Today, we rely on tech and the internet for a lot of things. If your workflow doesn’t involve being on a computer for hours on end, social media is bound to have you glued to your devices for a while. Over time, we build muscle memory, a way to navigate and get things done without even thinking.
It is for this very reason that companies work hard to maintain the same design language and the same look and feel for their software and services. Asking someone to ditch what they’re familiar with is a pretty big ask and that could explain the level of operating system loyalty we see today.
For the average user, Microsoft Windows is synonymous to computing. True, there are differences from version to version but for the most part, a Windows user will find their way around any modern Windows version with relative ease. For the adventurous ones, Linux has and continues to offer a solid alternative. But we’re not here to sell you on Linux as your primary operating system, that’s a topic for another day. In this post, I will be documenting my personal journey.
See, I consider myself a techie, a geek. Like many people in my inclination, Windows just doesn’t cut it and so around 10 years ago, I dual-booted my Windows 7 install with Ubuntu using the now deprecated Wubi (Windows-based Ubuntu Installer.) This was painless and unintrusive to the system, a process I would liken to installing a heavy app on your PC like AutoCAD or Microsoft Office.
Since then, I have fallen deeper and deeper into the world of Linux, and today, I primarily use it for almost all my needs. It has been an exciting journey but last year, I decided I needed some fresh excitement and I ditched Canonical’s Ubuntu for System76’s Pop_OS!.
Why did I select Ubuntu in the first place?
There is no shortage of Linux-based operating systems for noobs and people that just want a reliable operating system that isn’t Windows. Linux Mint offers a lot of familiar artifacts for immigrants from Windows, there are even better-looking distros that mimic macOS and so much more.
However, many of these distros are based on Ubuntu . Think of Ubuntu like AOSP Android. Clean and barebones but it offers a platform on which others can build their own forked versions of the same base, like Samsung’s One UI and Realme’s Realme UI and so on. You get the idea.
I chose Ubuntu because of its simplicity. It looked clean and while there were a bunch of pre-installed apps out of the box, many of them were useful. It worked, it didn’t overwhelm me, it stayed out of my way and my workflow, it did its job and that was all.
What else is out there?
After getting comfortable with Ubuntu and getting to a point where I could find my way around and install tools that I used, I felt like I was outgrowing the simplicity. I needed something a little more robust, something more feature-packed. And that led me down the rabbit hole many Linuxers know all too well.
There are tons of distros and over the next few years, I hopped from one to another, just trying to have a feel of the developers’ mindset and goals when designing the operating systems. I dailied many of the popular ones from Manjaro, Fedora, PearOS, CutefishOS, Linux Mint, and many more.
Linux can be exciting once you nail the basics and know a few tools that cut across these distros. This, aided by the robust community forums out here means that whatever issue you run into, you’re often times mere clicks away from a solution. Also, should you not tinker with the system too much, you might never break it at all. That’s just how stable some of these distros are.
It all became a little much
Maybe it is part of growing up but after some time, I stopped fancying the flashiness of a well-customized desktop with plugins and themes and custom modules. I realized that my workflow really only required a few go-to tools and once those were nailed, I was sorted.
I then started appreciating clean and lean systems with little clutter. Systems with everything I needed and nothing more. My Linux installs now seemed a lot smaller than they were. While I could run out of storage with a 150GB partition for Linux, I would now be comfortable with as little as 30GB.
In a sense, by this time I had come full circle. I had come from Ubuntu, the most popular Linux distro known for its simplicity and elegance to the most feature-packed distro and now, I just wanted something modest, something that works.
Ubuntu became a little inconsistent and buggy.
Now, Linux can still be junky at times. This can be seen as the allure of Linux as you’re always tweaking or tinkering with something but oftentimes, some issues can’t exactly be fixed. Perhaps one bug that really got to me has to do with my struggles getting Microsoft Edge to work well on my Ubuntu 21.10 install.
The app installed fine with no issues. However, on my HiDPI display, I would notice that the web browser didn’t render things sharply enough. The preinstalled Firefox browser didn’t have any issues but Chrome, Chromium, and Edge seemed to always have an issue.
Pop_OS!
These Linux streets aren’t as populous so over the years, I had heard about System76. A hardware company that’s dedicated to building kickass PCs that ran Linux, specifically, Pop_OS! which is a fork of Ubuntu with their own custom Gnome Shell dubbed Cosmic Desktop.
Two weeks into my woes with Ubuntu 21.10, I decided to install Pop_OS! so I nuked my had disk and started the Cosmic journey. Installing Pop_OS! was a breeze. A few changes over Ubuntu in the installation but nothing drastic. I was still at home, only this home was new and improved.
Pros of Pop_OS!
After using the Ubuntu desktop for years and getting used to the Ubuntu Family of fonts, it was refreshing to see the implementation of Fira Sans. It looks clean, it is consistent all across the UI and I am a fan.
The Gnome Shell isn’t too different from the one we’ve seen on Fedora and Ubuntu but there are a few subtle improvements and additions. One that I really like is the Windows auto-tiling feature. Click on the applet and your windows are auto-arranged in rectangles across your display.
The software situation also feels a lot more streamlined. You get your system updates from the Pop Shop, its iteration of an app store. You can also select from within the Pop Shop which package of an app you’d like to install between Flatpak and deb files where they’re available. This feels a lot more unified and coherent as opposed to the random notifications you get on Ubuntu.
Cons of Pop_OS!
I had a few negative feelings about the default desktop but these are often fixable. For instance, by default, there isn’t a maximize button on the title bar of your Windows. This means that by default, Pop_OS! developers want you to use the auto-tiling feature or maybe double click on the title bar to maximize.
This was an easy-fix though. Installing Gnome Tweaks and toggling that feature On fixed this in mere seconds.
The Dock is placed at the bottom by default. I get why this is an ideal position for many. Windows, macOS all have their docks at the bottom but I like mine on the left-hand side. I feel like this leaves you enough real estate to do your thing. Again, pop into settings and this can be moved in at most 5 clicks.
And that is the power of Linux. Almost anything you see on your desktop can be changed to suit your specific needs and requirements.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of choices in the Linux world and the community seems to have a new favorite child in Fedora. Many Linuxers feel like Fedora is becoming what Ubuntu was in the late 2000s and early 2010s and from the look of things, Fedora is indeed shaping up to be a solid distro with a more barebones version of Gnome, support for Flatpak , and more.
Could that be my next destination in my distro-hopping journey? Only time will tell.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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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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