Author: Francis Muli

Netflix has partnered with Microsoft to introduce an ad-supported streaming tier. Microsoft will be tasked with handling ad sales and handle all the advertising needs for the latest more affordable option. “Today we are pleased to announce that we have selected Microsoft as our global advertising technology and sales partner.” Netflix announced on a blog on its website. The partnership follows Netflix’s earlier announcement that it would introduce a new lower priced ad-supported subscription plan for consumers. Currently, the company offers subscribers ads-free options comprising basic, standard and premium plans. Read: Netflix to help Produce Three Local Movies, Invest Sh33 million…

YouTube will in the next few days start rolling out Picture-in-Picture mode for iPhone and iPad users. The feature allows users to watch YouTube videos in a mini-player on the screen, while browsing other apps. Android users already have the feature. The feature has been available for YouTube premium subscribers in the US allowing them to watch the videos in a small, floating window while simultaneously browsing other apps on their devices. it’s happening! ✨ picture-in-picture is slowly rolling out for YouTube on iPhone & iPad, & just like on Android, will be avail to: Premium members globally &…

Telkom Kenya has made some headway expanding its 4G coverage across the country. The telco has completed its expansion into the Coast and Lower Eastern phase covering Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Taita/Taveta, as well as Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, and Kajiado Counties. The expansion is part of Telkom’s strategy to add 2,000 4G sites into its Mobile 4G/LTE network by 2023. The company announced last year that it had partnered with telecommunications company Ericsson, and systems integrator NEC XON to roll out the network. The $100 million project is a component of Telkom’s long-term network expansion strategy to address digital…

Safaricom will expand its fifth generation network to more towns across the country over the next year. The company said it is rolling out the 5G network to five more towns, bringing the number of towns that will be on the upgraded network by 2023 to nine. The giant telco is seeking to grow the number of its 5G sites to more than 200 locations with a widespread uptake over the medium term, according to its annual report. “It is anticipated that the majority of Kenya’s mobile connections will be on 5G by 2029 and our network masts are prepared…

Twitter has sued Elon Musk for backing out out of the $44 billion bid to buy the platform. The Tesla Boss last week announced his intention to terminate the acquisition deal after Twitter breached the terms of the agreement. Musk alleged that the company had withheld data regarding the true number of bots and fake accounts on the platform. In the suit, Twitter terms Musk’s intended termination as invalid and wrongful. The social media platform says that it is Musk, who is in fact, in breach of the agreement and are seeking to prevent him from further breaches and to…

It is not uncommon to chance upon an unwelcome guest on your home WiFi. Some users can use their skills to hack into your network and apart from using your WiFi, they can view your devices and access more detailed information putting you at risk. They can access your devices, steal passwords, access your personal files, and even infect your devices with malware. So, how exactly would you tell that a third party was using your WiFi? This article will take you through some simple effective ways to help you keep your network secure from unwanted guests. If you are…

TikTok will start teaching entrepreneurs how to use the platform to grow their businesses. The video-making company is rolling out a free program dubbed ‘Follow me’ which will provide step-by-step guidelines for business using the platform. The six-week program will explore a number of topics including how to advertise on the app, how to run campaigns and useful tips the businesses can employ to thrive. TikTok is popular for its viral challenges, which can help businesses gain traction considerably. The app has become a popular tool for small company owners to advertise their brands, while individual users have created massive…

Safaricom will step up its debt recovery measures with the launch of its newest loan facility. The telco will employ the use of debt collectors to recover unpaid loans in the Faraja loans. The service will give subscribers access to Lipa na M-Pesa loans from Sh20 to Sh100,000 to shop which can be used for shopping. This will be the first time Safaricom will be deploying debt collectors to pursue defaulted loans, meaning property might be seized and auctioned. Normally, Safaricom blacklists its Fuliza and M-Shwari defaulters with the Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs), locking them out of loans from other…

Twitter has rolled out an ‘unmention’ feature allowing users to remove themselves from conversations. The feature has been rolled out after a successful test in April this year. “Sometimes you want to see yourself out,” the social media giant said in a tweet. “Take control of your mentions and leave a conversation with Unmentioning, now rolling out to everyone on all devices.” Sometimes you want to see yourself out. Take control of your mentions and leave a conversation with Unmentioning, now rolling out to everyone on all devices. pic.twitter.com/Be8BlotElX — Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) July 11, 2022 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Read: Elon Musk Wants…

WhatsApp will now allow its users to react to messages using any emoji. The messaging service rolled out emoji reactions a few weeks ago with six emojis. Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said the company had expanded the emoji reactions. “We’re rolling out the ability to use any emoji as a reaction on WhatsApp,” he wrote on his Facebook page. To react to a message using an emoji, you just need to long press the message and the emojis will pop up, allowing you to select the reaction you would like to give. Until now, the emojis included the love,…

Choosing a great phone at the right price can be a daunting task especially in this age when so many brands are available. A mid-range smartphone in Kenya will cost you anywhere between Sh20,000 and Sh40,000. Phone brands are often guilty of over-selling their phones which can result in the consumers being underwhelmed. It is therefore important that you know what questions to ask your vendor, and what exactly to look for when purchasing a mobile phone. The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to buy an Android or iOS smartphone. The bigger majority of smartphones…

Kisumu county will start using drones in the delivery of medical supplies. The initiative will be implemented by drone company, Zipline with an aim of reaching the furthest ends of the region. “Among others, we will leverage this new technology to improve our productivity in agriculture by enabling genetic improvement of local breeds at the animal reproduction centre in Chemelil,” he said. Kisumu county Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o pointed out that the drone centre which will be officially opened in Chemelil will help to transport fertilizers to farmers. Zipline is already operational in Rwanda, where it is used to transport medical…

Police in Nandi county are investigating the death of a middle aged man that occurred after an argument. Josphat Kibet was reportedly killed by his 17-year old cousin after the two got into an argument over a mobile phone charger. According to the Police in Kaimosi, the 31-year old Kibet was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. The victim succumbed from an arrow wound inflicted on him by the juvenile. Read: Nairobi Woman Rep Aspirant Monica Wamaitha Arrested For Impersonating A Police Officer on Inooro TV The police report indicates that the two got into an argument…

Presidential Candidate George Wajackoyah has come under fire for including wildlife in his manifesto. Wildlife conservationists have criticized Wajackoyah’s statements that profile hyenas and snakes as high-value animals that could help generate revenue for the country. According to the conservations, Wajackoyah’s statements had exposed hyenas and snakes, especially in Samburu county to increased poaching, as people sought to reap their benefits. “I wish to condemn with the strongest terms possible the recent statement issued by one of the presidential candidate profiling hyenas of having value to an extend upto sh6m and this has endangered existence of hyenas in Samburu County,”…

Police have launched investigations into an incident where a man lost his life in a love-triangle. Godfrey Oduma Sandua reportedly got into an altercation with a couple before he lost his life. According to the Embakasi Police, Sandua had visited the woman at her house in Pipeline estate in Nairobi on the fateful day. The two reportedly spent time together, drinking and chatting before Sandua decided to leave. Police say that the woman escorted Sandua out, but trouble started when they got downstairs. The two allegedly came face to face with the lady’s boyfriend, who was on his way to…

All Kenyans above 18 years will be required to start making payments for the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) by the end of the year. All Kenyans above 18 years will be required to pay Sh500 per month or Sh6,000 yearly to be enrolled into the Health Insurance scheme. NHIF Board chairman Lewis Nguyai said the new law signed by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the beginning of the year would be implemented by the end of the year. The NHIF (Amendment) Act 2022 aims to give all Kenyans access to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in all healthcare facilities countrywide.…