October 14, 2025. That was the day Microsoft pulled the plug on Windows 10 . No more security updates, no more support. If you’re still running it, you’re on your own.
Their solution? Buy a new computer that meets Windows 11 ‘s absurd hardware requirements. TPM 2.0, specific CPUs, the whole deal. Your perfectly good PC from 2018? Microsoft says it’s trash now.
Except it’s not trash. It just can’t run their bloated, naggy, ad-riddled operating system anymore.
Windows Got Worse While You Weren’t Looking
Remember when Windows was just… an operating system? Now it’s a billboard. Candy Crush pre-installed. OneDrive constantly begging for attention. Edge pop-ups guilt-tripping you for using Chrome. “Suggested apps” you never asked for.
It’s like ordering ugali na nyama and getting sukuma wiki you didn’t ask for, questionable sausage from two days ago, and juice that’s been sitting out too long. Then they charge you for the whole plate. You just wanted something simple that works.
And Office? You’re paying a subscription for a suite that includes MS Publisher – a program so useless even Microsoft forgot why it exists. Most of that ribbon full of features? You’ll never touch them. But they’re there, bloating up your system, taking up space.
Half your RAM goes to telemetry and background processes you can’t disable. Your computer’s working for Microsoft, not you.
Privacy is Dead on Windows
Let’s talk about what Microsoft isn’t shouting from the rooftops: Windows is essentially corporate spyware now.
Everything you do gets logged. What apps you use, how long you use them, what websites you visit, what you search for. It all goes back to Microsoft’s servers. They call it “telemetry” and “improving user experience.” You can call it what it actually is: surveillance.
On Linux? Your data stays on your machine. No one’s watching what you do. No one’s building an advertising profile from your desktop habits. It’s just… your computer doing what you tell it to do. Revolutionary concept, apparently.
This is Enshittification in Real Time
Here’s the pattern: Microsoft used to sell you Windows. You paid once, you owned it. Then they moved to Windows as a service. Now they’re moving to Windows as a platform for extracting value from you.
Free games you didn’t ask for (but with ads and in-app purchases). Cloud storage that nags you constantly to upgrade. A web browser that’s basically a Microsoft products billboard. An OS that interrupts your work to ask if you want to try their AI assistant.
This is enshittification in real time – making the product worse to extract more value from you. And they can do this because they’ve got you locked in. Your work files, your installed programs, your muscle memory. Switching costs are high, so they keep turning the screws.
Linux doesn’t have this problem because there’s no corporation trying to monetize your eyeballs. It’s just software. It does what you need it to do and then gets out of your way.
Linux Actually Got Good
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: Linux isn’t the nightmare it used to be.
You don’t need to touch the terminal. At all. Fedora Workstation , KDE Neon, Linux Mint – you can go from installation to daily driver using nothing but graphical interfaces and app stores that actually work.
Drivers? They mostly just work now. Wifi, Bluetooth, even most printers (yeah, printers).
Office work? OnlyOffice looks and works like actual modern Office – none of that LibreOffice time-capsule-from-2003 aesthetic. Or just use Google Docs and Office 365 web like you probably already do anyway. Your browser works the same on Linux as it does on Windows.
You install what you want. Just that. No bundled garbage, no “features” you’ll never use, no apps mysteriously appearing after updates. It’s like having Mpesa instead of some bloated super-app that does payments, social media, games, and marketplace all in one janky package. Sometimes simple and focused is better.
Even the gamers – the gamers – can use Linux now thanks to Steam Deck and Proton. If they can figure it out between gaming sessions, so can you.
The Real Problem Isn’t Linux
It’s the people around it.
The “did you even read the documentation?” crowd. The “works fine on my machine” dismissiveness. The “I use Arch btw” gatekeeping that turned basic questions into tests of worthiness.
Linux has this elitism problem where making the OS harder to approach is somehow treated as maintaining standards. Like if you can’t parse a man page or decode failed to mount /dev/sda2: invalid argument , you don’t deserve to escape Windows.
Meanwhile Windows has clickable buttons and error messages in plain English. It’s not your fault the Linux community decided to keep secrets.
The irony? Linux needs more regular users to get better hardware support, more native apps, all that. But parts of the community treat newcomers like they’re polluting some sacred space. The software is ready for normal people. The question is whether the community is ready to actually welcome them.
The End of 10 Movement Gets It
This is where End of 10 comes in. It’s a grassroots campaign that actually understands the assignment.
No corporate backing, no sales pitch. Just volunteers organizing install parties where real people help you switch to Linux. Free support from actual humans who remember what it’s like to be confused. Local communities stepping up because they know Microsoft isn’t coming to save you.
Some OEMs are even getting involved, shipping machines with Linux pre-installed for people who want to skip Windows entirely. Tech communities are running workshops. The support infrastructure is there now in a way it wasn’t five years ago.
This isn’t charity or evangelism. It’s people realizing that when a corporation abandons millions of users, maybe there’s a better way forward that doesn’t involve buying new hardware or running unsupported software.
What Now?
If you’re still on Windows 10, you’re running an OS with no security updates. Every day you use it, you’re more vulnerable.
If you’ve already moved to Windows 11, you’re dealing with everything mentioned above – the surveillance, the bloat, the enshittification.
Or you could try Linux. Pick a beginner-friendly distro ( Fedora Workstation, Linux Mint, KDE Neon ), make a bootable USB, and test drive it without installing anything. Find an End of 10 install party near you if you want help.
Your computer isn’t obsolete. Microsoft’s just trying to convince you it is so you’ll buy new hardware and keep feeding their ecosystem.
Worst case? You waste an afternoon and go back to what you know. Best case? You remember what it feels like to actually own your computer instead of renting it from a corporation that keeps changing the terms.
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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