Ces 2019: Dates And What To Expect

Owned, hosted and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the biggest tech event in the world which hundreds of thousands of tech consumers and enthusiasts all around the world look forward to. The 2019 edition of the event is just around the corner and this article aims to provide a sneak peek of what to expect at the showcase; when the event will take place; the kind of tech, gadgets, and electronics to anticipate; as well as any other detail there is to know about the event.

CES 2019: When (and what) is this event?

Simply put, CES (established in 1967) is a tech event where the biggest (and small) tech companies in the world (except Apple) reveal the next generation of products it has lined up for release later in the year. CES events usually take place in the first month of every year at Las Vegas. This year’s edition will likewise be held in Las Vegas at 11 venues between January 8 and January 11, 2019. The event will see Las Vegas host more than 180,000 tech lovers, over 6,500 media personnel, and about 5,000 companies showcasing next-gen products and technologies to the world.

Before the show floors officially open on the 8th of January though, there will be a 2-day pre-event media conference scheduled for Sunday, January 6 and Monday, January 7, 2019. The two-day pre-CES conference is exclusively opened for registered media personnel to give product news forehand before the event officially commences.

What to expect?

Just like previous editions of the event, expect to see new products and tech as well as improvements upon the old ones ranging from smartphones, laptops, AR, VR, drones, wearables, cars, smart home and assistants, TVs, network technology etc. Summarily, with a total of 24 product categories, expect everything!

We’d, however, highlight some of the major categories at the event and give a peek of what to expect to see from certain manufacturers and companies.

Starting with…

Smartphones

If you are expectant of any major flagship smartphone launch from any of the top OEMs, you might be disappointed. This is because many of these manufacturers prefer to individually host the launch event for their flagships. However, expect to see major companies give details about what their next flagship smartphone may look like.

Royole FlexPai

That said, some OEMs will unveil their next piece of tech at the event. Royole Corporation, for example, will showcase the Royole FlexPai (the world’s first foldable smartphone) at the CES 2019. We also have reasons to believe that LG plans to unveil its foldable smartphone concept at the CES 2019.

I can’t speak for Samsung… …but I do know that LG plans to unveil a foldable phone at its 2019 CES keynote. — Evan Blass (@evleaks) October 31, 2018

In addition, with so many buzz surrounding the 5G network technology as well as its readiness and availability, we expect to see a couple of OEMs showcase some 5G-ready smartphones … or at least showcase prototypes and give more concrete details about their availability.

Smart Home Gadgets and Virtual Assistant

TVs and Monitors

TVs are some of the best techs to look at for at CES events and this year’s edition will be no different. The highlight of TVs to be showcased at the CES 2019 is expected to revolve around 8K . 8K Smart TVs made their debut at last year’s CES event after which a few manufacturers like Samsung, LG and Sony have subsequently produced 8K TVs . We expect manufacturers to unveil more powerful (and hopefully less-expensive) 8K TVs with more refined AI integration.

Samsung is expected to unveil its newly announced “Space Monitor” (see embedded video below) alongside two curved display, one of which is specially built for gaming. LG is also believed to have two OLED TVs which will use its new advanced processors, machine learning, as well as Google Assistant and Alexa (combined) to provide a whole redefined user experience on its TVs.

Rumour also has it that Samsung TVs that would be showcased will have both Google Assistant and the company’s native Bixby Assistant incorporated into them, allowing users pick which virtual assistant they’d love to power their smart TVs.

In other news, Hisense will reportedly demonstrate why Laser TV technology trumps OLED and is the future of TV viewing as it unveils a 100-inch Dual Colour Laser TV at the CES 2019 event.

Laptops

Laptops and laptop components are things to look out for at the event as there are exciting pre-CES news about laptop products. Intel could showcase a prototype of its f oldable dual-screen Copper Habor laptop with an OLED display . The Intel Copper Habor will reportedly be able to be used as a full touchscreen monitor and fold into a book-like notebook with the bottom-half portion of the display forming the keyboard and touchpad.

Intel Copper Habour Foldable Dual-Screen OLED Laptop

Renowned semiconductor company, AMD is also prepared to unveil its 3rd-generation Ryzen processors at the CES 2019. The company will reportedly showcase three entry-level Ryzen 3 (3300, 3300X, and 3300G), three mid-range Ryzen 5 (36000, 3600X, and 3600G) processors, and two Ryzen 7 (3700 and 3700X) processors.

Back to Intel, the company will be looking to win over its rival, AMD, as reports have it that Intel may showcase the Comet Lake , a 10-core 20-thread CPU that’s been in the works for a while.

Smart Accessories

We could, therefore, see the ‘smart’ (ie. voice-controlled) focus switch from wireless speakers to headphones.

To add, smart earbuds with improved real-time person-to-person translation could also be a thing. We will, however, have to wait to see which brand showcases this at the event.

The CES 2019 is a BIG event, and as such, there will be a deluge of products, innovations and new technologies in their thousands that it could be easy to miss out on a good number of them. Stay glued to Dignited though — we’d keep you updated on the best ground-breaking announcements and products as they are unveiled.

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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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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Do you like to organize events for work, travel or your hobbies? Perhaps you prefer to find in-person networking events, social activities and being part of a community. Meetup as the name implies is an app that brings people with similar interests together. Here, you can get a group to read with, practice your new language with, go hiking or whatever your interests are.

In this post, we’ll share practical tips on how to find these events and create one yourself on the Meetup app. Keep reading for more details.

How Does it Work?

Meetup is a great way to meet new people, learn new things and get involved in your community. It’s also great for exploring a new city, building your career or even growing your creative side.

There are several categories available on this platform. Some of them include – travel, outdoors, technology, gaming, art, culture, nature photography, social activities and so much more. You can find an event for pretty much anything here.

Why Should You Signup to Create and Find Events on MeetUp?

While there are several other platforms you can use to organize social events, here are some of the benefits of using Meetup instead;

• Meet new people with similar interests: Perhaps one of the biggest perks of this platform is that you meet a lot of new people. Once you join a group, you automatically have a community of people who share the same interests. You can talk about it, and even make new friends you can go to brunch with. It’s also a great way to forge new professional connections.
• You learn new skills: Whether you’re joining a group to improve your programming skills, learning a new language or even a new skill, you’d get an enabling environment that’ll foster it. You also have people learning the same skill that’ll hold you accountable and give you actionable feedback.
• Find social activities and events: If you have very unique hobbies, a meetup is a great place to start. You can find new activities like food tasting, hiking, wine tasting, boot camps, hackathons, career fairs, stageplays, and so much more.
• Be actively involved in a community: Since most of the groups on Meetup are closely knit, you’d find yourself actively contributing to the group. It might be through mentorship, delegated tasks or even organizing the event itself. What’s certain is that you’d be heavily involved in a community.

How to Find Events on Meetup

Ready to start attending events you’ll be interested in? Start by creating a free profile.

• To find events in your area, simply visit the Meetup Find URL .
• Choose to filter by date, category, location, interest and even distance. You can choose to see only in-person events or even online events too.

• Once you find an event, RSVP to attend
• You can also join the discussion forum to talk about the event beforehand.

Some tips we recommend to keep in mind when finding an event is to read the event description carefully. This way you’re absolutely sure it’s something you’re interested in. Also, look at the reviews of previous events.

How to Create and Organize an Event on Meetup

If you’d want to create an event or group instead, it’s pretty straightforward. Simply create a free profile and then create a group. Your group will then be reviewed and shared. Choose a topic and then invite your friends to join in. You can also post it publicly so you can attract new members.

Some tips for organizing a successful Meetup event;

• Choose a topic that people are interested in.
• Make sure the event is well-promoted.
• Provide clear and concise information about the event.
• Be responsive to RSVPs and questions.
• Arrive early to set up and greet attendees.
• Be prepared to have fun!

Ajibola Winner is a tech writer based in Nigeria with a talent for curating the most useful apps and services from SaaS companies, social media platforms, and web 2.0 businesses. She specializes in recommending the best products across the web from various online retailers and offers valuable how-tos and guides to help users make informed decisions. Ajibola’s keen eye for trends ensures her recommendations are always practical and up to date.

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Startup Uganda , an association of innovation and entrepreneurship support organizations, in partnership with UNCDF Uganda, launched its very first Innovation Challenge in August 2020. The association was looking for the latest in innovation in particular sectors to solve very specific issues close to the hearts of the challenge’s anchor partners. The issues under the challenge included:

• Financial Health for MSMEs with Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSDU) as an anchor partner.
• Leveraging Last Mile Distribution Networks with Mobipay & Ensibuuko as anchor partners.
• Digital Literacy with Danish Refugee Council as an anchor partner.

The Genesis Story

The call was open for four weeks and saw around 150 startups apply. The Startup Uganda team reduced that number to 10 startups under each challenge track, which then qualified for the Bootcamp stage.

Working with United Social Ventures, Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center, Starthub Africa and I venture Africa, (all Startup Uganda members) the teams underwent a virtual 3-day Bootcamp on the final day of which they pitched to panels consisting of UNCDF members and the respective anchor partners. This process led to a shortlist of 3 teams under each track:

• Kanzu Code, Pata Sente, and Chap Chap under Financial Health for MSMEs .
• Agricycle, Famunera, and Cabral Tech under Leveraging Last Mile Distribution Networks.
• Digital Woman, ZOORA, and Backspace Ivy under Digital Literacy .

What’s Next Now?

These nine teams are in the final stages of their incubation acceleration programs with the Innovation Village, Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre, and Response Innovation Lab respectively.

They will be pitching for a chance to move on to the piloting stage to take place over a period of 6 months, guided by the same organizations, alongside Startup Uganda.

The pitching competition is scheduled for May 21st, 2021 at Design Hub Kampala from 10 AM to 1 PM for a chance to featured in the 6-month piloting stage of the program.

All the anchor partners under the challenge were selected because of the relevance of the issues they were trying to solve, especially in today’s global pandemic climate.

For FSDU, the issue of financial health for MSMEs arose with the economic effects of COVID 19 which exposed the financial fragility of individuals and businesses. Low-income individuals that did not have excess liquidity were the worst hit. FSDU’s analysis of the finscope data set revealed that at least 23% of the population that depend on daily trade and business activity will be severely impacted. FSDUs aim with the challenge was to improve the medium to long term financial health of micro and small business in Uganda.

The anchor partners under the leverage of last-mile distribution, Mobipay, and Ensibuuko have under their belt, a last-mile distribution network of over 500 Digital Community Entrepreneurs (DCEs) in Northern Uganda and West Nile. The network is currently distributing products like solar, airtime, mobile money, and more to rural communities and is seen as a distribution asset that can be leveraged by various innovators to avail digital and non-digital products and services to last-mile customers and vice-versa. Their participation in the challenge was in order to add more viable product and service offerings to this last-mile network.

READ ALSO: How Pitchfest is helping entrepreneurs to meet local investors in Uganda.

The Danish Refugee Council, the anchor partner under Digital Literacy, was looking for solutions to fast-track large-scale community-based training on digital literacy. There has been an increase in the use of cash-based transfers to support refugees and their host communities rather than in-kind aid. These transfers now also include mobile money. In an effort to ensure that these communities can manage their finances and be able to adequately use these transfer services, the challenge around low digital literacy levels needs to be addressed.

Startup Uganda is looking forward to supporting some of these solutions through the piloting phase and finally launching them onto the market.

In the past, we have noticed a number of innovation challenges in the country and seem not to see any of the winners or participants’ products in the market. This approach by Startup Uganda to help the startups pilot and try out their ideas with the help of anchor partners before leaving them on their own is one step towards the right direction in seeing the fruits of their investments hit the market.

Featured Image: Heylagostechie from unsplash

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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