Just like how BBM meant the world to BlackBerry users some year ago, it’s almost comparable to valuable iMessage is to iPhone users and even Apple Inc. as a company. iMessage was introduced alongside iOS 5 eight years ago in 2011? Now, the messaging service is arguably one of the most valuable product in the iOS ecosystem, and also the reason why many cannot dump their iPhones for the devices running the more popular Android OS.
Although there are other instant messaging platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram, and Hangouts, for example) that facilitates interaction between devices of different OS, you’d be surprised that many Android users wished they could have (and use) iMessage on their phone. Well, since envying something as good as iMessage isn’t entirely a bad thing, AirMessage is bringing that fantasy to reality.
Developed by Tagavari, AirMessage is a two-part solution which allows Blue bubble messaging on Android devices. And while it truly allows you use iMessage in your Android phone, it isn’t exactly as straightforward as installing iMessage on your device, sign-up and start sending an receiving messages in blue and grey bubbles. There’s more to it…but it works.
As mentioned earlier, AirMessage is a “two-part solution.” What this means is it involves (1) a desktop client (server) for MacOS and (2) a mobile app (for phone or tablet). So, to actively text your buddy on iMessage from your Android phone or tablet via the AirMessage app, you need an ‘always-on’ Mac computer to function as an intermediary, a server.
Have a look at the requirements:
- Smartphone/tablet running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher
- A computer running OS X 10.10 Yosemite or higher.
If you have these two in place, you can then proceed to individually setup AirMessage on your Mac computer as well your Android device to behind syncing iMessage texts from your Mac to your Android phone.
AirMessage Mac Server Installation
Installing the AirMessage server on your Mac is very important as it is sort of a linking bridge that connects your Android’s AirMessage App to Apple’s iMessage service. To get this done;
Download AirMessage’s server to your Mac computer. You can follow this LINK to download AirMessage server for MacOS.
Place the server in the “Applications” folder of your device
To grant AirMessage full disk access and to also ensure it doesn’t read any other data asides from your Messages, navigate to:
System Preferences » Security & Privacy » Privacy » Full Disk Access
- Check the “AirMessage” option
Next step is to launch and configure the server.
When you open the server on your computer, navigate to “ Preferences ”
Click on “ Edit Password ” to change the default password to a ‘strong password’ you can easily remember.
NOTE : You’ll need this password to subsequently log in to the AirMessage Android app.
- Save the change by closing the window.
It is recommended that you leave the server running all the time so that messages can be sent and received instantly and round-the-clock. Also, it is recommended that you keep your computer as updated as possible so as to have access to AirMessage’s latest feature.
For example, only computers running macOS 10.12 Sierra or higher will receive tapback messages.
Connection Configuration
To be able to use AirMessage on your phone wherever you are, you have to configure your (home) connection to allow your phone connect to your computer irrespective of your location — whether you’re in the house or out on a trip. This process is known as Port forwarding and it varies according to router type and model.
For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to configure Port forwarding on your connection so you can use AirMessage irrespective of your proximity to your AirMessage server, check out the official installation guide and tutorial concocted by AirMessage.
Setting up AirMessage on your Android Phone
This is the last step and it is just as important as all other steps listed above. To begin sending and receiving iMessage texts on your Android,
Download and install the AirMessage app from the Google Play Store .
Launch the app after successful installation
Enter the AirMessage server address and password you created earlier on your computer into the appropriate boxes.
If the information provided are correct, your phone connects to the server and messages begin to sync from your computer to your phone. You can also begin to send & receive messages from your friend’s using iPhones or AirMessage on Android phones too.
Again, it’s a long process but it works. Once you complete the setup, that’s it. You don’t have to repeat the process. It’s a one-time thing. But is it worth the work, time and energy? You be the judge of that. I, however, think it is worth it. I mean, since the likelihood of Apple releasing an official iMessage app for Android is almost non-existent, AirMessage is a great alternative.
It’s got its shortcomings (you need a Mac computer, for instance) but it gives you what you need: iMessage on Android.
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
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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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A printer app can be very useful, especially when documents you want to print are only available on your smartphone. For example, a person traveling might need hard copies of vital documents or presentation, might need to print out an event ticket or a boarding pass.
In this article, we will look at some of the best printer app you can trust to serve your printing needs.
StarPrint
StarPrint is a free app you can download but it contains adds. StarPrint makes it very easy to print out document, from word, excel, emails, webpages, maps, pictures from your phone’s camera roll, calendar, contact list and even social media. It has over 4000 printer models including HP, Espon, Kodak, Canon, Samsung etc. it supports printing via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even USB.
The in-app ads displayed is the price you have to pay for using it for free.
Google cloud print
The Google cloud print works quite differently. Unlike the StarPrint that allows you print via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB, the cloud print allows you connect to automatically to any printer that is compatible with the Google cloud. In some devices, cloud print is built into their operating system, while other are available as an app download.
Google cloud print offers standard printing options; paper size, double-sided printing, print only select pages etc.
Epson iprint
Epson iprint allows you full access to Epson printers features set from anywhere in the world. You can print, scan, and share documents directly from the Epson app. if you need to download a web page you’re on, Epson iprint can handle it from the app. it supports documents in excel, word, and PDF format. It also allows you to grab document from external sources like Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Docs.
HP All-in-one-printer remote
This is also a free app to use. It allows you use your Android phone camera to create high-quality JPEGs and PDFs of documents and images and print them directly from your printer. You can also grab images from the cloud using DropBox or Google Drive, and from social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. The HP All-in-one-printer remote is compatible with most HP printers from 2010.
Emmanuel Moses Temidayo is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria, with a keen focus on fintech, mobile apps, and web technologies across Africa. He covers the latest tech news, provides practical how-to articles, and delves into the dynamic fintech landscape, offering readers a deeper understanding of the innovations shaping the continent’s digital future.
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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