Picture this; a grade six teacher stands infront of a classroom filled with about 50 students each holding touchscreen rectangular devices on their desks loaded with the school curriculum and cached custom content from Wikipedia, Khan academy, and thousands of e-books.
The teacher creates an algebraic problem with her laptop and pushes it wirelessly to all the students’ tablets who tackle the problem. When done, the students each instantly submit their solutions using a custom classroom management platform . With in an instant the teacher is able to tell who got the answer right or wrong.
Sounds like a script from a blockbuster Hollywood Sci-Fi script shot in 2050? No.
This is already happening, not just in Carlifornia but in South Africa in the Guateng province — which is home to Johannesburg and Pretoria. The province has started a pilot project to replace textbooks with tablets in seven government schools, Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said as South African Tech site Techcentral reports . The schools were provided with broadband, wireless and 4G connectivity, he said.
A Technical Centre where students tablets can be repaired should they fail as well as a security company to ensure the safety of the devices have also been instituted.
But that’s not all. If successful, the project will be extended to all 44 000 schools in the area. This shows the level of ambition that the South African has mounted to forge a paperless classroom. The potential of tablets transforming the Education and the classroom especially in Africa can’t be overstated .
The use of Education Technology or EdTech where students have access to affordable textbooks, collaboration and communications tools, while teachers can monitor the progress of students in real-time has several benefits. Well, atleast in theory. A student’s management system and dashboards ensure that tests are marked immediately and scores are instantly stored in a secure database. The interactive Edu-platforms such as Google’s “Google Classroom” ensure student in-class engagement is super high, with classroom management tasks such as student results and attendance automated.
But e-learning isn’t new in Africa.
Rwanda’s One Laptop per Child project a brainchild of Nicholas Negroponte, co-founder and director of the MIT Media Laborator, has seen over 203,000 laptops distributed to primary school pupils. In Kenya, President Uhuru pledged to supply 1.2 million laptops to first year primary pupils. It was to be a $600 million project, with a $100 price tag per laptop. But alledgation of corruption have since stalled the project from seeing the light of day.
Another problem is taking away the blackboard is equivalent to getting the teacher out of the picture. Up untill now, teachers have been known to be the custodians of knowledge and the materials such as the blackboard used to deliver it. The teachers have for years become accustomed to effectively use these tools — although, if true then that would defeat the whole essense of EdTech — from their professional training. They are not like the millennials who find these new mobile devices a natural extension of their daily lives. These young people use smartphones and tablets to text each other, share homework and access social networks almost on a daily basis. Mxit for instance, a social networking App based in South Africa with well over 10 million users is used by students to share class notes, do quizes and access past paper exam questions with some of the platform’s Educational apps.
If the whiteboard, projector and tablets are to replace the good old blackboard, then the teachers must in the same measure be trained to effectively use these high-tech tools and should become effective in impacting knowledge to students as they did with chalk. However, currently teachers are intimated and quite overwhelmed by the rapidly changing technology according to this article on the Mail & Guardian; “although tablets provide the opportunity for learning to become more student-centred, interactive, collaborative and flexible, many teachers feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the technology”.
The future of the classroom is no doubt one that’s paperless, and probably one not bound by four corners. But figuring out how to get there is something that continues to haunt Educationists.
Image: aljazeera.com
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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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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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] .
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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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