Month: September 2023

Categories
Apps Review Zimbabwe

Rida App: A New Ride-Hailing Service in Zimbabwe

Rida is a new ride-hailing service that launched in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2023. The app is designed to be more convenient, affordable, and safer than traditional taxi services.

One of the key features of Rida is its innovative bargaining model. Passengers are able to set their own fares and negotiate directly with drivers. This allows passengers to get the best possible price on their rides.

Rida also offers a number of safety features, including:

  • Route sharing: Passengers can share their ride route with friends and family in real time.
  • Emergency contacts: Passengers can add emergency contacts to their Rida account. If a passenger needs help, they can easily contact their emergency contacts through the app.
  • 24/7 support chat: Rida offers 24/7 support chat to help passengers with any issues they may have.

Rida is currently available in Harare, Zimbabwe, but the company plans to expand to other cities in Zimbabwe and beyond in the future.

How Rida Works

To use Rida, passengers simply need to download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once the app is downloaded, passengers can create an account and start booking rides.

To book a ride, passengers simply need to enter their pickup and drop-off locations and set a fare. Rida will then send the ride request to nearby drivers. Drivers can either accept the fare as is or offer a new price. If the passenger accepts the driver’s new price, the driver will go to pick up the passenger.

Once the ride is complete, the passenger can pay the driver directly in cash or through the app.

Benefits of Using Rida

There are a number of benefits to using Rida, including:

  • Affordability: Rida is more affordable than traditional taxi services because passengers are able to negotiate fares directly with drivers.
  • Convenience: Rida is a convenient way to book rides. Passengers can simply use the app to request a ride and track their driver’s location in real time.
  • Safety: Rida offers a number of safety features, including route sharing, emergency contacts, and 24/7 support chat.

Impact of Rida on Zimbabwe’s Transportation Landscape

Rida has the potential to revolutionize Zimbabwe’s transportation landscape. The app’s innovative bargaining model and safety features make it a more attractive option for both passengers and drivers than traditional taxi services.

Rida is also expected to create jobs in Zimbabwe. The company is actively recruiting drivers to join its platform.

Overall, Rida is a positive development for Zimbabwe’s transportation landscape. The app offers a number of benefits to both passengers and drivers, and it has the potential to create jobs.

Categories
Review Software

What is an ESIM? And how does it work?

Image credit: Emnify

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is embedded in a mobile device. It allows you to activate a mobile data plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM card.

eSIMs are still relatively new, but they are becoming more and more popular. They offer a number of advantages over traditional physical SIM cards, including:

  • Convenience: You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your SIM card, and you don’t have to swap SIM cards when you switch carriers.
  • Flexibility: You can have multiple eSIMs active on a single device, which allows you to easily switch between different mobile data plans.
  • Security: eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be easily removed and replaced.

How do eSIMs work?

eSIMs work in a similar way to traditional SIM cards. They store your mobile data plan information, such as your phone number, mobile network operator (MNO), and data plan details.

To activate an eSIM, you will need to contact your MNO and request an eSIM activation code. Once you have the activation code, you can scan it using your mobile device’s QR code scanner to activate the eSIM.

Which devices support eSIMs?

A growing number of mobile devices support eSIMs. Some of the most popular eSIM-compatible devices include:

  • iPhones (XR and later)
  • iPads (Pro 11-inch (3rd generation or later) and Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation or later))
  • Google Pixel phones (3 and later)
  • Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 and later) and others I listed in my previous article.

What are the benefits of using an eSIM?

There are a number of benefits to using an eSIM, including:

  • Convenience: You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your SIM card, and you don’t have to swap SIM cards when you switch carriers.
  • Flexibility: You can have multiple eSIMs active on a single device, which allows you to easily switch between different mobile data plans.
  • Security: eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be easily removed and replaced.
  • Global connectivity: eSIMs make it easy to stay connected when you are traveling internationally. You can simply download an eSIM from a local MNO to start using your mobile data plan.

Conclusion

eSIMs offer a number of advantages over traditional physical SIM cards. They are more convenient, flexible, secure, and global. If you are looking for a new mobile data plan, be sure to consider using an eSIM. You can also check an article on Econet’s eSIM.

Categories
Software Zimbabwe

Econet eSIM: How to get it and install it

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe launched its eSIM service in September 2022, becoming the first mobile network operator in the country to do so. eSIM is a digital SIM card that is embedded in your smartphone or other device. It allows you to activate a mobile service plan without having to use a physical SIM card.

How to get an Econet eSIM

To get an Econet eSIM, you can visit any Econet shop. You will need to provide your original personal identification document (ID) and your Econet phone number. The eSIM is free, but you will need to pay for a mobile service plan.

How to install an Econet eSIM

To install an Econet eSIM, your device must be compatible. You can check if your device is compatible on the Econet website.

Once you have confirmed that your device is compatible, follow these steps to install your eSIM:

1. Go to your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap on Cellular.
3. Tap on Add Cellular Plan.
4. Tap on Scan QR Code.
5. Scan the QR code that you received from Econet.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.


Once your eSIM is installed, you will be able to activate your mobile service plan and start using your device.

Devices that support Econet eSIM

The following devices support Econet eSIM:

  • iPhone XS or later
  • Google Pixel 3 or later
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 or later
  • Motorola Razr 5G
  • Huawei P40 Pro
  • Sony Xperia 1 III
  • OnePlus 8 Pro

Benefits of using an eSIM

There are several benefits to using an eSIM, including:

Convenience: You don’t need to carry around a physical SIM card.
Flexibility: You can easily switch between mobile service plans without having to change SIM cards.
Security: eSIMs are more secure than physical SIM cards, as they cannot be lost or stolen.
Environmental benefits: eSIMs are more environmentally friendly than physical SIM cards, as they do not produce any plastic waste.If you are looking for a convenient and flexible way to use your mobile device, then an eSIM is a great option.

Categories
Android Apps Review

DynamicSpot: Bring the iPhone’s Dynamic Island to Your Android Device

DynamicSpot is an Android app that brings the iPhone’s Dynamic Island feature to Android devices. The Dynamic Island is a pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone’s display that houses the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors. When you receive a notification, the Dynamic Island expands to show you the notification details.

DynamicSpot works in a similar way, but it uses a floating popup instead of a physical cutout. When you receive a notification, a small black popup will appear at the top of your screen. You can tap on the popup to expand it and view more details about the notification. You can also reply to messages and perform other actions directly from the popup.

DynamicSpot is still under development, but it is already a very useful app. It is a great way to get the benefits of the Dynamic Island on your Android device, even if you don’t have an iPhone.

Features of DynamicSpot

Here are some of the features of DynamicSpot:

  • Dynamic Island popup: DynamicSpot shows a floating popup when you receive a notification. You can tap on the popup to expand it and view more details about the notification.
  • Live Activities: DynamicSpot supports Live Activities, which are interactive notifications that can provide you with real-time information about things like sports games, music playback, and more.
  • Customizable appearance: You can customize the appearance of the Dynamic Island popup, including the size, color, and position.
  • App filtering: You can choose which apps display notifications in the Dynamic Island popup.

How to get DynamicSpot

DynamicSpot is available for download on the Google Play Store. It is a free app, but there is a premium version that offers additional features.

Get it on Google Play

How to use DynamicSpot

Once you have installed DynamicSpot, you will need to grant it permission to access your notifications. You can do this by going to Settings > Accessibility > DynamicSpot and enabling the “Notifications” permission.

Once DynamicSpot has access to your notifications, you will start to see the Dynamic Island popup when you receive notifications. You can tap on the popup to expand it and view more details about the notification. You can also reply to messages and perform other actions directly from the popup.

Tips for using DynamicSpot

Here are some tips for using DynamicSpot effectively:

Customize the appearance of the popup to your liking.

You can change the size, color, and position of the popup to make it look the way you want.

Filter the apps that display notifications in the popup.

This can help to reduce clutter and make it easier to see the notifications that are most important to you.

Use the Live Activities feature to stay up-to-date on your favorite things.

Live Activities can provide you with real-time information about things like sports games, music playback, and more.

Overall, DynamicSpot is a great app for Android users who want to get the benefits of the iPhone’s Dynamic Island feature. It is easy to use and customize, and it offers a number of features that make it a valuable addition to any Android device.

Categories
AI Android Apps Review

Airbrush App: The Ultimate Photo Editor for Selfies and Portraits


Airbrush is a photo editing app that allows users to enhance their photos with a variety of tools and filters. It is one of the most popular photo editing apps in the world, with over 100 million downloads.

Features

Airbrush offers a wide range of features, including:

  • Basic photo editing tools: Airbrush allows users to crop, rotate, and resize their photos. It also offers a variety of tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and other settings.
  • Beauty tools: Airbrush is known for its beauty tools, which can be used to smooth skin, whiten teeth, remove blemishes, and more.
  • Filters: Airbrush offers a variety of filters that can be used to change the look and feel of your photos. There are filters for everything from artistic effects to realistic touch-ups.
  • Makeup tools: Airbrush also offers a variety of makeup tools, such as lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. These tools can be used to create a natural or dramatic look.

Where to Get It and Pricing

Airbrush is available for free on the App Store and Google Play. However, it does offer in-app purchases for premium features, such as additional filters, makeup tools, and beauty effects.

The premium features are available on a subscription basis, with prices starting at $2.99 per month. There is also a lifetime subscription option available for $49.99.

Overall

Airbrush is a powerful photo editing app that offers a wide range of features, including basic editing tools, beauty tools, filters, and makeup tools. It is a good option for users who want to enhance their photos without spending a lot of time or money.

Here are some tips for using Airbrush:

  • Start with the basic editing tools to crop, rotate, and resize your photo.
  • Use the beauty tools to smooth skin, whiten teeth, and remove blemishes.
  • Experiment with different filters to find one that you like.
  • Use the makeup tools to create a natural or dramatic look.
  • Be careful not to overuse the editing tools, or your photo will look fake.

Overally, Airbrush is a great photo editing app for users of all skill levels. It offers a wide range of features and is easy to use.

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store
Categories
Apps WhatsApp

WhatsApp Channels: A New Way to Broadcast Messages

WhatsApp Channels is a new feature that allows users to broadcast messages to a large audience. Channels are one-way broadcast tools, meaning that only the channel admin can send messages. Followers can react to messages with emojis and vote on polls, but they cannot send messages directly to the channel admin or other followers.

Channels can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

  • Businesses can use channels to share news, updates, and promotions with their customers.
  • News organizations can use channels to distribute news articles and other content.
  • Creators and influencers can use channels to connect with their fans and share exclusive content.
  • Communities can use channels to share information and updates with their members.

To create a WhatsApp Channel, you must have a WhatsApp Business account. Once you have created a channel, you can invite people to join by sharing a link or QR code. You can also add people to your channel directly from your contacts list.

Once people have joined your channel, you can start sending them messages. You can send text messages, photos, videos, documents, and links. You can also create polls and add emojis to your messages.

To see the messages that you have sent, tap on the “Channels” tab in WhatsApp and then tap on the channel that you want to view. You can also view the messages that you have received from other channels in the “Channels” tab.

Here are some tips for using WhatsApp Channels effectively:

  • Create a clear and concise channel description. This will help people to understand what your channel is about and what kind of content they can expect to receive.
  • Post high-quality content. Your content should be informative, engaging, and relevant to your audience.
  • Post regularly. Aim to post new content on a regular schedule so that your followers know when to expect new updates.
  • Interact with your followers. Respond to comments and questions from your followers to show that you are interested in what they have to say.

WhatsApp Channels is a new and powerful tool that can help you to reach a large audience with your messages. By following the tips above, you can use WhatsApp Channels to achieve your communication goals.

Categories
AI Android Review

itel AI, Aivana: The Future of Artificial Intelligence in itel Smartphones?


itel Mobile has announced its new itel AI, Aivana. Aivana is a powerful AI engine that will be integrated into itel’s future smartphones and has been seen on the S23+ flagship device.

Aivana offers a number of features that will benefit itel users, including:

  • Improved camera performance: Aivana can automatically detect and optimize scenes and objects in photos and videos, resulting in better image quality.
  • Enhanced voice assistant: Aivana can understand and respond to natural language commands more accurately and efficiently.
  • Smarter battery management: Aivana can learn user habits and optimize battery usage accordingly, resulting in longer battery life.
  • More personalized user experience: Aivana can learn user preferences and customize the user experience accordingly.

itel Aivana is still under development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the budget smartphone market. By integrating Aivana into its future smartphones, itel can offer users features that are typically only found on flagship smartphones.

Benefits of Aivana

Aivana offers a number of benefits to itel users, including:

  • Improved camera performance: Aivana can automatically detect and optimize scenes and objects in photos and videos, resulting in better image quality. This is especially useful for budget smartphones, which typically have less powerful cameras than flagship smartphones.
  • Enhanced voice assistant: Aivana can understand and respond to natural language commands more accurately and efficiently. This makes it easier for users to control their smartphones with their voice.
  • Smarter battery management: Aivana can learn user habits and optimize battery usage accordingly, resulting in longer battery life. This is important for budget smartphones, which typically have smaller batteries than flagship smartphones.
  • More personalized user experience: Aivana can learn user preferences and customize the user experience accordingly. This makes the smartphone more user-friendly and efficient.

Conclusion

itel Aivana is a powerful AI engine that has the potential to revolutionize the budget smartphone market. By integrating Aivana into its future smartphones, itel can offer users features that are typically only found on flagship smartphones. itel Aivana is still under development, but it is an exciting development for itel and its users. It is likely that we will see more and more budget smartphones with AI features in the near future.

Categories
Networks Zimbabwe

Starlink Availability in Zimbabwe: What You Need to Know

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas around the world. Starlink is not yet officially available in Zimbabwe, but it is expected to launch in the country in late 2023 or early 2024.

To check if Starlink is available in your area, you can visit the Starlink website and enter your address. If your address is not yet covered by Starlink, you can sign up for the waitlist to be notified when service becomes available.

Once Starlink is available in Zimbabwe, you will be able to order a Starlink kit, which includes a Starlink Dish, Starlink Router, and all necessary cables and mounting hardware. The Starlink Dish is a small, flat dish that is mounted on your roof or in your yard. The Starlink Router is a Wi-Fi router that connects your devices to the Starlink network.

Starlink offers a variety of pricing plans, including a residential plan, a business plan, and a portability plan. The residential plan is the most affordable option and is designed for home use. The business plan is more expensive but offers faster speeds and higher data limits. The portability plan allows you to use Starlink internet on the go.

Starlink is a promising new option for internet access in Zimbabwe. It offers high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, where traditional internet service providers may not be available. Starlink is also a relatively affordable option, especially when compared to the cost of VSAT internet.


Benefits of Starlink in Zimbabwe


Starlink could offer a number of benefits to Zimbabwe, including:

  • Increased internet access: Starlink could provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas of Zimbabwe, which could help to bridge the digital divide.
  • Improved education: Starlink could provide students and teachers with access to online educational resources, which could help to improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe.
  • Enhanced economic activity: Starlink could provide businesses with access to reliable and high-speed internet, which could help to boost economic activity in Zimbabwe.
  • Improved healthcare: Starlink could provide healthcare providers with access to online medical resources and telemedicine services, which could help to improve the quality of healthcare in Zimbabwe.


Challenges of Starlink in Zimbabwe


There are also a few challenges that Starlink may face in Zimbabwe, including:

  • Regulatory approval: Starlink will need to obtain regulatory approval from the Zimbabwean government before it can launch service in the country.
  • Affordability: Starlink kits are relatively expensive, and the cost of Starlink service may be prohibitive for some Zimbabweans.
  • Power outages: Zimbabwe is prone to power outages, which could disrupt Starlink service.

Conclusion


Starlink is a promising new option for internet access in Zimbabwe. It offers high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, where traditional internet service providers may not be available. Starlink is also a relatively affordable option, especially when compared to the cost of VSAT internet.

However, there are also a few challenges that Starlink may face in Zimbabwe, including regulatory approval, affordability, and power outages. It remains to be seen how Starlink will address these challenges, but it is clear that Starlink has the potential to make a significant impact on internet access and development in Zimbabwe.

Categories
Android Review

Itel S23+: The First Itel Phone With An AMOLED Display


Itel Mobile, a popular budget smartphone brand, has launched its first smartphone with an AMOLED display, the itel S23+. The phone was announced in Ethiopia in August 2023, and is expected to be released in other markets soon.

The itel S23+ features a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED curved display with a peak brightness of 900 nits. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Under the hood, the itel S23+ is powered by a Unisoc T616 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone runs on itel OS 13, which is based on Android 13.

In the camera department, the itel S23+ has a dual-rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. At the front, there is a 32MP selfie camera.

The itel S23+ is backed by a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging.


Benefits of an AMOLED display



AMOLED displays offer a number of advantages over traditional IPS LCD displays, including:

  • Better contrast: AMOLED displays can produce deeper blacks and brighter whites, resulting in a better contrast ratio.
  • More vibrant colors: AMOLED displays can produce a wider range of colors than IPS LCD displays, resulting in more vibrant and realistic images.
  • Lower power consumption: AMOLED displays consume less power than IPS LCD displays, which can lead to longer battery life.
  • Thinner and lighter displays: AMOLED displays are thinner and lighter than IPS LCD displays, which makes them ideal for smartphones and other mobile devices.

Conclusion


The itel S23+ is a significant milestone for the brand, as it is the first itel phone to feature an AMOLED display. The phone also offers a number of other attractive features, such as a powerful processor, a large battery, and a capable camera system.

The itel S23+ is expected to be priced competitively, making it a great option for budget-minded consumers who are looking for a phone with an AMOLED display.

Categories
TV Websites

NetNaija, Prominent Nigerian Movie Download Website, Announces Closure



NetNaija, a popular Nigerian movie download website, announced its closure in September 2023. The website was known for its wide selection of Nollywood movies and TV shows, as well as its international content.

In a statement on its website, NetNaija said that it was discontinuing its movie and series services to focus on other sections of its business. The statement did not provide any further details about the closure.

The closure of NetNaija is a blow to movie fans, who rely on the website to access their favorite films and TV shows. The website was also a popular source of income for filmmakers, who often sold their films to NetNaija for distribution. The closure of NetNaija is also a sign of the growing pressure on piracy websites from copyright holders. In recent years, major movie studios and TV networks have cracked down on piracy websites, and many have been forced to shut down.

It is unclear what will happen to NetNaija’s users now that the website is closed. Some users may turn to other piracy websites, while others may subscribe to legal streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

The closure of NetNaija is a reminder of the importance of copyright protection. Filmmakers and TV producers rely on copyright to generate revenue from their work. When people pirate films and TV shows, they are depriving the creators of their livelihoods.

It is also important to note that piracy websites can be dangerous. They often contain malware and other viruses that can harm your computer. It is always safer to download films and TV shows from legal sources.

Conclusion


The closure of NetNaija is a significant event for the film industry. The website was a popular source of both entertainment and income for many users(mostly in Nigeria).

However, it is important to note that there are other legal ways to access films. It is also important to be aware of the dangers of piracy websites.