UPDATE: Nokia is rolling out Windows Phone 8.1 as an over-the-air update (to everyone with a Windows phone 8 device) that comes bundled with “Cyan,” a special feature package that’s exclusive to Lumia devices.
The Lumia Cyan update bundles all of the previously announced Windows Phone 8.1 features, including UI tweaks, the Action Center for organizing notifications, automatic hotspot connections via Wi-Fi Sense, the ability to search the entire device via Bing, an updated Internet Explorer 11 and Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-powered personal assistant software.
The Lumia Cyan update, including Windows Phone 8.1, started rolling out on Tuesday (15th July 2014) and will make its way around the globe in the coming weeks.
The Review…
It was an exhilarating 3.5 hours of downloading the developer preview of the much awaited Windows Phone 8.1 on my Lumia 820 . The time it takes to download, however, is dependant on how updated your WP8 device is. For some it took just about 30 minutes. With about 500MB of data used via wi-fi to rejuvenate the life of a struggling platform, it was worth the wait whatsoever.
It is rumoured that Windows phone 8.1 will be available to the general public on 30th May 2014, but if you can’t wait any longer, this site clearly guides you step by step on how to update your Windows 8 device.
The nail-biting process was filled with “agreeing” to verbose T&C’s agreements that were spewed after almost every single step. At some point I thought, it was a token for accomplishing some task.
Everything makes “sense”
I find this convention of adding the word sense to metrical apps on the windows phone platform quite clever. Following the windows 8.1 update Data, Wi-Fi and Storage Apps have the extension “Sense” to their names. For Battery Sense; the phone can tell you what apps are eating the battery, and when they are eating it. It’ll show if the battery is being used by apps in the background or in the foreground. Data Sense hasn’t changed much from how it was in Windows 8, it still shows the amount of data consumed both via cellular connection or via wi-fi and still allows one to limit data use for a particular time. The “sense” category is capped by a new entrant –Wi-Fi sense– which sniffs around for nearby wi-fi hotspots, of course with the help of location services, and enables quick sharing with friends without necessarily giving them your wi-fi password.
Action Center
Finally. The much coveted notifications center that braced the iPhone and Android phones is the major cut on this update. Swipe down from the top and get notifications in one place. You get quick access buttons for airplane mode, wireless, etc. Even better, those buttons are configurable. I added Internet Sharing to mine. You can also swipe down then press Settings as a fast way to get to the main settings page.
Transparent Live Tiles
You can use a background image for your whole start screen, and it will show through transparent tiles. It also has a nice parallax effect when scrolling.
“Show more Tiles” on smaller resolution devices — The 1520 on the right has the 1080p screen, while the 920 is a lower resolution screen. Previously only high-res screens got the extra column of tiles. Now smaller screen devices can choose their start screen size and add lots more info to a single screen.
Pinnable Website Tiles
This one surprised me. You can pin this website to your start screen and get an updated Live Tile showing the latest stories in real-time. However the website developer would need to enable support for Internet Explorer (IE 11).
Cortana Voice Assistant
I have never seen an app so good at voice recognition as Cortana. Gone are the days of trying so hard to add a cockney or Texan grain of accent to be understood by a machine. Cortana simply digests whatever accent you throw at it and replies without resolve. You could say this is the Windows’ Siri, but it’s more like Google Now with a personality. The voice recognition happens as you speak as opposed to after the fact, which is nice. You can ask questions like “Do you know Siri?” and she (or he) just knows. Expect a somewhat witty but sarcastic answer though. It can also be used to set remainders and also place voice calls entirely through voice commands. I still don’t know why Microsoft insisted on naming the 2 year in the lab project BETA! The app feels mature enough, I guess they didn’t want such an unenviable predicament Apple faced when they launched Apple maps in the wake of bludgeoning Google maps from the default iPhone menu. Talk of playing it safe. The instructions for downloading Cortana are in this article .
Quiet Hours
A similar feature is quite common on the iPhone. Quiet Hours takes this a little further with the concept of an “Inner Circle” and a more sophisticated series of configurable rules like “Don’t bother me at night on weekdays unless it’s these three people, and text everyone else back that I’m not answering calls.” It is like that personal aide but contextualized in an app format
Driving Mode
This was added in a Windows Phone 8 update but I love it. It knows you’re driving because you associate your cars’ Bluetooth with it, then it will text folks “I’m driving, I’ll get back to you” if they text you. You can choose to never see the text until you stop. Very cool.
Keyboard Swiping
It’s built into the main keyboard now, no separate app. It’s an addition that makes that suddenly turns everyone in a supersonic texting machine, I mean it figuratively predicts the word as soon as the swiping is completely and it often nails the word. The predictive text has gotten better as well. I bet this isn’t yet the time to say R.I.P Auto Corrects but the keyboard is a tad too smart at mastering slang and non English words.
What we liked
In summary we like all the features stated above but profoundly the voice recognition capabilities of Cortana, the ability to customize the home screen with transparent tiles or even adding another column of tiles and of course, the action center.
What we didn’t like
Notification Center; it isn’t flexible enough in a way that there are few select apps that can be pinned on it for example my most used phone setting, switching on cellular data, couldn’t be enabled, yet it is my single most important feature. Further, the notification center doesn’t seem to be in sync with the apps that support push notifications. One, for instance, can’t know the number of emails or whatsapp messages they would have received in total just by looking at the notification center.
Internet Explorer; remains a pain, it is ruthless on data consumption and a beast to draining battery. Much as there are quite a couple of improvements such as download capability among others, the browser remains terrible on basic actions such as copy and paste. I still struggle on whether to double touch, swipe left or right just to copy and paste, although somehow stuff works out, I am sure other users are not any different. To bring the point of notorious data consumption into perspective; imagine talking to someone and they have to remind you every second that passes that they are listening to you. Annoying. Now the browser won’t allow you to click back without reloading the whole webpage afresh and neither will it give you the opportunity to click forward (that option doesn’t exist anyway).
Undeniably Internet Explorer is the best browser one can use on the Windows platform given that the other competitive browser makers patronized the platform. There is no choice left other than dwelling on IE for all your browsing needs besides relying on individual apps which are worse at the economics of minimizing data usage.
I couldn’t help but notice the digital brawl between Microsoft and Google in a microcosm of sorts on IE. Gmail, Docs and even Google search are rendered in the worst ways possible you could ever find on a modern browser. IE doesn’t find shame in washing dirty linen in public; it often asked me to search via its search engine, Bing, whenever I would start punching in the Google search domain. LOL.
Addendum:
Word on the streets has it that for the first time, the execution of the singular vision of hosting the same app on all windows platforms –WindowsRT, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8– is coming real. Basing on the file extensions say (.appx) would bind the platforms and subsequently making it much easier for developers in deploying their apps. Also, the Windows store got a face lift that organizes apps more or less like how the Google Play does. It categorizes them in groups of say Top paid, Top free et al so as to give a user direction.
In hindsight, Windows 8.1 is a springboard that many will fall for besides giving Microsoft the opportunity to woo more developers and users onto the platform. But the hard truths still hold — alot needs to be done, especially to cater for emerging markets such as Africa.
Rating: 3.5/5
Image by Mwesigwa Daniel for Dignited
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.
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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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