesses selling the product at a similar price. And one of the businesses has an optimized website while the other one has a non optimized website. And considering everything is equal between the companies.
So the question is, what company will attract more users according to you? Of course, the one with an optimized website. Because the company can drive traffic to their website using local searches and grow faster and become more successful.

Final Words:

So those were the 5 KEY Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses. In case if you are looking for an SEO agency to help you with your SEO campaigns, then you can check out CartGeek.com. Also, if there is anything else you wish to ask then do feel free to comment below. And I will surely help you out.

Google is Adding ‘Search Chips’ to Help Filter Results on Gmail

Val Lukhanyu
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Google is Adding ‘Search Chips’ to Help Filter Results on Gmail

Google has announced a new feature called “search chips” for Gmail. The feature lets you sort and filter search results by providing relevant filter suggestions. They show in the form of search chips under the search field.

This has only been possible by typing in search filters. Where you could counter guess until you finally find what you’re looking for.  Or use the drop-down box to perform an advanced search.

With the search chips,  there are now a  variety of filters available, including those that will help you narrow down emails by sender. whether or not emails have an attachment, by time frame, and more. You can also use the new filters to exclude certain types of search results. For example, those that are calendar updates or chats. For example, you can specify emails by attachment types, such as text, spreadsheet or PDF.

The filters can be used in combination, helping you to narrow down searches as you go. For instance, you could search an email with a colleague’s name, which included a PDF, sent last month, using just a few clicks on the filters.

Google points out that this new feature can be used to easily narrow down your search results by setting various constraints like the type of attachment, calendar invites, or a timeframe within which the conversation must have happened.

“We have heard from our users that searching in Gmail could be faster and more intuitive. With search chips, you can easily refine your search results and find what you’re looking for faster. Without needing to sort through irrelevant returns or use search operators”, wrote the company in a blog post.

Currently, the Gmail search chips will be rolling out for Gsuite users. Maybe later roll out to the rest of Gmail. The rollout might take up to 15 days to fully be functional.

Once available the feature will be enabled by default and hence, you will not have to do any tweaking to get Gmail search chips.

 

 

 

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip Quickly Sold Out Within Just a Day of its launch

Val Lukhanyu
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip Quickly Sold Out Within Just a Day of its launch

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip quickly sold out online and in most retail stores within just a day of its launch last week.

“At Samsung, we were encouraged by the excitement for the Galaxy Fold.  Galaxy Z Flip is an important next step as we look to build the foldable category by bringing to consumers a new form factor, new display and most importantly, a new kind of mobile experience,” said Dr TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.

“With Galaxy Z Flip’s unique foldable design and user experience. we’re redefining what a mobile device can be, and what it enables consumers to do,” he added.

The galaxy Z Fip is a bold and stylish phone. It’s designed for those who see cutting-edge technology as a way to express themselves.

Engineered with first-of-its-kind foldable glass, Galaxy Z Flip bends the laws of physics and features a 6.7-inch display that folds into a stylish and compact form factor that fits in the palm of your hand.

Designed with an innovative Hideaway Hinge and custom-built UX, Galaxy Z Flip provides elegant new ways to capture, share and experience content. From its stylish design to its flexible camera experience, Galaxy Z Flip opens up a new decade of foldable mobile innovation.

Samsung has confirmed that it will drop its next stock of Galaxy Z Flip units online on February 21. That’s just a week after the first set sold out and the same day as Samsung’s Galaxy S20 goes up for pre-order.

If you missed out on the renders, below are a few more exciting features of the device.

Galaxy Z Flip features

Built for the modern, on-the-go lifestyle. Now you can do more, from multiple angles – hands-free.

When Galaxy Z Flip unfolds, it can stay open at multiple angles. Thus unlocking opportunities for selfies that show more of the world around you. And expressive video chats with Google Duo – all hands-free.

Samsung worked closely with Google to design Flex mode – custom-built. User experience for Galaxy Z Flip’s unique forward folding form factor.

When the device is free-standing, the display automatically splits into two 4-inch screens. So you can easily view images, content or videos on the top half of the display, and control them on the bottom half.  You can easily watch and navigate YouTube stream while searching for other videos. Or reading descriptions and writing comments on the bottom.

The device literally stands on its own so that you can capture more, on-the-go. From timed group shots to vivid nighttime content. You can create content for your social media feeds from the best angle. Enjoy video recording with a 16:9 ratio that’s perfect for uploads to social media platforms, hands-free – no tripod needed.

Capture stunning Night Hyperlapse videos or vivid low light shots with Night mode – no flash needed. Just open your device and place it on a table. When closed, quickly capture one-handed high-quality selfies using the rear camera without unfolding.

Whether Galaxy Z Flip is closed, standing upright or open, never miss a text, call or reminder. When closed, you can still check the date, time and battery status at a glance on the cover display.

It lets you get real-time notifications. You can easily answer a call without unfolding or respond to a text by simply tapping the notification button.

Endeavor Selects 14 Entrepreneurs from 11 Markets

Karani Nyamu
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Endeavor Selects 14 Entrepreneurs from 11 Markets

Endeavor selected 23 high-impact entrepreneurs leading 14 companies from 11 markets at the 93rd International Selection Panel (ISP) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, held February 10-12, 2020.

Endeavor now supports 2,039 entrepreneurs leading 1,272 companies in 35+ markets around the world.

The ISP is the culmination of a rigorous multi-step selection process to identify high-impact entrepreneurs who demonstrate the potential to leverage Endeavor’s resources and mentorship to create large-scale wealth and jobs, and are committed to reinvesting their time and money in their local entrepreneurship ecosystems to help others take off.

Over the course of the three-day event, panelists drawn from Endeavor’s extensive network of board members, mentors, supporters, and experienced Endeavor Entrepreneurs, interview entrepreneur candidates about their businesses, evaluating them on their potential for high-impact growth, and deliberating on which candidates should be selected to become Endeavor Entrepreneurs. Panelists must vote unanimously for a candidate to become an Endeavor Entrepreneur.

“Endeavor’s selection process is designed to identify entrepreneurs who have the potential to make a big impact locally and globally, not only by scaling their businesses but also by reinvesting their success. The Riyadh ISP drew extraordinarily talented founders from around the world, and we’re thrilled to welcome 23 new Endeavor Entrepreneurs!” said Endeavor Co-founder and CEO Linda Rottenberg.

Once selected, Endeavor Entrepreneurs gain access to comprehensive customized services, including introductions to local and international business mentors and volunteers from Fortune 500 consulting firms who will help them address key needs.

Endeavor Entrepreneurs have had a significant track record of impact. Endeavor Entrepreneurs have created 3 million jobs, generated $20 billion in revenue in 2018, and help build sustainable growth models in their home countries.

The 93rd ISP was hosted in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (Momsha’at). Endeavor thanks 93rd ISP Strategic Sponsors Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and Riyad Bank.

Learn more about the companies and entrepreneurs selected in Riyadh below:

EGYPT

Entrepreneurs: Luay Torky and Suhail Torky
Company: SAAL Invest
Description: SAAL Invest is an Egyptian restaurant group currently expanding its flagship brand, Buffalo Burger. With over 30 branches across the country, Buffalo Burger is a leader in the local fast food burger market. A sound franchise model and deep knowledge of the Egyptian market has allowed SAAL to continue to innovate and dominate local fast food, and the group is looking forward to further success throughout the region.

JORDAN

Entrepreneurs: Abdallah Faza and Kais Sheikh Hasan
Company: Arabot
Description: Lousy customer service calls are ubiquitous, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Arabot changes the customer experience by offering the first intelligent Arabic chatbot backed up with AI and a deep machine learning framework capable of accurately and efficiently analyzing conversations across Arabic dialects. The bot aims to boost customer experience and automate tasks, while simultaneously reducing company operational costs. The platform has been able to garner significant traction in the region, securing large enterprises and corporations from both the private and public sector as clients. Arabot hopes to capture a growing share of a booming market: the global chatbot market size is $2.6B and is expected to reach $9.4B by 2024.

Entrepreneurs: Qais Sabri and Yousef Nassar
Company: Eon Dental
Description: Eon Dental (“Eon”) is the leading manufacturer of clear aligners – low-cost, plastic orthodontic devices used to adjust teeth – in the Middle East. Eon offers three primary products: (a) the direct-to-consumer OneTwoSmile brand, sold to individual patients, (b) the B2B2C Eon Aligner brand, sold to dentists and orthodontists seeking to offer aligners to their own patients, and (c) white-labeled aligners, sold to new entrants and small to medium-sized aligner companies who lack the expertise or desire to produce in-house.

NIGERIA

Entrepreneurs: Christian Wessels and Jasper Graf von Hardenberg
Company: Daystar Power
Description: Daystar Power is working to close Africa’s power gap by providing commercial and industrial customers with cleaner, reliable and more affordable electricity. Offering pure solar and hybrid solar-fossil fuel power generation systems across West Africa, Daystar makes reliable, clean energy more accessible with a unique financing model that requires no upfront payment, transparent payment plans, and schedule maintenance.

SAUDI ARABIA

Entrepreneurs: Moath Aldajan and Ammar Aldajan
Company: Al Hatab Bakery
Description: Alhatab Bakery is a 34-location retail chain in Saudi Arabia selling a wide variety of baked goods and gourmet specialties catered to local tastes. Its bakeries offer a combination of local and international breads, crackers, and pastries, in addition to decadent sweets and a counter where customers can purchase signature salads, dips, and appetizers. Its food and beverage selection reflects its Saudi roots, while preserving the essence and authenticity of local favorites with a health-forward twist.

UAE

Entrepreneur: Vilhelm Hedberg
Company: Ekar
Description: Ekar is the first and largest carshare operator in the Middle East; Ekar provides on-demand access to over 1,000+ pay-per-minute and long-term (daily or weekly) cars across the Gulf. Ekar empowers users with a seamless platform to get around the city via rental cars. Through the use of a smartphone app and installed technology in rental cars, users are able to easily search, book and unlock cars safely and securely for personal driving use.

Apple Projected to Launch Next Generation iPad Pro in March

Val Lukhanyu
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Apple Projected to Launch Next Generation iPad Pro in March

Apple has been working on a new iPad pro refresh The iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9 which will be launched towards next month. Reportedly, the devices  will take after the 2019’s iPhone book

From the previous renders,t the next-generation iPad Pro will look like the iPhone 11 Pro. Additionally, a  better depth detection from the front-facing cameras, as well as a bigger focus on AR.

Speculation from an industry analyst also suggested a Mini-LED screen in the new iPad Pro.

iPad pro specifications

The device comes with super-slim bezels, USB Type-C for charging and data. It also has the ability to attach the Apple Pencil magnetically to the side and charge it wirelessly.

It’s probably around 2

The rear camera setup could change, but otherwise, a design similar to the iPad Pro 11 and iPad Pro 12.9 is expected.

The two devices are expected to come with Apple’s newest processor e A13 or A13X  for the iPad Pro models.

They come with  64GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB  with improved battery capacities of around the 10-hours.

Apple Pencil compatibility will also be available on the iPad Pro models as the predecessors. Apple’s iPad OS  made available to all iPads from iPad Air 2 and newer in September 2019 might be on the devices as well.  The iPad Os comes exciting features such as New home screen, dark mode, sidecar with Catalina and new multitasking features among others.

The rear cameras are an upgrade in the new iPad Pro models. The iPhone Pro rear cameras are able to shoot ultra-wide photos and videos, whilst also offering improved low light images

They also come with a 3D sensor system that will be a more advanced version of Face ID. It has the ability to allow users to create three-dimensional reconstructions of rooms, objects and people.

 

Here’s Why NTSA Is Threatening To Shut SWVL Down

Vanessa Waithera
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NTSA is threatening to shut SWVL down. 

Ever since the bus hailing app SWVL landed in Kenya it has been nothing but trouble for them. As technology takes over in Kenya there are often many companies left behind. SWVL threatens matatu companies and saccos that own them on so many levels. Just the other day I was talking to an Embu matatu owner and she was upset because SWVL has introduced new routes with “ridiculous promotions” that are now hurting the matatu businesses. But why does NTSA want to shut SWVL down? NTSA claims that SWVL has not complied with their rules and regulations and has written to both the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Inspector General of Police.

Image result for swvl

The allegations made SWVL are quite serious and might actually push SWVL out of Kenya completely. The shuttle hailing app is being accused of not having appropriate licenses from both the authority and City Hall. What we wonder is, why would a professional company like SWVL be so reckless? or is there more to it that we know or assume?

According to the NTSA licensing manager Jackson Mutua SWVL wants to work without regulations and introduce new routes without a license.

Here’s what he Mr. Mutua said:

Traditionally an operator is licensed to operate at a particular route but Swvl wants to operate in a manner that they can go anywhere.

Apparently SWVL has been using the wrong permit while operating and has instead been using a tour service license for public service vehicle operations. Several SWVL vehicles have been seized and drivers arrested as well. So far, the county government is threatening to cease all SWVL operations until they fully comply with the law. Since the two major issues are the new routes and the licenses then the most logical solution would be to stop the company from operating on new routes until they implement the new changes suggested.

But let’s just be honest, SWVL is definitely under attack and it’s probably because it threatens the matatu  business. They are obviously more organized, cleaner, professional and easier to work with than the chaotic public system we are used to.

How To Get More Followers On Instagram

Vanessa Waithera
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How To Get More Followers On Instagram

How do you get more followers on Instagram?

When you start a social media page you fall into either one of these categories. You either want to entertain people, want to grow a business, want to inform people or you want to be a follower. For those who want to gain followers for whatever reason, there’s a formula and steps you need to take to actually gain followers. At the end of the day, the number one thing you want to do is grow your brand and make it stand out. Here’s how to gain more free Instagram followers.

1. Longer captions

I used to think that creating long captions would make people bored but instead people would actually read my content. The thing about long-form captions is that they that allow your audience to learn more about you, your brand, and your mission. The average caption length has more than doubled since 2016. When you can share more with your community through your Instagram posts, you can build a stronger relationship with your audience (both new and existing). You get to use your words for people who would like to know more about you and your brand.

2. Post more videos

So if you’re thinking about launching your first IGTV series in 2020, now’s the time to start strategically planning so you can grow your following.

Consider what your audience wants to learn or see more of from your profile, and how you can better serve them through video content. video content tends to get more traction on your feed — more engagement and eyes on your video posts could result in more followers!

3. Share more selfies

There’s no denying that Instagram is still a very social place and people want to follow accounts that they can relate to, regardless of whether that’s a brand, influencers, or person they went to high school with. Sharing selfies helps people know that you’re a real person and it’s easier to relate to that.

4. Promote your content on other platforms

Branded Instagram hashtags are a great way to help spread the word about your business, find content created about you by your followers, create a community around your business, and attract new followers. You can tell your audience to create content and mention your brand as well by either doing a giveaway or by tagging people.

5. Use a branded hashtag

A branded hashtag is a hashtag that’s unique to your business. It can be as simple as your company name, tagline, or the name of one of your products or campaigns. Using a relevant branded hashtag will help people your community grow and if anyone searched for your brand they’ll find other people who have also used the same thing. But also use hashtags relevant to your brand, like if your brand is about photography then you should also use photography related hashtags along with branded hashtags.

6. Post memes

Brands have realized the power of clever Instagram memes, especially when it comes to building brand identity, driving product interest, and getting more followers. While most of us will immediately recognize a meme when we see one, nailing down a definition is surprisingly difficult to do. Memes help break the monotony of your brand and people are more likely to share your content when you post memes every once in a while.

Personal Finance Apps that Will Change How You Relate to Money

Karani Nyamu
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0

Trying to keep track of your money and all the various aspects that make up your personal finances can feel nearly impossible. There are so many different numbers coming from different places, each meaning different things. It’s just too much to memorize, and too much to stay on top of. But thankfully, now we have technology. So, no, you don’t have to ‘balance your checkbook’ with a pen and paper and calculator. You can let your phone do that for you.

Smart phone applications are becoming more and more advanced, and this is excellent for personal financial planning. Here are some of the best personal finance apps that will change how you relate to money in 2020:

The Acorns App

Acorns is an automated savings tool that functions on the metaphor of squirrels saving up extra acorns for the winter. This app automatically rounds up your purchases to the next dollar and send the extra from your connected accounts and puts that money into an investment portfolio. It’s a bit like a virtual piggy bank. It makes it easy for people who struggle to save and those who would never think of investing in the first place.

The Mint App

Mint is definitely the gold standard for budgeting technology and has been for a while. This app is the best one around for making, keeping, and monitoring your budget. You can categorize your transactions with custom categories you made so that your real time spending falls automatically into your budget. You can track bills, split transactions between categories, create alerts when you are reaching your budget limit, and set goals for saving and debt repayment!

The Credit Karma App

Credit Karma should be your go-to source for general credit score upkeep. With this app, you get to view your credit score and report whenever you wish, giving you access to the TransUnion Report and scores from both TransUnion and Equifax. Your credit score is incredibly important to the overall health of your personal finances, so it is vital you check in on it often. With it, you can see other important graphs and statistics like your score over time, how your score compares to other by age and income and state, as well as tools that can show you simulations of how paying down debt might improve your score.

The Tally App

Our country’s debt rates are pretty high right now and it is giving many Americans major financial anxiety. You likely know exactly what we mean, as you probably have debt yourself. Whether you have credit card debt, a mortgage, an auto loan, medical debt, or you recently got a title loan, it is always a good idea to be consistent in your repayment and pay debts off early whenever possible. The Tally App can help you do that. What’s great about Tally is that it’s not your typical debt payoff app, because it specifically helps customers with high-interest debts who are unsure how to pay off debt in an efficient way. Tally is automated to make payments towards your highest interest debts while paying the minimums on the others, so you end up paying less money in interest on your journey to financial freedom.

Check out all of these apps to see if they can help you be your best financial self in this brand-new decade!

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