ISACA Kampala Chapter will hold a virtual conference between 23rd–24th September 2021, 9:00 am–5:00pm with the theme, Rethinking Value and Technology Assurance in the Workspace.
Annually, the Chapter extends an opportunity to professionals to enhance their skills, appraise their knowledge, and rethink organizational value add through discussions on the emerging changes and demands for organizations, use of technology to enhance customer engagement, strengthening internal processes and data management and reshaping physical and virtual business presence.
Contemporary topics such as Privacy, Brand Protection and Managing Digital Investigations , Embracing Leadership That Will Thrive in the Digital Era, Cybersecurity will be top on the agenda. Interactive On-screen presentation with visual aids, Panel discussions will equip professionals with strategies and techniques for rethinking the value of workspaces, workforces, and the work.
The Chapter will also hold a free pre-conference virtual event on 22 nd September 2021 under the theme, Cybersecurity practical Lab Learning. This all-inclusive University students group engagement is aimed at introducing them to hands-on skills sessions relating to Cybersecurity.
The pandemic has influenced organizations to increase dependency on technology to remain competitive while tapping into new markets. This has had positive and negative effects on organizations.
Factors such as growth in demand for technology use, data integration, business processes re-engineering, and re-engagement of the employee are driving organizational change and professional skill-up. The Conference will equip attendees with knowledge and skill to remain relevant and guide organizations to transition.
The event is suitable for technology and business professionals in all sectors, such as C-Suite Executives, Governance, Risk and Compliance professionals, Assurance professionals, and IT related professionals. Interested attendees can register here: https://bit.ly/390tBTO
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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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Authentication is one aspect of devices in the smartphone ecosystem that has undergone series of evolution within a short period of time. Formerly, when smartphone authentication was mentioned, (alphanumeric) passwords, PINs, and Patterns were the dominant trio. Now, biometric authentication is the in-vogue method of smartphone security, of which fingerprint sensors is a very important member.
Nowadays, you barely see a smartphone without a fingerprint sensor. And while all fingerprint sensors have the same end result (unlocking a device by authenticating prints on the fingers), they come in different forms (physical and under-display ) and also have different placements (front-facing, rear-facing, and side-mounted).
Front vs rear vs side fingerprint sensor
Although it’s something of little relevance to some smartphone users & buyers, some individuals are meticulous about details like the fingerprint sensor placement on their device(s). What’s the best position, however, to have your phone’s fingerprint scanner — front, rear, or side?
Front-facing fingerprint scanner
Although fingerprint scanner idea wasn’t first implemented on an iPhone, the Cupertino-based giant arguably helped put fingerprint sensors on the map with the Touch ID on the iPhone 5S in 2013. Samsung played an important role too when it began incorporating fingerprint sensors in its device’s home button since the Galaxy S5.
Fingerprint sensors are now being placed under smartphones displays nowadays but technically, they are also front-facing fingerprint readers. So, is having your smartphone’s fingerprint on the front of the best? Let’s find out.
Pros of Front-facing fingerprint reader
- Ease of use on a surface
One of the major advantages of front-facing fingerprint sensor is the ease of use when you have your phone placed on a surface. Ideally, many users place their phones on their back because they do not want to scratch or damage the screen. At work, at home or anywhere at all, if your phone is on the table, just place your finger on the sensor (or on the screen) and voila!
- Driving? No problem.
If you drive a lot, you might want to consider a phone with front-facing fingerprint scanner. If you place your phone on a phone holder, the fingerprint sensor becomes inaccessible because it’d have been covered up by the holder. In addition, there’s a chance that the holder damages the sensor.
- Convenience & Accuracy
Compared to rear-facing fingerprint readers where you have to, sometimes, locate its position, front-facing fingerprint sensors are easy to locate. Also, using and locating a rear-facing fingerprint sensor can sometimes have you touching your phone’s rear camera(s), smearing and scratching the lens in the process.
Cons of Front-facing fingerprint reader
- Unless it’s embedded under the display, a front-facing fingerprint sensor increases the amount of bezels around the display. And since we are in fully in a “Full-View / Bezel-less” era, front-facing fingerprint sensors are counterproductive and counter-revolutionary.
Rear-facing fingerprint scanner
For some reasons, fingerprint sensors are commonly placed on the rear nowadays. Here’s why, as well as the upsides:
Pros of Rear-facing fingerprint sensors
- Bigger screen-to-body ratio
This is clear-cut. If you are the type that cherishes your smartphone’s frontal being (almost) entirely covered by a screen, a rear-facing fingerprint sensor makes that possible.
- Reach and Convenience
When a smartphone’s fingerprint sensor is placed on the rear, you generally have more finger choices to unlock your smartphone with — because most of your fingers naturally rest on the back while using your phone, plus some users argue that it is easier to reach when they take their phones out of their pockets.
Cons of Rear-facing fingerprint sensors
- Sometimes, OEMs embed a device’s fingerprint sensor too close to the primary camera on the rear. The placement might be beautiful and earn the device some aesthetic score but users will, more often than not, touch/scratch/smear the lens of the camera whenever they use the fingerprint sensor. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a perfect example of a smartphone with the fingerprint too close to the rear camera.
- If you use a phone mount in your car, you might have troubles using your device’s fingerprint sensor while driving.
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Although mounting fingerprint scanners on the right-hand side of a device isn’t exactly a common popular placement, it’s one of the best position to have the sensor.
Pros of Side-mounted Fingerprint sensors
- Reach and Accessibility
Truth is: no matter how you hold your phone during operation, you’d have at least one finger on the side of your device. Also, irrespective of how you place your phone on a surface (face up or down), you can easily get to unlock your device before you even pick it up from the surface.
- It’s just as fast
Yeah, side-mounted fingerprint readers are just as fast those embedded on the rear or within home buttons. Also, it doesn’t affect the design of the smartphone in any way.
- Flexibility
With front-facing fingerprint sensors, you’re mostly going to get accustomed to using your thumbs to unlock your device while the other four fingers are more commonly used on rear-facing sensors.
Side-mounted fingerprint sensors, however, allows the natural flexibility of using almost any finger (left or right) without being subconsciously accustomed to any.
Cons of Side-mounted Fingerprint sensors
- Might be less secure
Side-mounted fingerprint sensors almost always have smaller surface area compared to those embedded on the front or rear. This means that the sensor only captures a small portion of the finger during authentication, increasing the chances of false positives.
According to AndroidAuthority , the fear that the partial matches from side-mounted fingerprint sensors could be exploited was confirmed by research from New York University and Michigan State University .
Researchers from New York University and Michigan State University last year confirmed those fears, exploiting the partial match to develop a “master fingerprint” that could unlock up to 65 percent of phones (in certain conditions).
- The Smartphone Case Issue
Depending on the design, as well as thickness, smartphone cases may sometimes hinder your finger from being appropriately captured by the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
All the fingerprint placement locations come other their upsides and downsides. And to be honest, there’s no one-size-fit-all fingerprint placement position; it all boils down to preferences, lifestyle, manner of smartphone usage etc. I, however, would love me a phone with its fingerprint on the front. You? Where do you love your fingerprint sensor?
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
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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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