Google owns some of the biggest tech products and innovations in the world, and the company is always constantly developing its products by adding new features. The latest Google product to get an upgrade is the company’s smart virtual assistant, Google Assistant .
Google has rolled out a new update to the Google Assistant app which allows it read out messages from third-party instant messaging and social media apps. Additionally, users would also be able to reply texts from these third-party apps via Google Assistant. Formerly, Google Assistant could only read SMS messages but Google has switched things up a notch now.
I’ve used the feature and it is quite easy and seamless. You can reply your texts without typing or even having your phone in your hands.
1.. To get started, simply launch your phone’s Google Assitant app and say the “ read my messages ” voice command
- If you using this feature for the first time, this will prompt you to grant Google access to read your notification. Tap “ OK “
If there are messages from your social media and messaging apps in your phone’s notification tray, Google Assistant will tell you who sent you the message and the app/platform the message was sent from. Assistant will then proceed to ask if you want to hear the message.
Say “ Yes ” and Assistant will read out the message. Say “ No ” and the Assistant will move to the next message.
As the Google Assistant reads the message, a card containing a preview of the message, the sender, and a button to reply or open the message directly will also be displayed.
- Once the Assistant is done reading a text, you’ll be asked if you want to reply the text or not. Say “Yes” and you’ll be prompted to type in your reply or simply call out your reply to the Assistant and it’ll do the typing for you. It’ll also send the message as soon as you’re done dictating your reply.
That’s basically all there is to know about setting up and using Google Assistant to read your messages from your favorite applications and likewise, reply them. This should make texting more fun. Try it out and let us know how your experience was.
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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For those who are big fans of taking photos, it’s really an unnecessary task to keep resetting your camera to the settings you use to take your best shot. This is an issue specifically faced by iPhone users.
In this article, I will show you how to save your iPhone Camera’s last used settings so that they are ready next time you want to take a photo.
Find ‘Preserve Settings’
Open up the “Settings” app, then scroll down and tap on “Camera” to view its preferences. Next, tap on “Preserve Settings” at the top of the screen.
Choose Which Settings to Preserve
Three options are featured in the Preserve Settings menu: Camera Mode; Creative Controls or Filter & Lighting or just Filter; and Live Photo. Toggling any of these on will ensure that the stock Camera app will not resort to its respective defaults upon launch, instead, remembering your last used preferences.
When Preserve Settings is off
It is worth noting out what settings are preserved while all of these toggles remain off.
First, there’s the Retina Flash (for selfies) or True Tone flash (for the rear camera). If you turn either flash “Off” or to “Auto,” your choice will be remembered the next time you open Camera, but the Retina Flash will end up as the True Tone flash since the selfie camera is not preserved. However, if you last used “On” for either, the app will switch it to “Auto” the next time for the rear camera only.
Second, there’s HDR. No matter if you switch it to “Off” or “Auto,” the app will remember your last used option when you go to take a picture later. However, if you last used “On,” it will switch to “Auto” next time. Also, if you have “Smart HDR” or “Auto HDR” enabled, there will be no setting in the Camera app for HDR. Also, on newer iPhone models, you can only toggle HDR “On” and “Off” as there is no “Auto” option.
Preserved : HDR preference (but “On” changes to “Auto”), flash preference (but “On” changes to “Auto”)
Not preserved : shooting mode preference, camera preference, filter preference, portrait lighting preference, depth preference, timer preference, panorama direction, zoom level, exposure and focus lock, Live Photo preference
When in Camera Mode
The first option refers primarily to the type of capture: Time-lapse, Slo-mo, Video, Photo, Portrait, Square, and Pano (Panorama). So with the “Camera Mode” setting toggled on, the Camera app will always open with the last shooting mode you used. Apple’s default choice is Photo using the rear wide-angle lens.
Also, it will remember what camera you used last, whether the front FaceTime HD or TrueDepth camera for selfies or the rear camera setup for everything else. So, what doesn’t get preserved with this setting enabled? For one, the timer will always be set to “Off” instead of its “3s” or “10s” options. Also, the direction in which you like to take Pano images will also be reset to left-to-right, its default position. Lastly, your optical or digital zoom will always reset to “1x” magnification, and the AE/AF Lock will no be set.
Preserved : shooting mode preference, camera preference, HDR preference (see Option 1 above), flash preference (see Option 1 above)
Not preserved : filter preference, portrait lighting preference, depth preference, timer preference, panorama direction, zoom level, exposure and focus lock, Live Photo preference
Filter & Lighting or Creative Controls
The second option is different depending on what model iPhone you have. It could either be called “Creative Controls” (for an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR), “Filter & Lighting” (for an iPhone 8 Plus or X), or just “Filter” (for all other iPhone models).
Filter refers to the built-in color effects which can be applied to your still images. When a filter is activated, the corner icon with three overlapping circles is illuminated in red, green, and blue. The default is Original (no effect), but if you last used Vivid, Vivid Warm, Vivid Cool, Dramatic, Dramatic Warm, Dramatic Cool, Mono, Silvertone, or Noir, the app will remember so.
Related Article: What’s new with IOS 12
I f you have an iPhone that supports Portrait lighting modes — Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, and Stage Light Mono — then this will preserve those options too. For those of you with a new iPhone XS or higher model, the Depth ƒ/stop number you used will also be retained.
Preserved : filter preference, portrait lighting preference, depth preference, HDR preference (see Option 1 above), flash preference (see Option 1 above)
Not preserved : shooting mode preference, camera preference, timer preference, panorama direction, zoom level, exposure and focus lock, Live Photo preference
When in Live Photo
The last option refers to Apple’s unique feature which allows the moments occurring just before and after an image to be captured as a GIF-like video. The key frame for a regular still image can be whatever you want from the Live Photo’s timeline.
When this feature is activated, its icon (three nested circles) in the top/side center is illuminated yellow. Note that Live Photo can only be used in the standard Photo shooting mode. The default is to have Live Photo toggled on, but it will remember to keep it off if that was your last choice.
Preserved : Live Photo preference, HDR preference (see Option 1 above), flash preference (see Option 1 above)
Not preserved : shooting mode preference, camera preference, filter preference, portrait lighting preference, depth preference, timer preference, panorama direction, zoom level, exposure and focus lock
What if the Last was not your Favorite
Since this feature preserves the last mode and not a “favorite,” you can always scroll back to your favorite mode after using another feature inside the Camera app. For example, even though I usually take Square photos, sometimes I shoot videos. Hence, after shooting a video with “Camera Mode” enabled — but before closing the app — I scroll from Video to Square so that Square mode is ready for me when I next launch Camera. Any shortcuts through 3D Touch or Control Center will take you to that specific mode in Camera still. For example, if you last left Camera on Square but use the 3D Touch shortcut to Record Video, the Camera app will launch directly to Video the next time — unless you switch back to Square before exiting the app.
Margin of Error
The Camera app does account for accidental closure or brief app switching. So, even if all of the three Preserve Settings options are toggled off, your last-used options are preserved should the Camera app be relaunched within a minute; This applies to almost all of the settings available in Camera. Even the timer and zoom function will be retained temporarily, though, for zoom, it won’t be remembered at all in either Photo or Square mode.
Temporarily preserved : shooting mode preference, camera preference, flash preference, filter preference, portrait lighting preference, depth preference, time preference, zoom level (for most shooting modes), Live Photo preference, HDR preference
Never preserved : zoom for Photo and Square mode, exposure and focus lock, panorama direction
In case you prefer Apple’s defaults options, any or all of these options can remain toggled off and you’ll be able to jump into whatever it was you were shooting with your last-used settings as long as it’s under a minute or so since you last used Camera.
Victor Immanuel Oloo is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in web 2.0 technologies, social media, and digital marketing. He covers the latest in mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and tech news, offering insightful analysis on the ever-evolving tech landscape. Victor’s deep understanding of both local and global trends provides readers with relevant, informed perspectives on how technology is shaping our world.
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