Even if I told my Dad of today’s TV sets that can connect to the internet and stream Youtube Videos, Tweet, Facebook, Skype, connect to USB hard drives and act as Mirracast receivers, he will never let go of his classic Sony Trinitron TV. Today’s TVs are more intelligent, sharper, and interactive than those of my Dad’s generation.
But shopping for a TV these days isn’t as easy as it used to be. It’s like buying a smartphone. You hear lots of bells and whistles some of which you don’t need.You’ve probably heard of LED, LCD, Plasma, HDTV, UHDTV, SUHDTV, 3D HDTV, DNLA, 4K and so on. The salesmen like this because they can capitalize on your ignorance and sell to you whatever they want.
Now even though we’ve a smart TV at home that I’ve interacted with for about 3 years, I must confess that the buzzwords sometimes confuse me as well.
Flat Screen vs CRT TVs
Invented in 1925 by scottish inventor John Logie Baird, the Cathode Ray Tube or CRT TVs are the main source of news and home entertainment in the 20th century. The screens use a vacuum tube containing one or more electron guns, and a fluorescent screen used to beam TV images on your screen. CRT TVs like my Dad’s Sony Trinitron were bulky, consumed lots of power and showed low-quality pictures. But hey, at least we could afford them. They are cheap.
Enter Flat screen TVs. These are the TVs of the 21c that are fast replacing the good old CRT TVs. Flat screens are lighter, slimmer, consume less power and show clearer pictures. The only problem is; they are still expensive. The cheapest flat screen TV in Kampala for instance costs no less than Ugx 800,000 ($256). Flat screen TV are built on a variety of confusing Technologies, Plasma, LCD and LED, and OLED.
Plasma vs LCD vs LED vs OLED TV
This is where I’ll lose you. But hold on a bit on this bumpy ride because it’s not the most important part. Okay, so Plasma screens work by exciting tiny pockets of gas (Xenon and Neon), changing them to a plasma state.
LED and LCD aren’t much different from each other. In fact LED screens use LCD technology. I know that’s confusing but let me explain. LCD screen is composed of two parts: the actual Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) and a light source at the back of the screen also known as backlight. The light source is what differentiates LCD ( better known as LCD CCFL TV where CCFL means Cold-Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) from LED screens.
LED screens are LCD, but use LED or Light Emitting Diodes as light source behind the screen. On the other hand, LCD CCFL are LCD screens with light tubes placed behind the screen. If you wish to go in-depth, this article has an excellent take on the topic.
So how about OLED? Well, OLED is cutting-edge technology that meant to usher in the next generation of Flat-screen TVs. OLED promises to give you the best of LED and plasma in one. The Technology is currently being pioneered by Samsung and LG.
Okay enough with the technical jargon. The important thing to remember is that Plasma TV are long dead. Plasma TV were manufuctered by Panasonic, Samsung and LG. Panasonic stopped producing them in 2013 while Samsung and LG announced that 2014 would be their last year of production. Also it’s important to note that LCD CCFL TVs are less produced than their LED counterparts.
We shall miss their low cost and stunning picture quality compared to LED/LCD screen which have less quality images but are more suited for bright rooms,are super thin and energy-efficient compared to Plasma TVs.
Analog vs Digital TV sets
The digital TV migration deadline is at hand and you are already being bombarded by the media including this blog in regards to switching to digital. So lets not loop much. Your CRT TV is an analog TV set and only receives analog signals. If you’ve a flat screen TV with the above technologies, then you most likely have a digital TV. Unlike the analog TV, it can receive both digital and analog TV signals.
A few things about digital TVs is that they are less prune to noise and distortion, have better screen resolution (SD and HDTVs) and have bigger screen inch sizes compared to their analog CRT TVs.
Connectivity: USB, LAN, HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi and Composite AV
Lets start off with the most obvious ones — Composite AV. The Composite AV has 3 connections to your TV – the combined video signal and audio left and right. This is where you put your “banana Pins” that connect your Flat screen TV to a Pay TV decoder, DVD/CD player or a home theater system. This is mostly found in the old CRT TVs, but even some new modern Flat screens have the ports.
Now Composite AV has been replaced by HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). Instead of using three Blue, Yellow and white ports, HDMI uses one port similar to USB port on your PC. HDMI is a proprietary audio/video interface for transferring uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television. Most Flat screen TVs come with HDMI port which you can use to for instance connect your Laptop to the big screen.
Related post: HDMI, USB, RF, Composite, Optical Audio Out, Ethernet : Understanding Smart TV connectivity
USB is pretty obvious to all of us. A modern flat screen comes with at least one USB port. With it, you can connect a USB flash or external Hard Drive and watch movies or Pictures and play music on your TV.
Now things get a little funkier with WiFi, Bluetooth and LAN Ethernet ports. This is the “geek zone”. These connectivity options enable you hook up your screen to more devices around the home and to the internet. With the exception of Bluetooth, you must have a router or MiFi or any other device that can create a wireless hotspot for this to work. For instance you can view Videos and pictures on your phone on the big screen. Or if you’ve a networked storage device, you can stream movies from it directly to the big screen. Also, you can tweet, Facebook or even Skype with your TV once you hook it to the internet via WiFi. Only Smart TVs, not just flat screens have this. But we shall get to that later.
Flat Screen TVs vs Smart TVs
This is where the salesman gets a little fishy. Is any Flat Screen TV considered a Smart TV? The answer is No. So what makes a TV smart?
We can use the difference between feature phones and smartphones to tell the difference between Smart TVs and ordinary screens. Feature phones basically call and text, period. Smartphones do a little more. They are more advanced in terms of hardware Specs and software. Smartphones have more connectivity options that make them connect to other devices and to the internet. Their capabilities are expandable via apps. The same thing applies to TVs.
Smart TVs have an operating system and more connectivity options. Some of the known TV operating sytems include WebOS that runs on LG TVs, Android TV runs on the latest Sony Bravias, some Hisense and Sharp TVs, Tizen runs on the latest Samsung TVs. They come with some pre-isnstalled Apps like Youtube, Vimeo, Skype, Twitter, Facebook etc. With some, you can install additional Apps from their respective App stores. Smart TVs have WiFi, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth and maybe Ethernet LAN ports. That means you can hook them up to the internet and other devices such as smartphone, tablet or Laptop.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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