Any conversation about media streaming devices is incomplete before you talk about Roku. The Roku Streaming Stick+ along with other Roku offerings such as the Roku Express and Roku Premier provides an enviable entertainment experience. As a testament to its unmatched roster of features, the Roku Streaming Stick+ still competes favourably with new releases 3 years down the road.
This is the part where we extol the Roku Streaming Stick Plus’s phenomenal user experience. But as we do not reside in the USA, Canada or the UK, our review paints a rather different picture. Let’s dig in.
User interface & channels
To an old-timer like me, the Roku user interface is the bomb. It’s simple and super responsive. Perhaps I have just gotten accustomed to it over the years on the Roku TV. Roku settings are thorough and intuitive. You can control most aspects of your device to your specifications from system, network, TV display, audio, privacy and more
However, in the eyes of a first-timer, the channel interface looks dated and in need of a serious update. It’s a wild wild west out there. Roku doesn’t appear to have much control over the channels which number in their thousands. One channel is simply a cutout headshot of Kevin Bacon. And an outdated Youtube channel tile is superimposed on the updated one; when you click on it, the tile loads twice which is quite weird.
The plethora of streaming channels is extensive, bordering on insane. There’s something for everybody from sports, movies & TV, Games, comedy, educational, fitness, food, lifestyle, kids & family, and the list goes on. To their detriment, the thousands of channels are not well catalogued so be ready to wade through a lot of chaff to get to the grain
Also, for some reason, there’s no discernible way to search for channels. There’s no search function which we have come to take for granted. It would make sense to be able to cut through all those channels to reach the ones you want. You end up installing just a few channels and leaving it at that.
Performance
The Roku Streaming Stick+ is a beast. The gas lighter sized streaming device is blistering fast at boot up and navigation too is a breeze. The Roku plays video in 4K Ultra HD, HDR,1080P and 720P and does a great job of it.
Being a streaming stick, Roku needs 5V~1A power input and consumes less than 3 watts of power. Much as it ships with a power adapter, you can power it from an empty USB slot on your TV.
Distance from the router is a non-issue as well. The Roku has a long-range 802.11ac MIMO dual-band wireless receiver which boosts the wireless range by up to 4 times to reach every nook and cranny. This offsets the absence of an ethernet port which would have provided a more stable internet connection than wireless.
The Roku runs Roku OS, an entirely different operating system from Android. Miracast is the defacto screen mirroring protocol. Given that most smartphones, laptops and TVs support Miracast, you won’t often run into any compatibility issues. From having used Chromecast, I will have to say Roku’s Miracast is by far a more stable alternative for screen mirroring.
Related :
- Roku TV OS Review: Smart TV and Online Streaming for Everyone
- Roku Express vs Fire TV vs Chromecast vs Apple TV vs Mi Box S: What Streaming Device Is Right for You?
- Streaming Stick vs Streaming Box: Which Is Better for Watching Online Content
Voice remote with TV power & volume buttons
I am in love with the Roku remote. This beauty is a souped-up master remote; one remote to rule them all. It’s capable of taking over the functions of your TV remote. The idea that I don’t need an armoury of remote controls to command my entertainment experience is liberating.
The Roku remote integrates TV volume with its own to present a united front. You can also mute your TV or power it down/ turn it on with just one remote.
Another feather in the Roku’s cap is that the velvety buttons don’t return that annoying clicky sound. The super silent buttons make navigation pleasurable and seemingly faster than that clickity sound in some remote controls.
Voice assistant
After combing through the forums trying to understand why my voice commands were not being relayed, I found out, to my chagrin, that it’s a feature that will only work in the USA, Canada or the UK. Why? I can’t say. It’s just dumb if you ask me. There’s nothing special about voice search after all.
The thing about voice remote controls is that they enhance and elevate your entertainment experience to the extent that you cannot ever see yourself not talking to your TV. The fact that Roku doesn’t offer this feature for everybody disqualifies it from being my daily driver.
Downloading the Roku Mobile App
After that snafu with the voice-enabled Roku remote that won’t work for everybody, you’d think that would be the end of it. Think again. Another bone I have to pick with Roku is that it geo-blocks access to its mobile app on Android and iOS. If you don’t live in the US, Canada or the UK, you won’t be able to download it from the official app stores. You’re effectively relegated to second-class citizens.
Fortunately, there is a workaround for Android at least. The easiest way to circumnavigate Roku’s ridiculous geo-blocking is to download the APK from a trusted source like APKPURE or APK Mirror. It beats me why Roku doesn’t play nice though. For a company with global appeal, it sure thinks local.
Roku Mobile app features
The Roku Mobile app is one of the most powerful ones out there. Its functions are three-pronged. The app operates as a fully-fledged remote control, a channel guide/ channel store and a media cast app for smartphone content.
Side by side, the physical remote and the mobile app are almost identical in functionality. That’s divorced from the fact that you cannot control volume with the Roku mobile app. Secondly, much like the Roku remote, the mobile app doesn’t offer voice search. On the plus side, you get the option to search for content by typing using your smartphone keyboard.
The best you can do about this is control volume during Private Listening. That’s a byword for connecting earphones (wireless or wired) to your smartphone through which the Roku mobile app channels sound from the TV. It’s quite nifty regardless, although one wonders why Roku just wouldn’t incorporate Bluetooth into the Roku Streaming Stick+
The Bottom Line
Roku users living on the fringes of Roku’s core audience are left out of a lot of cool features and channels. The excellent Roku Channel is MIA, and so it the Featured Free lineup. The voice assistant doesn’t work and neither can we download the Roku mobile app from the play store.
If you can shrug that off, you have yourself one of the most powerful streaming sticks on the market. Coming from using an Android TV box, I appreciated how versatile Miracast is compared to Chromecast.
While Roku supports the major apps, you won’t find African channels like DStv and Showmax which are a hit on Android TV. Also, even if you got a hack around (which you won’t), Roku doesn’t support Chromecast which powers the streaming experience on those apps.
Price and availability
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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