Major players in the tech industry including Google and Microsoft have bet big money on the rise of internet bots as a form of communication between man and machine. While not the eerily humanoid robots in sci-fi movies (yet), the advancement and refinement of the bots’ mechanical psyche parallel to the development of robotic parts is one step closer to merging the two. That is if it hasn’t happened already.
Isaac Asimov was a prolific sci-fi writer and Professor of Biochemistry at Boston University and is regarded by many as the father of robotics. In his I,Robot short stories initially published between 1940 and 1950, Isaac Asimov mirrored the inherent fear humans share at a possible future robot invasion when he wrote the three laws robots ought to adhere to:
“ The Three Laws of Robotics 1: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm; 2: A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law; 3: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law; The Zeroth Law: A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.” ― Isaac Asimov, I, Robot
Bots vs Man
Garry Kasparov , one of the greatest Chess Grandmasters of all time was bested by IBM’s Deep Blue AI in 1997. Recently Google’s AlphaGo AI defeated Lee Sedol, one of the world’s top players of Go. Go is an ancient board game originating in China that is considered far more complex than Chess; a player literally has trillions of possible moves they can make at any given time. Up until now, AIs had never been able to defeat human players at Go. Other than Chess and Go, AIs have defeated humans in Checkers Jeopardy! and Othello showing an aptitude for strategy, probability and math (which computers have proved they do better). But the question on everybody’s lips is, Can AIs be sentient ?
Common terms
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) is the intelligence exhibited by machines or software. An Internet bot , also known as web robot, WWW robot or simply bot, is a software application that runs automated tasks (scripts) over the Internet. A robot is a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by a computer programor electronic circuitry. ~ Wikipedia
Here’s a rather long list of virtual assistant bots
Artificial Intelligence Shortcomings
Tweetville had a field day in March with the inappropriate Microsoft Twitter bot which single-handedly took the bot uprising’s sympathisers back to the drawing board. In less than 24 hours, the new-born AI chatbot named Tay had absorbed some of humanity’s worst traits among which was racism and sexism. While the hilarity of the social blunder was good for a laugh or two, what we should realise is that it’s better for Microsoft to experience these issues beforehand so they can build a better AI in the future. Gartner research vice-president Andrew White had this to say about Tay on the Gartner Blog
Now Microsoft has, presumably, to add additional nanopositioner software for sale to monitor the seeding of data to Tay in order to filter out content that might get misconstrued and used to create pathways that lead to offending responses. At some level this is easy: ignore these kinds of words (add example here) absolutely and prevent them from entering memory. And do not use these words ever. But at another level this can become quite complex quickly. What is the context of some words, and might some uses be acceptable? Under what conditions is that use acceptability? Perhaps Tay needs a ‘ethical acceptability’ switch that users can dial-up or dial-down. Maybe the switch needs to come in different cultural versions? Algorithms to monitor algorithms?
Cyber criminals have a taken a more sinister approach to utilising bots. Malicious internet bots such as Spam bots and Spy bots are rigged to be a menace for the end user. Malicious bots can do anything from jamming your inbox with spam emails to sniffing your computer for passwords and anything in between the bot owner wants done. Bots are hard to detect by many anti-virus software making them such efficient tools for criminals. It should be noted that internet bots are not inherently evil; simply tools to be used towards any given agenda. Bots are often used as monitoring tools to raise awareness on certain issues
Internet bots have been used on social media for a while with the intention of subtly influencing public opinion. A feature on DW showed how social bots could easily be used for generating video views . Their algorithms mimic humans so well that it has been said that 30% of users cannot tell the difference between bot and human. It is estimated that about 7% of twitter accounts are bots . The goal of Social bots is to steer people towards buying product, relate with a certain politician or feel a certain way about issues of contention. A study claims (PDF) that some 5000 bots were at play during the Uganda Presidential Elections of 2016 tweeting government propaganda. A convicted Colombian political ‘fixer’, Andrés Sepúlveda rigged elections throughout South America employing an army of twitter bots to create trends in his clients’ favour.
Cortana Intelligence Suite
Excusing the teenage dirtbag AI (Tay was modeled after a 19 year old girl), Microsoft has staked its money on the Virtual Assistant, Cortana. If it boils down to a count of heads, Cortana which is available on PCs, Tablets and Smartphones fairs well with Apple’s Siri and Google Now. Siri and Google Now are caged in their respective eco-systems unlike Cortana. Cortana Intelligence Suite aims to manage big data and advanced analytics into what Microsoft calls ‘Intelligent action’ which can be implemented in Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare and Financial services to start with in order to improve productivity.
Microsoft is working on integrating Cortana in Skyp e to manage the bots platform. Cortana will be able to plan schedules, shop among other functions on your behalf. Working as a middleman or butler if you like, Cortana will hire internet bots suited for certain functions such as booking hotels or air tickets, combing the internet for best deals before you shop, etc. When the bots are no longer needed, Cortana will get rid of them for you. Currently a Skype Translator bot is able to translate Skype conversations in real time breaking down language barriers like never before.
Natural Language Processing
Large amounts of natural language data is collected by companies such as Google and Microsoft, processed and analysed to improve upon human user interaction with artificial intelligence. Gone are the days when someone had to fake an American or a British accent for a Virtual Assistant to make out what you were saying. Google Now can pick up the words from 5 year old in Africa as easily as one in Europe
The Internet Bots Craze
Bots have been in existence for about 50 years but it’s only recently that the market has warmed up to them. Telegram instant messenger can be credited for showcasing the limitless potential of bots in the user consumption of online content. Bots like @TriviaBot, @PollBot, @ImageBot, @GitHubBot are hugely popular. Telegram’s bot platform which was launched in 2015 now has thousands of bots thanks to third-party developers who create bots using Bot APIs provided by Telegram.
It is rumored that Facebook will soon provide API tools as well to developers in order to build chatbots for Facebook Messenger. Facebook’s 900 million user base is such tempting bait for any developer of note so we expect a floodgate of bots for just about anything you can think of. Kik, an instant messenger popular among teens in the USA, already has a bot store along with Slack (cloud-based team collaboration tool), Line (messenger popular in Japan), WeChat and Twitter that has used bots for years. Bots can used to search, shop, play, broadcast, book reservations, remind users of tidbits of information and more.
Featured Image: PoliticalBots
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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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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