At the commencement the new millennium, the future of traditional media was obscured by the internet, a new platform that presented limitless possibilities of exchanging information. They had to adopt it or die.
Many did adopt it, however, still maintaining their rather archaic style guides and regulations. But the meritocracy of the internet wasn’t ready to play along the old wine tastes better tune. From time on, super sonic disruptions have since been the order of web journalism and they continue to occur a tad too fast.
According to ACME ; one of Africa’s renown traditional journalists, Charles Onyango-Obbo left from his post as Nation Media Group’s executive editor for the Africa and digital media division to a digital only publishing platform. The veteran journalist and author moves to the Johannesburg-based Mail & Guardian .
In some ways it will parallel NMG Africa and digital division’s Africa Review, which Mr Onyango-Obbo has been running. The Africa Review is a digital news platform that was established in 2009 to “provide smart insights on African news and to examine important social and political trends on the continent.”
Mr Onyango-Obbo does not shy away from admitting where he thinks Africa Review failed or got it wrong. “We focused too much on having boots on the ground and geography, and didn’t do enough on content,” he says. “Secondly, we struggled to monetize.”
Monetize is the key word here. Undeniably, the internet continues to eschew the clear cash flow that traditional media enjoyed previously through publishing in the print medium. And where they adopted digital platforms to diversify their revenues, they still failed to transpose their business models, they got stuck with “legacy models” that worked way back in the days but are now obsolete.
The death of traditional media is fueled by the mass exodus of traditional journalists to digital publishing platforms and here are some of the reasons why;
The need for explanatory journalism
There still remains a price to pay for traditional media companies that throng the digital media platforms, they have to be keen with the kind of content they produce. The internet is a very public place and there is no way they can survive the preying eyes of intelligence sources. On the other hand, “Being privately owned, and having greater institutional flexibility, makes digital publishing a more suitable vehicle for this in these times” and it also affords one more “creative freedom” than what a listed company could probably give.
The rise and rise of social media
Everybody in this day and age of social media is some sort of a media company. Breaking news first makes rounds on social media before crossing paths with traditional media. Famous internet behavioral scientist Clay Shirky advance a theory of mass amateurisation in his book Here Comes Everybody ; he argues that for every new producer in the media industry, there is a new consumer. This means with just a smartphone or laptop and access to the internet anybody could become a credible news source. Several disruptions in the media have been as a result of the meteoric rise of social media which doesn’t seem to be coming to a halt anytime soon. The man who correctly predicted that Software would eat the world, Marc Andreessen, is at it again. He predicted that news was set to be the next big thing in media. And, as it turns out, there is no better place to break news than on social media. Without revealing much about the prospects of his new job at Mail & Guardian, Mr Onyango-Obbo said: “We shall be very big on news analysis, heavy on looking to future outcomes, focus on cross-cutting stories (thus avoid a Uganda story unless it touches on at least two other African countries), and we will mine social media like few other African media have.”
Personal branding
Arise ye narcissists! Digital publishing platform brings out the best of narcissism out of many. A Greek mythology of a beautiful young man who fell in love with his own reflection is new face of personal branding. It isn’t bad at all but the point remains, the internet has given almost everybody the chance to stand up and say absolutely anything. Traditional journalists that have especially been authoritative in their fields want to expound on this new platform that will further re-energize their voices.
The startup culture
The Startup world remains the most challenging yet exciting venture an entrepreneur could undertake. When David Pogue, a 13 year columnist with the NY Times decided to leave his job and take the mantle at Yahoo Tech, a new tech blog; he had this to say in a Forbes interview .
There is a real start-up mentality and a fire in the bellies of employees that was palpable. I should also mention that I was excited to build something new. To be candid, I had not done that before. Yahoo Tech represented the opportunity to build something from the ground up with the incredible support of a giant technology company.
Terms like experimental journalism, growth hacking, MVPs are some of the most used verbs and nouns. There seems to be a buzzword coined everyday and journalists want be apart of this. The disruptions continue to occur even in organizations such as UNICEF that have picked up the Startup mentality.
Working with meagre resources guides startups in focusing more narrowly and maximizing production which “old” media has yet to master.
The digital publishing wave continues to sweep over the publishing world. But it may not yet be the time to say R.I.P traditional media.
We wait!
Image via Byzero-Studio (Cool materials)
Daniel Mwesigwa is a curious mind at the intersection of technology, media, and politics. Passionate about emerging trends and critical thinking, he’s known for cutting through noise—calling out conspiracy theories when they don’t hold up. When he’s not writing or analyzing the digital world, Daniel enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
12 years ago some smart people modified an inkjet printer and cartridge to enable it to print out living tissue. Since then, working heart valves , liver tissue and kidneys have been made outside the body using the body’s own cells. In 2011, Anthony Atala, a surgeon at the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine presented one of the then most popular Ted Talks (embedded above) discussing regenerative tissue engineering. Now, 2015 is likely to see the first transplant ready 3D printed organ.
Tissue Engineering and 3D bioprinting get round one of transplant medicine’s biggest problems, compatibility. Often, they can’t just transplant anyone’s organ into you, it has to be a match for your body otherwise your body’s immune system will reject it and attack it. Even successful transplant recipients are often long on immunosuppressant drugs. 3D printing organs gets around this by using your own cells to grow you new tissue. Since it’s your own cells being used to grow you new tissue, the chance of your body rejecting the new tissue is greatly reduced.
In an over simplified nutshell here’s how it works; Say a patient is in need of some new tissue or replacement organs, instead of getting on the transplant wait list and waiting for a compatible donor organ to be found, a sample of the patients own existing tissue is taken out and the cells separated. These cells are then multiplied in a nutrient bath. The cells are then added to a scaffold where they will multiply into the desired shape.
Decellularized mouse heart (7) with dye(8)
In 2008, researchers at the University of Minnesota showed that it is possible to remove all the cells from an organ using enzymes and detergents(yes detergents!) in a process called decellularization which exposes what is called the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is the scaffold that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells. In 2013, another group of researchers took it a step further . They stripped a mouse’s heart of it’s cells exposing its translucent ECM. They then went ahead to inject the mouse ECM with Human heart cells and provided nutrients for the heart cells to multiply. 20 days later the human heart cells had multiplied into the mouse ECM and the had a beating mouse heart made up of human heart cells.
The potential of tissue engineering is a future where if you need a heart transplant, your own cells could be used to grow you a new heart in a lab over a few weeks instead of waiting months or years for a compatible transplant candidate. Even if your organs are just old, cells preserved from your younger days could be used to grow you younger organs. Tissue engineering doesn’t only apply in medicine, it can also be used to create lab grown meat for consumption (Which we’ll cover in-vitro meat later in Future 101). Further ahead we might be able to engineer less homogenous parts of the body like entire limbs.
There are still many challenges to overcome however many research institutes and companies like Organovo are investing and steadily advancing the field beyond what we thought possible a few years ago. I for one, will welcome our faux meat future!
I wonder what vegetarians will say about petri dish meat that an animal didn’t have to die for!
This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
