Music streaming. You have either never heard of such a thing, or you’re knee-deep in one of these music streaming services and your entire music lifestyle has adjusted accordingly.
As we find ourselves quarantined at home for hours on end during the ongoing global crisis that is the COVID-19 , we find ourselves with more time in our hands to do things like listening to music, a ‘luxury’ previously reserved to hours spent in morning and evening rush-hour traffic.
I fall in the ‘Music-junkies’ camp and I have evolved over the years, from carrying multiple SD Cards with my Usher and Cassie tunes to today, letting an algorithm decide what song plays next based on what I have listened to before.
My go-to music streaming platform, like many of you, had been Spotify. But Spotify is not officially available in my country so I have been taking occasional escapades to use other platforms like Deezer , just to see if there was something easier, or better out there.
This time, I saw a really lucrative Apple Music deal and I thought I’d quickly jump on it before my ‘Student’ status elapsed and goes out the window with my eligibility for this rather enticing offer.
Switching to Apple Music: My Experience
I switched to Apple Music for a month and this is my experience so far..
First things first, I am a sucker for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). I love my Ubuntu, and Android Custom ROMs so Apple’s Ecosystem isn’t something I am keen to get locked into.
The fact that Apple Music is available on both Android and Linux through the web and third-party applications means the transition was rather smooth.
So, was the transition worth it? Well, lets dig in.
Right off the bat, Apple Music and Deezer are vastly similar. I mean they have to be. They’re both music streaming platforms at the end of the day and they do stream music..okay that was lame.
Availability
First thing I loved about Apple Music was the fact that I didn’t have to jump through any hoops to get it to work. The same goes for Deezer. The stereotype that music streaming is only available for the western world is misleading as, many platforms, except Spotify, are available in many African countries.
For the official list of all regions where Deezer is available, check this page . Apple Music is available in almost just as many regions. Check the full list here .
Pricing
Like I mentioned earlier, one of the reasons I jumped ship was because Apple Music offered me a premium account at a discount and my University was part of the list of supported institutions. This is usually unheard of in Africa as platforms like Deezer and Spotify’s Student plans only cover a few institutions in the US and Europe.
Had I been paying for Spotify (which I did for a couple of months after pestering a friend abroad), it’d run me almost 4 times as much as I am currently paying for Apple Music.
Of course, not everyone is a Student so Spotify’s Individual plan costs $9.99 while Apple Music’s goes for $4.99 last I checked.
Library
This is perhaps the biggest point of comparison when pitting such platforms against each other. I am sure both platforms have tens of millions of songs and I know someone on the internet has done a better job at comparing these two libraries.
But I will say this. I haven’t searched for a song on either of these platforms and failed to get the exact track that I need to listen to. That said, for the normal streamer, the couple of million songs difference between these two platforms is, in no way, a reflection of your experience. You will find all the songs you want on either platform.
Sound Quality
I know that sound quality is very subjective. But since this is my experience I am documenting, I wouldn’t be doing this piece justice if I didn’t mention this part.
In my experience, music on Spotify sounded a little ‘quieter’ compared to other platforms. I was comfortable with the quality and everything until I tested Deezer sometime last year and suddenly, Spotify’s stream sounded whack. It is a solid stream, don’t get me wrong, but Apple Music is fuller and louder.
Curation
Yet another point that is highly subjective. I like a specific kind of music. In my testing, I found that Spotify nailed my specific taste almost every single time. The Discover Weekly playlists and the New Music Friday section always delivered fresh music that was right up my alley.
Apple Music also has properly curated playlists but sometimes it throws in some ‘questionable selections’ and I tend to like how Apple Music does it. See, too much of anything can make you sick, even the good can be a curse.
The ‘mismatched’ songs that Apple Music throws in once in a while makes me feel like this playlist was curated by an actual human who doesn’t always get it right. And I dig that. Spotify’s algorithm-generated playlists get it right every single time and if that’s what you’re into, well, you should try it.
African Content
One of the main concerns that many of my friends have with these music streaming services is local content. How do these platforms fair when it comes to local curations?
Well, pretty well actually. Both Apple Music and Spotify have expansive catalogues of African music. These songs are curated into various regional and genre-based categories.
Apple Music also has a dedicated Daily Top 100 songs for every country and in my experience, these are pretty spot-on. You know that song you keep hearing on repeat over your local FM station? You’re bound to find it in that Top 100 Playlist.
Apple Music Daily Top 100
Also worth noting is that, when many local artists launch an album, they, most often than not, will publish it on all the major music streaming platforms.
Source
Take Nyashinski’s new album for instance. It is available on almost every streaming platform you know.
Beats 1 Radio and Broadcast Stations
I am not the biggest radio person but once in a while, I like to tune in to an actual station with an actual host and a DJ, just to see what’s going on in Pop-culture.
With Beats 1 Radio, you can tune in to that right from within the Apple Music app. You can catch some of the popular mainstream artists and their interviews, and most of these interviews are recorded so you can catch them on-demand.
Apple Music has also recently added a section for Broadcast Stations. Granted, most of these streams are sourced from TuneIn but maybe that’s its strength. I mean, this means you don’t need to have TuneIn radio installed on your device.
I was able to find many of my favorite local stations and tune in right from the Apple Music app.
Spotify to Apple Music: Is It Worth It?
So was my switch worth it? In my opinion and experience, yes it was. It is 2020 and many of these platforms are coming of age. Apple Music is the youngest player in the industry but even that is almost 5 years old.
Add that to the ease of accessing it in many regions, the availability on multiple platforms and you begin to see that, these two platforms trade blows on many of these categories. Will I be switching to a different platform, probably. Will you?
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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