Monthly Archive for April, 2011

Several months later, a review of Samsung’s Galaxy S Android Smartphone.

Published on April 30, 2011 in Uncategorized. 8 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

 

The gorgeous Samsung Galaxy S Android Smartphone

This post on Samsung’s Galaxy S Android Smartphone (i.e. model GT-I9000) is not just late – its very very late! I have had this phone for a good number of months and I guess it goes to show just how much I like it that I did not get round to doing a post sooner. However, I am sure my friends over at Samsung will be relieved that I finally wrote something about this amazing phone (Melissa, waiting to hear your feedback).

Let me start by saying that for the last 4 months or so since I got the Samsung Galaxy S, much has happened. I coveted this phone so much since I saw it last year at the Samsung convention that was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. As it was then, and as it still is today, its a wicked piece of innovative Android hardware. Its so popular that it sold over 10 million units last year after it was launched in June 2010. In addition, even in Kenya, the Galaxy S was running out of stock regularly in the first couple of months it was on sale.

The back of the Samsung Galaxy S Android Smartphone

The Galaxy S is one of the high-end Android phones that you can buy in Kenya. I am not sure what it costs right now but the last time I checked it was selling in Kes. 45,000.00 range which is a steal when you consider that an open Apple iPhone 4 retails for around Kes. 80,000.00. The Galaxy S does pack a punch in so many areas that its hard to say what is not good about it compared to other similarly priced or even more expensive smartphones. So, I will start here with what my impressions have been in non-techie speak:

  • Packaging – The first thing that hits you about the phone is that its very thin and very wide at the same time. In terms of form factor, it looks very much like the pre-iPhone 4 models in terms of design. In fact, its quite often I confuse it for my iPhone 3GS when I am not paying attention. They look almost the same. However, it does feel a little “plasticky” compared to an iPhone, especially the back the phone – I think Samsung could have done a better job in this aspect of the packaging.
  • Touch Screen – OK. Its a really BIG  touch screen. Its a 4 inch screen, and its a Super AMOLED! What does this mean? In English – its means its a really bright, clear, sharp and large screen to do all your touch things on the Galaxy S. There are very few if any screens you will get larger than the one on the Galaxy S. Its a real charm when it comes to looking at your high resolution photos and HD movies. It terms if responsiveness, the touch screen is really nice. No complaints here.
  • Processor – The Galaxy S comes with a really fast processor even by today’s standards since it runs at 1Ghz. These are the sort of processors that used to run full scale computers only a few years ago. Its really phones like the Galaxy S that blur the line between what a smartphone is and what a computer is today. Its super capable from this perspective.
  • Android - The Galaxy S was originally launched with Android 2.1. However, the one I had came with 2.2 which is one of the more recent versions of Android. This is a good thing since many Android phones in the market today are still using much older versions of the OS. In certain global markets, users are also able to upgrade their Galaxy S phones to Android 2.3 so its still on the cutting edge in this respect.
  • Applications and gaming – In terms of applications, the Galaxy S comes with a large number of applications already installed. However, its possible like with any other Android to access the Android Market to download thousands of additional applications. Some of the the cool applications include LAYAR which is an augmented reality application. In terms of gaming, I have found a good number of games on the Android Market that I have managed to download and play on Galaxy S. The large screen goes a long way in improving the gaming experience across the board.
  • Memory – The Galaxy S I got came with 8GB of on-board memory. In addition, a free 8GB external microSD was also provided in the box for a total of 16GB memory. This is NOT bad since you can expand the microSD storage to 32GB for a total of 40GB. This is ideal if your heavily into applications and online media such HD video and high resolution photos.
  • Camera – The Galaxy S comes with a 5 megapixel camera which is not bad. However, newer phones now come with cameras that have 8  or even 12 megapixel cameras. Nevetheless, the photo quality of the Galaxy is really good. Its not ideal though for low light conditions as it does not have a flash.
  • Video – One of the best features of the Galaxy S is its ability to do HD Video. I will NOT get into the specifics but the few home movies I have done look really sharp and stunning. Its a gem of a multimedia device from this perspective.
  • Business functions - As a business oriented phone, the Galaxy S works remarkably well when it comes to email and calendering via the Social Hub feature. The on-screen keyboard is easy to use and comes with customized features from Samsung that make it even better. In addition, the phone has the “swype” which makes using the on-screen keyboard a synch.
  • Networking – The Galaxy S, as expected, supports 3G and other slower standards for Internet connectivity such as EDGE. In addition, it works equally well on WIFI as well and Bluetooth for connecting peripherals. I have had no issues in this area.
  • Mapping and navigation – In terms of mapping and navigation, I have used these a lot on the Galaxy S and especially with Google Maps. This works!
  • Battery life – The caveat of all smartphones I have seems to be battery life. All that speedy internet, applications and processor hungry stuff just kills battey life. This is also the case with the Galaxy S. You have to charge it daily, sometimes severally, depending on how much you use it as a “power user” – not unlike an Apple iPhone which is even more battery draining in my opinion.

The Samsung Galaxy S is thin - really thin.

In a nutshell, the Galaxy S is a really good phone, even a year after it was launched. There is a good reason why it sold 10 million units in around 6 months – its one of the best Android phones ever to-date. Therefore, its a good thing that the 4G capable Galaxy S II is being launched today in South Korea as the successor to the Galaxy S. It will probably take a good number of months for the Galaxy S II to make it to Kenya so for the timing, I give the original Galaxy S a strong buy recommendation!

Tina Byaruhanga and HotKyana.com – pioneering Ugandan e-commerce.

Published on April 30, 2011 in Uncategorized. 4 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

I was in Kampala, Uganda just over a week ago on a work related trip. The trip lasted close to a week so I had quite a bit of time on my  to get a feel of how things are looking there in terms of technology. The last time I was in Uganda was approximately one year ago and at the time I did not really get to move around much since I was attending a conference. However, one thing is for sure, all the on-going construction and infrastructural investments in Kampala show that the country is on the move.

Downtown Kampala where Cybe Cafe Internet access is really cheap.

In terms of technology, what is very apparent in Uganda’s telecommunications sector where there are 5 mobile network operators comprised of Warid, MTN, Orange, UTL and Airtel is that the fight for the data market is in full swing. Everyone of these telcos is offering all sorts of consumer and business data propositions as evidenced by the large number of billboards all around the city promoting dongles, bundles, etc. In addition, there is also at least one CDMA player also offering data services there.

I also had a chance to venture into down town Kampala to get a feel of what was happening in the cyber cafes for the masses. Indeed, just like in Kenya, I found many cyber cafes offering incredibly inexpensive Internet access. One thing is for sure, Uganda is riding the broadband wave and its possible that they too will become a major centre for technology innovation in the East African region, in addition to Kenya. I would say that for entrepreneurs and investors now is the time to get a foothold in Uganda lest you miss the train when it leaves the station – there is money to be made.

Tina Byaruhanga, The Entrepreneur behind HotKyana.com

In-line with this post, I had a chance to meet Tina Byaruhanga who is the Entrepreneur behind a start-up e-commerce business in Uganda called “Hotkyana”. Tina started HotKyana about 8 months ago to offer Ugandan ladies an alternative shopping destination for high-end clothing and accessories.

Tina says that HotKyana is more than an online store – its a high-end consumer lifestyle that she is trying to promote in the marketplace. By the way, “kyana” means “chic” in Luganda which is the widest spoken ethnic language in Uganda – therefore, HotKyana means, quite literally, “Hot Chic”.

HotKyana operates by taking online orders via its web site. It does not yet offer credit card processing online so most of the payments they receive to-date are via cash, mobile money and direct cash deposits to their bank account. According to Tina, the payments space has been a major challenge but mobile money is proving to be a major boon for them. What is interesting to note is that HotKyana also gets orders from as far Rwanda showing that their reach is significant.

Driving into Kampala from the Airport.

HotKyana has grown largely through referrals from happy and satisfied customers as they hardly do any direct marketing. However, social media and especially Facebook has been a big part of their marketing strategy and they have a built a community there that supports HotKyana.

As of this writing Tina says that they get anywhere from 10 to 30 orders per week which has grown significantly over time. Tina is hoping to expand their business and may even consider getting a foothold in larger regional markets such as Kenya. All in all, I was really impressed with Tina and what she is doing with HotKyana in Uganda.

Mobile Trends 2020 Africa.

Published on April 29, 2011 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment Tags: .
Just picked this up from Erik Hersman’s WhiteAfrican blog. Its the Mobile Trends 2020 Africa presentation for which I was one of the many contributors. An insightful and broad view of where the mobile is going in Africa. Enjoy!
Mobile Trends 2020 Africa
View more presentations from Rudy De Waele

All-in-one business smartphone, the Nokia E7, now available in Kenya.

Published on April 21, 2011 in Uncategorized. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

Press Release

Nairobi, Kenya, 21 April 2011 – Nokia has today announced the launch of the highly-anticipated business smartphone, Nokia E7, in the Kenyan market.

The Nokia E7 is an optimal business phone with great connectivity to work and personal email on a 4-inch touch display and QWERTY keyboard enabling users create, edit and share office documents on a fast, secure intranet access. Nokia E7 users will also be able to easily set up their calendar and sync it with Microsoft Outlook.

“People are continuing to look for solutions that suit both their work and personal life; in business circles this is known as the ‘consumerisation’ of IT. The Nokia E7 gives people the confidence to bring their own smartphones to the workplace to connect securely to corporate messaging servers,” said Kenneth Oyolla, General Manager for Nokia East and Southern Africa.

He added: “On the other hand, whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, university student or aspiring world traveller, the Nokia E7 is the only smartphone you will need to get the world’s best mobile navigation and mapping application, thousands of apps, millions of music, and a rich messaging experience.”

With its tilting, 4-inch ClearBlack display, full keyboard and a fast access to a wide variety of apps directly on the homescreen, the Nokia E7 is the key to having a successful day in or out of the office. Importantly, the device supports business applications from leading enterprise technology partners including Microsoft and IBM.

For business users, Nokia E7 provides direct, secure and real-time access to email, calendar, contacts, tasks and the corporate directory through Microsoft Exchange servers, as well as Office Communicator Mobile, developed by Microsoft for Nokia smartphones, which brings presence and corporate instant messaging.

The WhatsApp Messenger is a smartphone messenger available for Nokia, iPhone, Blackberry and Android phones. WhatsApp uses your 3G or Wi-Fi (when available) to message with friends and family. This is a switch from SMS to WhatsApp to enable consumers send and receive messages at no cost. The app can be downloaded from http://www.whatsapp.com/nokia/

Additionally, a wide range of entertainment and social services available on the Nokia E7 make it the perfect off-duty companion, and the Ovi Store offers a wealth of local apps. These include   “Daily Nation” for Kenyan News, Business, Sport and Entertainment and the application gives access to in depth coverage and analysis of issues and breaking news and “Rich”, an application that keeps you updated with the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The Nokia E7 users will be able to use “AroundMe”, an app that allows one to easily and quickly find important businesses and services in your surrounding or any other location. For example, one can find restaurants, banks, gas stations, and other local services with ease. It enables you to view maps, directions, routes, street view, read reviews and even call the business.

The new arrival offers drive or walk navigation in 80 countries. The latest commercial version of Ovi Maps, available immediately via Ovi Store or Ovi Suite, adds visibility to subways, trams and trains, real-time traffic, safety alerts, visibility to parking and petrol stations, speed limit warnings, and improved search and location sharing capabilities.  The Nokia E7 will be selling in retail between 52,000 -54,000 Kenya Shillings.

Here are more reasons why the Nokia E7 is the all-in-one business smartphone:

  • Easy access to private and business email
  • Create, edit and share office documents and view PDF files with Adobe Reader
  • Fast, secure intranet access with the built-in VPN
  • High-resolution photos and HD video with the 8 megapixel camera and dual LED flash
  • HDMI connectivity to project files, videos and images onto large screens
  • 16 gigabytes of on-board flash memory
  • USB-On-The-Go, enabling easy file sharing by connecting a USB stick to the smartphone

 

 

Most popular BlackBerry Apps in Kenya revealed.

Published on April 21, 2011 in Uncategorized. 2 Comments

Press Release.

Facebook is top BlackBerry App World download in Kenya

Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry solution, today released a list of the top 20 mobile applications that Kenyans love to download from BlackBerry App World. Not surprisingly, popular social media app, the Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones application, topped the list, followed closely by BB (BlackBerry Messenger), and WhatsApp Messenger, with Player For YouTube and Snaptu also gracing the top 10 indicating Kenyans love for socializing on the move. Others in the top 20 list include: Chat for Facebook, the Bible and TuneIn Radio.

Other African countries show similar downloading trends with Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones and BBM in the top three slots, while globally BlackBerry App World, Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones, BBM, WhatsApp Messenger and Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones took the top 5 slots. The top global download during the review period was the Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones app. The findings also show that BlackBerry smartphone users are downloading more than 3 million apps per day from BlackBerry App World on average. There are over 25,000 BlackBerry apps available today.

The information on the most popular app downloads was gathered over a period of one week following the inclusion of 27 new markets on BlackBerry App World. BlackBerry App World is now available in 101 countries worldwide with BBM, one of the leading downloads, scooping the Best App on the BlackBerry Platform award during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February.

“We are excited about the uptake by the Kenyan market of the apps available on BlackBerry App World” said Deon Liebenberg, Managing Director for Africa at RIM. “RIM continues to support developers in order to provide apps that leverage the many advantages of the BlackBerry platform and deliver best-in-class mobile experiences.”

BlackBerry App World allows customers to discover, download and enjoy a wide range of mobile applications for their BlackBerry smartphones. The BlackBerry App World online store is available for all BlackBerry smartphones with a trackball, trackpad or touch screen running BlackBerry OS (device software) 4.5 or higher.

Customers can download BlackBerry App World through their computer or directly from their smartphone by visiting www.blackberry.com/appworld or mobile.blackberry.com. BlackBerry App World can then be conveniently accessed over both Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks and will automatically present users with the relevant catalog of applications available for their specific BlackBerry smartphone model.

The full list of top 20 Kenyan downloads for BlackBerry are as follows:

1. Facebook
2. BlackBerry Messenger
3. WhatsApp Messenger
4. Hangman
5. Dictionary and Thesaurus – Dictionary com
6. DriveSafely
7. Player For YouTube
8. Chat for Facebook – Free Facebook Chat App
9. TuneIn Radio
10. Snaptu
11. Caller ID Reader
12. DriveCarefully
13. FaceChat – Free Facebook Chat App
14. Bible
15. Who Is It – LED Light Alerts for Contacts
16. Vlingo – Virtual Assistant
17. Super Address Book – FREE
18. Twitter
19. Navita Sports
20. Yahoo Messenger

FACTCHA short-listed at World Bank’s Apps for Development Competition

Published on April 17, 2011 in Uncategorized. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

I only found out this past week that a friend, Athman Mohamed, was short-listed for as one of the possible winners for the World Bank’s Apps for Development competition.

His entry, FACTCHA, was the only one from Kenya that made it to the final cut and although he did not win the ultimate prize he beat out many others to receive an honorable mention. More details on FACTCHA can be found here>

Defining “AppleEnvy”, an incurable form of technology addiction.

Published on April 17, 2011 in Uncategorized. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for sometime now. Its about an affliction or condition I define as “AppleEnvy”. In one way or another, if you are a technophile like me, you will understand exactly what I mean by AppleEnvy by the end of this post.

Apple is by far one of the coolest brands on the planet. Its right up there as one of the brands that pretty much everyone I know would like to own or be associated with, even by extension. After having a near death experience almost two decades ago, Apple has managed to claw its way back from the gallows to the very apex of technology coolness. However, what has always been true about Apple from the very beginning is that its DNA is rooted in being technology cool at every turn. To quote a good friend of mine, “Apple only ever makes really good s**t”.

It took Apple to make the iPod and iTunes the leading digital music ecosystem in the world. It took Apple  to “re-invent” the phone by making the iPhone the coolest smartphone to-date, even as Android gains global marketshare. Lastly, Apple’s iconic laptops and desktops ala “Mac” offerings represent the highest order of consumer and business technology tools. Its a fact. Personally, I have been an Apple aficionado for the better part of three years since first owning a Macbook, which still works remarkably well to-date and has never broken down on me. Apple products simply just work – and work really well.

Fast forward to last year and I finally secured an Apple iPhone 3GS. If you are one of the people who read this article and own or have used an iPhone you will know what I mean when I say that there is nothing quite like an iPhone in the world of mobile phones. Yes, I also have a couple of Android handsets and also use the latest Nokia handsets but the iPhone is quite simply on another level, honestly. The user experience is second to none and there is an iPhone app for practically anything you can imagine. To use one Steve Jobs famous expletives, the iPhone is quite simply, “amazing”.

Then, came along the iPad which is now in its second iteration in less than a year so the Apple product cycles are getting shorter. I don’t own an iPad although it is without a doubt one of the coolest products from Apple to-date. Yes, there are other tablets in the market and everyone is playing catch up to Apple’s iPad but once again its on another level – which is typical of Apple products. Its therefore no surprise that Apple is now the most valuable technology business in the world, ahead of the likes of Microsoft and Google – there is certainly something they are doing right there.

So. AppleEnvy. What is it? To me, the way to define it is simple. If you own or covet an Apple product then its likely that you suffer from AppleEnvy. AppleEnvy is the NEED to have the next and very latest Apple thing – whatever it may be. Its an addiction, not unlike crack cocaine or heroin. You quite literally gasp and wait with bated breath whenever Apple announces a new product. But why is this? I don’t even understand it logically but I clearly suffer from AppleEnvy. Yes, I have a Macbook Pro and an iPhone 3GS but its not enough. I want the iPad 2, iPhone 4 (or 5 when it comes out soon) and the Macbook Air 2. Yes. I want them ALL! Its illogical. I should be happy with what I have in the Apple world, but it not enough.

Its like a cult movement Apple has created in its venerable brand for its products. They make us suffer from AppleEnvy at all times as they spew out another “magical, fantastic, amazing, revolutionary, re-invented, disruptive and highly desirable” Apple product (to quote Steve Jobs’ now legendary expletives once again). To give you an idea of what I mean, look at the picture below. This is a photo of a “portfolio” of the highly desirable Apple products that currently have me exhibiting all the symptoms of AppleEnvy. Its a sad state of affairs to be honest but one I would happily give my left arm for to have that next Apple thing – whatever it may be. But leave me to my addiction – AppleEnvy is incurable as far as I know and its only treatment is that next fix of Apple coolness :)

 

AppleEnvy in action: A Macbook Air 2, iPhone 4 and iPad 1.

 

 

 

 

Follow Your Interests. Discover Your World. Twitter.

Published on April 15, 2011 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

I love twitter! I’m on it everyday and its a really great service. I just saw the video below which I found on their homepage. I must say that the best part from me is the astronaut who tweets from space! Imagine that – tweets from outer space! Its not just mainstream, even in Kenya, its quite literally out of this world! So, if your wondering why you should tweet, or why twitter matters, look no further than this really cool video! better yet, tweet it! :)

Google Announces Sub-Saharan Africa Android Developer Challenge.

Published on April 14, 2011 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

 

 

 

 

Press Release.

Kenyan developers to compete to build innovative local Android mobile applications.

Nairobi 14th April 2011

Everyday more than 300,000 Android devices are activated globally. A growing  number of these mobile device activations are in markets across Africa,  making local African mobile content more relevant and important than  ever before. In recognition of this, Google today announced its Google Android Developer Challenge, inviting talented and creative developers in sub-Saharan Africa to design and build original Android applications for mobile phones that will delight users.

Categories

Entries include entertainment, media and games; social networking and communications; and productivity, tools and lifestyle. Winners will each receive an Android phone and $25,000 (USD).

“In the past year alone, we have met with over 10,000 developer and techies across Sub Saharan Africa. We are continually impressed by the ingenuity and enthusiasm of this community to solve real problems with technology, ” says Bridgette Sexton, Program Manager at Google. “At every Google event in Africa, Android is the most popular topic –  as Android users multiply, so does the appeal for developers to build apps on this free open source platform.”

A number of Android Developer Challenge events will also be held across the region. Google will be launching the Nairobi chapter on Saturday 16th April at the iHub from 11am. The event will provide mobile developers with a platform to talk about Android as well as an opportunity to learn about the competition. They will also get to do some hacking, collaborate and prepare themselves to build great apps. Registration forms for developers are available online.

Participants can submit applications via the challenge website by 1st July 2011. The winning application will be announced on September 12th 2011. More information can be found at the website.

Mobifixx – a great mobile phone repair shop in Nairobi.

Published on April 9, 2011 in Uncategorized. 6 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Mobifixx at Diamond Plaza, Parklands, Nairobi, Kenya

Its inevitable. At one point or another, you will damage your mobile handset, or it will stop working properly for no apparent reason. That’s of course if it has not yet happened to you, or at least once? Over the last decade or so, I have had a good number of incidents when I either accidentally damaged a mobile phone or it just went on the blink for no good reason. The tricky bit of course was finding a repair shop or “repair guy” that could fix it. On the other hand, even if covered under warranty at the dealers, it was sometimes more practical to simply buy a replacement mobile handset rather than bother fixing the damaged one.

This is what brings me to the point of this blog post. In a country of over 22 million mobile subscribers, its surprising how hard it is to find a decent mobile phone repair shop. I am NOT talking about the sort that just happens to operate around the corner where there is a 50/50 chance they can actually repair your phone – if not make it worse. I am talking about the type who are professional, affordable and most importantly reliable? Yes, these are few and far in between. Therefore, it came as something of a surprise the other day that I encountered a mobile repair shop called “Mobifixx”.

Mobifixx are located at the popular Diamond Plaza mall in Parklands. I happened on them by chance and paid them a visit. I was intrigued to find out if they could fix the cracked screen of my smart phone (courtesy of my over enthusiastic 2 year old son). They not only were able to repair the cracked screen in around 30 minutes, it even looks better than it did when I got the phone. The other bit that was also really great is the price – it was around 50% of the cost I had been quoted by a reputable phone dealer. Yes indeed, Mobifixx will sort out your damaged mobile phone. That’s what they do, and do really well. Give them a call on 0715-321999.