Let’s face it: smartphone addiction is an epidemic-like condition we are all suffering from. If not all, majority of the new-age smartphone uses. The old, the young, kids, adolescents, etc; no one’s left out. We hardly (want to) put our phones down unless it is absolutely necessary. Smartphones are gadgets on can barely do without in this age and time but according to HelpGuide , getting addicted to your smartphone can: increase stress level, lead to depression and loneliness, exacerbate attention deficit disorders, fuel anxiety, disrupted sleep pattern, diminish one’s ability to concentrate and think deeply or creatively and many more.
Google is also well aware of these negative sides to smartphone addiction and thus introduced a feature called “ Digital Wellbeing ” when it launched the Android Pie OS. We highlight how to use Digital Wellbeing to reduce smartphone addiction.
What is Digital Wellbeing?
Digital Wellbeing is basically a tool within the Android OS (version 9 and upwards) that not only gives you a detail report of how you use your smartphone but also regain control over your smartphone and reduce your addiction. The set of tools available within Digital Wellbeing let you place limits on when and how you use apps and certain features of your device so you can break the chain of addiction.
See how you can minimize smartphone distractions and disconnect more often from your device using Digital Wellbeing.
How do I get Digital Wellebeing on my phone?
As earlier mentioned, Google introduced Digital Wellbeing when it announced the Android 9 Pie OS at the I/O 2018 event . As such, the Digital Wellbeing is a tool available to smartphones running the Android Pie operating system. Android One smartphones can also run the Digital Wellbeing feature.
To get Digital Wellbeing on your smartphone, update your smartphone to the Android Pie OS and the tool will be embedded within your device’s Settings menu. Alternatively, you can install Digital Wellbeing from the Google PlayStore .
Setting up Digital Wellbeing
Although the Digital Wellbeing tool is an app, your smartphone doesn’t exactly view it as an app until you tell it to. For first time users of the Digital Wellbeing feature, here’s how to set it up on your smartphone.
By default, Digital Wellbeing is hidden in the Settings menu of your smartphone. To make it a standalone application that you can easily access from your phone’s home screen without having to first go through the Settings menu, follow the steps below;
Settings » Digital Wellbeing » check Show icon in the app list
After checking the option, the Digital Wellbeing app shortcut appears in your phone’s app drawer.
Using Digital Wellbeing to view app Screen Time/Usage
Similar to what Apple did with “Screen Time” in iOS 12 , Android smartphone users can view — in a well-detailed graphical representation– how much time they spend on an app every single day. Similarly, Digital Wellbeing tool can also accurately tell you how many notifications you received every day, which apps sent you the notifications, the number of times you opened an app on your device as well as the number of times you unlock your device.
- Launch the Digital Wellbeing app and click on the circle/pie chart showing time by usage per app.
- On the new page, the app shows the “screen time” section that tells you how much time in total you have spent using apps on your device.
- Below the date, the apps you use are displayed in descending usage order.
For notification monitoring, tap the drop-down button and select “ Notifications received “. The tool will display the total number of notifications you received per days as well as the apps that the notifications came from.
The same applies to checking the number of times you unlocked your smartphone. If you are the type that picks up your device at every chance you get, you might want to monitor how much you unlock your device with this tool. Simply click on the drop-down button and select “ Times opened “.
Setting “App timer” with Digital Wellbeing
Another way Digital Wellbeing allows you curb smartphone addiction is letting you limit the amount of time you spend on an app daily. So if you find yourself spending 6-8 hours scrolling through Instagram every day, you might want to change — except, of course, you make a living on Instagram.
When you set a timer to an app, you are basically allotting usage duration to the app. Say you set a 2-hour daily timer for Instagram and you have hit the usage limit for that day, you will not be able to open the app for the rest of the day anymore.
Here’s how to set an app usage timer in Digital Wellbeing.
- Launch the Digital Wellbeing app from the app list or Settings menu.
- Tap “Dashboard”
- Tap the hourglass icon next to the app you want to set a usage timer for.
- Set the usage time limit for the app; from 5 minutes to 23 hours & 55 minutes.
Once you hit the usage limit for an app, the app icon becomes grey and whenever you try to use the app, an error message telling you that the “app isn’t available because you ran out of usage time limit” will be displayed on the screen. You should also know that once you have exceeded a set time limit, you will not be able to use the app until the timer resets by midnight. You can, however, disable the timer if you really need to use the app.
To disable app usage time limit on Digital Wellbeing:
- Launch the Digital Wellbeing app
- Tap “Dashboard”
- Tap the hourglass icon next to the app whose timer you want to disable
- Tap “Delete timer”
Using “Wind Down” to sleep better
One of the many negative effects of smartphone addiction is sleeplessness. To help you drop your phone and go to bed at night, there’s a feature called “Wind Down” dedicated to helping you get a good night rest within the Digital Wellbeing app.
What “Wind Down” does is to make your phone less interesting to use towards bedtime so you. b sleep better. When activated, the Wind Down feature blocks every app notifications (i.e. Do Not Disturb) and removes screen color and changes the smartphone interface to black and white (i.e. Gray-scale) for a specified period of time.
So you can set the Wind Down mode to be activated at a specific time at night and go off in the morning or when your alarm goes off. To enable Wind Down in the Digital Wellbeing app;
- Open the Digital Wellbeing app from your phone’s app list or Settings menu
- Select “Wind Down” from the homepage
- Enable the feature by toggling on the “Use Wind Down” option.
- Se the start time and end time for the feature. It is best you set it to the period you often go to bed.
- Greyscale and Do not Disturb mode are enabled by default but you can disable them by toggling off the options under the “Wind Down settings” menu. It is advisable you leave both features enabled though as they’d help you sleep better and ultimately curb smartphone addiction.
The Wind Down feature also allows you set a schedule for “Night Light” i.e. reducing your display blue light intensity by tinting your screen to an amber color.
Reducing Interruptions with Digital Wellbeing
If you are sometimes at work or trying to focus and get some work done but notifications from certain apps keep popping up and interrupting you, then you should use the “Reduce Interruptions” feature.
The Wind Down tool has a “Reduce interruptions” section that allows you turn off specific types of alerts & notifications coming from an app without disabling the entire app’s notification or putting your phone on silent. To limit the inflow of notifications from certain apps on your device;
- Open Digital Wellbeing from your phone’s app list or Settings menu
- Select “Manage Notifications” under the ‘Reduce notifications’ section.
- On the notification management page, you can either uncheck an app from the list to disable notifications from the app entirely or simply tap the app to disable specific notification channels.
Using “Do not Disturb” mode to increase focus
Do you need to finish a task and you need to get all the focus you can use? Or perhaps you need to go through some study materials & documents on your phone without being distracted? “Do Not Disturb” is a feature within Digital Wellbeing that allows you block visual and sound notification, mute sounds and vibrations, and block calls from (all or some) of your contacts.
- Open the Digital Wellbeing app
- Tap “Do not Disturb” and tap the “Turn on Now” button at the bottom of the page to activate the feature.
Before enabling the feature though, you can configure the Do not disturb settings to your preference. Tap “Sound & Vibration” to enable or disable sounds and vibrations from alarms, media, etc. Tap “Notifications” to disable visual or sound notifications or both. If you disable only sound notifications, alerts from apps will be silent but they would still appear at the top of your screen. Disable both and notifications from all apps will not appear at the top of your screen.
You can also make custom notifications by clicking the “Custom” option.
If you use an Android One smartphone or any device running the Android Pie operating system, Digital Wellbeing is a very vital tool you should utilize to the fullest. Not only does it help curb smartphone addition, it also provides detailed information about your digital habits, helps you disconnect from the online world and most importantly, ensures you are focusing on only the important stuff whenever you use your phone.
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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