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Android Review Software

Android 14: What’s New and How to Get It

Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, powering billions of devices from smartphones and tablets to smartwatches and TVs. Every year, Google releases a new version of Android with new features, improvements, and security updates. The latest version is Android 14, which was officially launched on October 4, 2023, along with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Android 14 is not a major overhaul of the system, but rather an iterative update that builds on the previous versions. It brings some new features to make your device more personal, protected, and accessible, as well as some enhancements for developers and app makers. Here are some of the highlights of Android 14 that you should know.

Personalization


One of the main themes of Android 14 is personalization. Google wants you to be able to customize your device to suit your preferences and express your personality. Here are some of the ways you can do that with Android 14.

  • AI-generated wallpapers: Android 14 introduces a new feature that lets you create unique and truly customized wallpapers powered by artificial intelligence. You just need to follow some guided prompts to express yourself however you imagine, and the system will generate a wallpaper that matches your style and mood. This feature is coming first to Pixel phones soon.
  • Lock screen customization: Android 14 also gives you more tools to customize your lock screen and home screen. You can choose from different clocks, shortcuts, widgets, and themes to make your device more you. Pixel devices also get some exclusive options, such as monochrome themes and notification flashes.
  • Larger fonts and smarter scaling: If you have trouble reading small text on your screen, Android 14 has a solution for you. You can now scale the font size up to 200% in Android 14, compared to 130% in Android 13. The system also uses non-linear font scaling, which means that text that is already large won’t get bigger, while text that is small will get larger. This way, you can enjoy a balanced and comfortable reading experience.

Privacy and Security

Another theme of Android 14 is privacy and security. Google wants you to feel safe and in control of your data and device. Here are some of the ways you can do that with Android 14.

  • Data sharing details: Android 14 proactively gives you easy-to-understand information about the data permissions of the apps you use. You can see what access you grant to each app, and how often they use it. You can also revoke or change the permissions at any time. This feature is available in the Settings app, under Privacy.
  • Passkeys for third-party apps: Android 14 introduces a new way to sign in to your favorite apps and websites without using passwords. You can use passkeys, which are secure and unique codes that are generated and stored on your device. You can use your biometric authentication, such as your fingerprint or face, to unlock your passkeys and sign in. This feature is compatible with apps that support the FIDO2 standard.
  • Restricting photo and video access: Android 14 gives you more control over who can access your photos and videos on your device. You can choose to grant access to only the photos and videos that you select, instead of giving access to your entire gallery. This way, you can protect your privacy and avoid accidental or unwanted sharing of your personal media.
  • Enhanced security: Android 14 also brings some improvements to the security of your device and data. For example, you can now use a recommended 6-digit unlock password, which is stronger than the 4-digit one. You can also unlock your device automatically once you enter the correct PIN of six digits or more, reducing the friction of unlocking. Android 14 also prohibits the installation of apps that are too old or outdated, as they may pose a security risk.

Accessibility


The last theme of Android 14 is accessibility. Google wants you to be able to use your device easily and comfortably, regardless of your abilities or disabilities. Here are some of the ways you can do that with Android 14.

  • Health Connect: Android 14 introduces a new feature that lets you connect your favorite health and fitness apps, and see your health and fitness data in one place. You can also stay in control of your privacy, and choose what data you want to share and with whom. Health Connect is available in the Settings app, under Health.
  • Better hearing aid support: Android 14 improves the support for hearing aids on your device. You can now pair and connect multiple hearing aids at the same time, and switch between them easily. You can also adjust the volume and settings of your hearing aids from your device, and enjoy a better sound quality and battery life.
  • Better support for large screens: Android 14 also improves the support for large screens, such as tablets and foldable devices. You can now use more apps in split-screen mode, and resize them to your liking. You can also use the new App Pairs feature, which lets you create and launch pairs of apps that you use together, such as YouTube and Gmail, or Maps and Spotify.
  • Notification flashes: Android 14 also adds a new accessibility feature that lets you use your camera flash as a notification indicator. You can enable this feature in the Settings app, under Accessibility, and choose which types of notifications you want to flash for. This can be useful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who prefer visual cues over sounds.



How to get Android 14


If you are wondering how to get Android 14 on your device, here are some things you need to know.

  • Pixel devices: If you have a Pixel device that is eligible for Android 14, you should receive a notification on your device when the update is ready. You just need to follow the instructions, download, and install the update. The eligible Pixel devices are: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G.
  • Other devices: If you have a device from another brand, such as Samsung, OnePlus, or Xiaomi, you will need to wait for the manufacturer to release the Android 14 update for your device. This may take some time, as they need to customize the system with their own software skins and features. Google has said that Android 14 will be available on phones from Samsung, iQOO, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi later this year.


Conclusion


Android 14 is the latest version of the Android operating system, and it brings some new features and improvements to make your device more personal, protected, and accessible. You can customize your device with AI-generated wallpapers, larger fonts, and lock screen options. You can protect your privacy and security with data sharing details, passkeys, and photo and video restrictions. You can also use your device more easily and comfortably with Health Connect, better hearing aid support, and notification flashes. If you have a Pixel device, you can get Android 14 now. If you have a device from another brand, you will need to wait for the update to arrive later this year.

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Android Apps iOS Review Security Software The Internet

How VPNs Work and Why You Should Use Them

Image credit: Surfshark VPN

VPNs, or virtual private networks, are a way of creating a secure connection between your device and a remote server over the public internet. VPNs can protect your online privacy, access geo-restricted content, and bypass internet censorship. In this article, I will explain how VPNs work, what they can do for you, and how some people are using them to get free internet access on certain mobile network operators (MNOs) like Netone.

How VPNs Work

A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and sending it through a tunnel to a VPN server, which then decrypts it and forwards it to its final destination. This way, your IP address, location, and online activities are hidden from anyone who might be snooping on your network, such as your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, or government agencies.

A VPN also allows you to change your virtual location by connecting to a server in another country. This can help you access content that is blocked or restricted in your region, such as streaming services, websites, or apps. For example, if you want to watch Netflix US from Zimbabwe, you can use a VPN to connect to a US server and enjoy the full catalog of shows and movies.

There are different types of VPN protocols that determine how the encryption and tunneling are done. Some of the most common ones are OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPsec. Each protocol has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, security, and compatibility. You can choose the best protocol for your needs depending on the VPN service you use and the device you have.

Why You Should Use a VPN

There are many benefits of using a VPN, both for personal and professional purposes. Here are some of the main reasons why you should use a VPN:

  • Protect your online privacy: A VPN prevents your ISP, advertisers, hackers, and other third parties from tracking your online activities and collecting your personal data. A VPN also protects you from cyberattacks, such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and identity theft, by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.
  • Access geo-restricted content: A VPN lets you access content that is not available in your region, such as streaming services, websites, or apps. You can also use a VPN to bypass firewalls and censorship in countries with repressive regimes, such as China, Iran, or Turkey. A VPN can help you access communication tools like Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter, Viber, and Zoom from anywhere in the world.
  • Save money online: A VPN can help you save money online by changing your virtual location and avoiding price discrimination. Some online services, such as airlines, hotels, car rentals, and e-commerce, may offer different prices depending on your location, currency, or device. By using a VPN, you can compare prices from different regions and find the best deals.
  • Enhance your gaming experience: A VPN can improve your gaming experience by reducing lag, ping, and latency. A VPN can also help you access games that are not available in your region, play with friends from other countries, and avoid bandwidth throttling by your ISP. Moreover, a VPN can protect you from DDoS attacks, swatting, and other online threats that may target gamers.

How VPNs Are Used for Free Internet Access

Some people are using VPNs to get free internet access on certain MNOs, such as Netone in Zimbabwe. This is done by exploiting some loopholes or bugs in the network configuration or billing system of the MNO. For example, some MNOs may offer free access to certain websites or apps, such as Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp. By using a VPN, you can tunnel all your internet traffic through these websites or apps and bypass the data charges.

However, this method of using VPNs for free internet access is not legal, ethical, or reliable. It may violate the terms and conditions of the MNO and result in penalties, such as suspension or termination of your service. It may also expose you to security risks, such as malware, phishing, or identity theft, as some VPNs may not be trustworthy or may contain malicious code. Furthermore, it may not work consistently, as the MNO may detect and fix the loopholes or bugs at any time.

Therefore, we do not recommend using VPNs for free internet access, as it may cause more harm than good. Instead, we suggest using VPNs for their legitimate and beneficial purposes, such as protecting your online privacy, accessing geo-restricted content, and saving money online. There are many VPN services available in the market, both free and paid, that can offer you these features and more. You can choose the best VPN for your needs based on your budget, preferences, and device.

Conclusion

VPNs are a powerful tool that can help you enhance your online experience and security. By using a VPN, you can encrypt your internet traffic, hide your IP address, and access content from anywhere in the world. You can also use a VPN to save money online, improve your gaming experience, and protect yourself from cyberattacks. However, you should not use a VPN for illegal or unethical purposes, such as getting free internet access on certain MNOs, as it may backfire and cause you trouble. Instead, you should use a VPN for its intended and legitimate purposes, and enjoy the benefits it can offer you.

Categories
Android Comparison Gadgets Zimbabwe

Top 5 Smartphones for Stable Gaming Under $200 in Zimbabwe



As a response to some queries regarding my previous post on the gaming experience of the itel S23 and P40 Plus, I then decided to write this article on these top 5 smartphones priced under $200. So if you are looking for a smartphone that can handle stable gaming and won’t break your bank, you might be interested in this list of the top 5 smartphones for gaming under $200 in Zimbabwe. These phones offer decent performance, large batteries, and good displays for an enjoyable gaming experience. They also come from reputable brands such as Tecno, Redmi, and Gtel, which have a strong presence in the Zimbabwean market. Let’s take a look at these phones and see what they have to offer.

Tecno Spark 10 Pro

The Tecno Spark 10 Pro is one of the latest smartphones from Tecno, and it offers a lot of features for a budget price. It has a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes gaming smoother and more responsive. It also has a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, which is a gaming-oriented chipset that can handle most games without lagging. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 5000mAh, which can last for a whole day of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 16MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The front camera is an 8MP selfie shooter with dual flash. The phone runs on Android 11 with Tecno’s HIOS 8.6 user interface. The Tecno Spark 10 Pro is priced at $199.

Redmi 9T

The Redmi 9T is another great option for gaming on a budget. It has a 6.53-inch FHD+ display with a waterdrop notch, which offers a sharp and immersive viewing experience. It also has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, which is a reliable and efficient chipset that can handle most games with ease. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 6000mAh, which is one of the largest in this price range. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which can quickly top up the battery when needed. The phone also has a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The front camera is an 8MP selfie shooter with a waterdrop notch. The phone runs on Android 10 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 user interface. The Redmi 9T is priced at $169.

Gtel Infinity 9

The Gtel Infinity 9 is a local brand that offers a good value for money. It has a 6.52-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop display, which offers a decent and modern gaming experience. It also has a MediaTek Helio A20 processor, which is a quad-core chipset that can handle casual games without much trouble. The phone comes with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 5000mAh, which can last for a long time of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a triple-camera setup on the back, with a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The front camera is an 8MP selfie shooter with a punch-hole cutout. The phone runs on Android 11 with Gtel’s own user interface. The Gtel Infinity 9 is priced at $149.

Tecno Pop 7 Pro

The Tecno Pop 7 Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers some gaming features. It has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a dot-notch, which offers a large and clear gaming experience. It also has a MediaTek Helio A25 processor, which is an octa-core chipset that can handle light games without much hassle. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 4000mAh, which can last for a decent time of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a dual-camera setup on the back, with an 8MP main camera and a QVGA AI lens. The front camera is a 5MP selfie shooter with a dot-notch. The phone runs on Android 11 with Tecno’s HIOS 7.6 user interface. The Tecno Pop 7 Pro is priced at $115.

Redmi 9A

The Redmi 9A is the cheapest smartphone on this list, but it still offers some gaming features. It has a 6.53-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop notch, which offers a basic and simple gaming experience. It also has a MediaTek Helio G25 processor, which is an octa-core chipset that can handle low-end games without much lag. The phone comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The battery capacity is 5000mAh, which can last for a long time of gaming and other activities. The phone also has a single-camera setup on the back, with a 13MP main camera. The front camera is a 5MP selfie shooter with a waterdrop notch. The phone runs on Android 10 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 user interface. The Redmi 9A is priced at $99.

Conclusion

These are the top 5 smartphones I could find which are good for gaming and are priced under $200. They offer a good balance of performance, battery life, and display quality for an affordable price. They also come from reputable brands that have a good customer service and warranty support. If you are looking for a smartphone that can handle stable gaming and won’t break your bank, you might want to consider one of these phones. Happy gaming!

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Android Comparison Gadgets

Itel S23 and P40 Plus: Budget Phones with Poor Gaming Performance

If you are looking for a cheap smartphone that can handle gaming, you might want to avoid the Itel S23 and P40 Plus. These phones are powered by the same chipset, the Unisoc T606, which is a low-end processor that struggles to run demanding games like Call Of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile.

The Unisoc T606 is an octa-core chipset with four Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. It also has a Mali-G57 GPU and supports up to 4 GB of RAM. According to the benchmark results from AnTuTu, the Unisoc T606 scores around 130,000 points, which is significantly lower than other budget chipsets like the MediaTek Helio G80 around 200,000 points or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 around 180,000 points.

I tested the gaming performance of the Itel S23 and P40 Plus on two popular games: FIFA Mobile and PUBG Mobile. Both games were set to the lowest graphics settings and the frame rate was capped at 30 fps. The results were disappointing, to say the least.

FIFA Mobile is a soccer simulation game that requires fast and smooth gameplay. However, on the Itel S23 and P40 Plus, the game was barely playable. The frame rate was unstable and often dropped below 20 fps, making the game laggy and choppy. The graphics quality was also poor, with blurry textures and jagged edges. The game also crashed several times during the matches.

PUBG Mobile is a battle royale game that involves shooting and survival. On the Itel S23 and P40 Plus, the game was also unplayable. The frame rate was even lower than FIFA Mobile, averaging around 15 fps. The graphics quality was also terrible, with low-resolution models and textures. The game also suffered from frequent stuttering and freezing, especially during combat situations.

It is clear that the Itel S23 and P40 Plus are not suitable for gaming, especially for games that require high performance and graphics. The Unisoc T606 chipset is simply too weak to handle these games, even on the lowest settings. If you are looking for a budget phone that can run these games smoothly, you might want to consider other options.

Some of the alternatives that you can find in Zimbabwe are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the Tecno Camon 18 Premier, and the Infinix Zero X Pro. These phones are powered by more powerful chipsets, such as the MediaTek Helio G96, the MediaTek Helio G95, and the MediaTek Helio G90T, respectively. They also have larger screens, higher resolutions, more RAM, and better cameras. They are priced between $200 and $300, which is still affordable for many consumers.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ is the best bang for your buck among these phones. It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50 MP AI dual rear camera, a 8 MP selfie camera, a 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and a 128 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14. You can buy it for $250 on Pindula.

The Tecno Camon 18 Premier is another good option for gaming. It has a 6.8-inch IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 64 MP quad rear camera, a 48 MP selfie camera, a 4500 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and a 128 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with HiOS 8. You can buy it for $280 on Pindula.

The Infinix Zero X Pro is the most expensive option among these phones, but it also has some unique features. It has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 108 MP quad rear camera with a periscope lens, a 16 MP selfie camera, a 4500 mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a 256 GB internal storage with 8 GB RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and has a fingerprint sensor and a face unlock feature. It runs on Android 13 with XOS 8. You can buy it for $300 on Pindula.

These phones are much better than the Itel S23 and P40 Plus in terms of gaming performance and overall quality. They can run FIFA Mobile and PUBG Mobile smoothly on high graphics settings and offer a more enjoyable gaming experience. They also have other advantages, such as better displays, cameras, batteries, and software. If you are looking for a budget phone that can handle gaming, you should consider these phones instead of the Itel S23 and P40 Plus.

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Android Comparison Gadgets Review

Redmi Note 10: A budget phone with 5G and long battery life

The Redmi Note 10 is the latest addition to Xiaomi’s popular mid-range series. It offers 5G connectivity, a large 5000mAh battery, and a sleek design at an affordable price. But how does it compare to other budget phones in terms of display, camera, performance, and user experience? Let’s find out.

Display: A decent but not outstanding screen

The Redmi Note 10 has a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels and a peak brightness of 1100 nits. The screen is sharp, vibrant, and responsive, but it lacks some features that are common in other budget phones, such as a higher refresh rate and HDR support. The Redmi Note 10 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which means that the animations and scrolling are not as smooth as on phones with 90Hz or 120Hz screens. The display also does not support HDR content, which means that the contrast and colors are not as rich as on phones with HDR10 or HDR10+ screens.

Camera: A good main camera but no ultra-wide lens

The Redmi Note 10 has a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The main camera can take decent photos in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and details. However, the quality drops significantly in low-light situations, where the photos become noisy and blurry. The ultra-wide camera can capture more of the scene, but it suffers from distortion and lower resolution. The macro camera and the depth camera are not very useful, as they produce low-quality images that are often out of focus.

The front-facing camera of the Redmi Note 10 is a 13MP sensor that can take selfies and video calls. The selfies are generally good, but they can look overexposed and unnatural in some cases. The video recording capability of the Redmi Note 10 is limited to 1080p at 30fps, which is acceptable but not impressive.

Performance: A mediocre processor but enough RAM and storage

The Redmi Note 10 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, which is a mid-range processor that supports 5G networks. The processor has eight cores, four of which run at 2.2GHz and four at 2.0GHz. The processor is paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded via a microSD card slot.

The performance of the Redmi Note 10 is adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and social media. However, it struggles with more demanding applications such as gaming and multitasking. The games run at low settings and frame rates, and the phone can lag or freeze when switching between apps or opening multiple tabs.

Battery life: A long-lasting battery with fast charging

The Redmi Note 10 has a massive 5000mAh battery that can easily last for two days on a single charge with moderate usage. The phone also supports fast charging with a 33W charger that can charge the battery from zero to 50% in about 25 minutes and to full in about 74 minutes.

The battery life of the Redmi Note 10 is one of its strongest points, as it can outlast many other budget phones with smaller batteries or higher power consumption.

User experience: A smooth software with some bloatware

The Redmi Note 10 runs on Android 11 with MIUI 12 on top. MIUI is Xiaomi’s custom skin that adds some features and tweaks to the stock Android experience. Some of these features are useful, such as the dark mode, the app drawer, the gesture navigation, and the floating windows. However, some of these features are annoying, such as the ads, the notifications spam, the bloatware apps, and the permissions requests.

The user experience of the Redmi Note 10 is generally smooth and intuitive, but it could be improved by removing some of the unnecessary clutter and interference from MIUI.

Price: A competitive price for a budget phone

The Redmi Note 10 is available in Zimbabwe for around ZWD75,650 or $150+ for the base model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. This is a competitive price for a budget phone that offers 5G connectivity and long battery life.

However, there are some other budget phones that offer better value for money in terms of display quality, camera performance, or processing power. For example, the Poco X3 NFC has a better screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support, a better camera with a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide sensor, and a better processor with the Snapdragon 732G chipset. The Poco X3 NFC is also cheaper than the Redmi Note 10, as it costs around ZWD68,107 for the base model with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage.

Conclusion: A budget phone with some compromises

The Redmi Note 10 is a budget phone that offers some advantages such as 5G connectivity, long battery life, and a sleek design. However, it also has some drawbacks such as a mediocre display, a limited camera, and a weak processor.

The Redmi Note 10 is a good choice for users who value 5G and battery life over other aspects of a smartphone. However, for users who want a more balanced and well-rounded budget phone, there are some better alternatives available in the market.

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Android Apps Comparison Entertainment iOS Review

Spotify VS Spotify Lite: Why I Prefer Spotify Lite Over Spotify

Image by DALL-E 3

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services in the world, with millions of songs, podcasts, and playlists to choose from. However, not everyone has a high-end smartphone or a generous data plan to enjoy Spotify to the fullest. That’s why I decided to give Spotify Lite a try, and I have to say, I’m impressed.

Spotify Lite is a lighter and simpler version of the Spotify app, designed for older and less powerful Android phones. It only takes up 10 MB of space, compared to 85 MB for the regular app. It also has some features that help reduce data usage and battery consumption, such as setting a monthly data limit and disabling background playback.

Here are some of the reasons why I prefer Spotify Lite over Spotify:

  • It’s faster and smoother. Spotify Lite loads quickly and runs smoothly on my phone, even when I have a weak internet connection or low storage space. It doesn’t lag or crash like the regular app sometimes does.
  • It’s easier to use. Spotify Lite has a simple and intuitive interface, with fewer options and settings to worry about. I can easily find my favorite songs, artists, and playlists in the Favorites tab, without having to browse through different categories and menus.
  • It’s more affordable. Spotify Lite lets me control how much data I use for streaming music, by setting a monthly limit and showing me how much I have left. It also saves battery life by stopping playback when I lock my screen or switch to another app. This way, I can listen to more music without worrying about running out of data or power.

Of course, Spotify Lite is not perfect. It has some drawbacks that might bother some users, such as:

  • It doesn’t support offline mode. Unlike the regular app, Spotify Lite doesn’t let me download songs and listen to them offline. This means that I need an internet connection to play music, which can be inconvenient at times.
  • It doesn’t have some features that I enjoy. Spotify Lite lacks some of the features that make Spotify fun and unique, such as podcasts, Canvas animations, Car View, gapless playback, crossfade, and more. I miss some of these features when I use Spotify Lite, especially podcasts.
  • It doesn’t have the same sound quality as Spotify. Spotify Lite offers three options for streaming quality: low (24 kbps), normal (96 kbps), and high (160 kbps). These are lower than the options available on Spotify: normal (96 kbps), high (160 kbps), very high (320 kbps), and automatic (depends on your network). This means that the sound quality on Spotify Lite is not as good as on Spotify, especially if you have good headphones or speakers.

Despite these limitations, I still prefer Spotify Lite over Spotify for my daily music needs. It suits my phone, my budget, and my preferences better than the regular app. If you have a similar situation as mine, you might want to give Spotify Lite a try too.

You can download Spotify Lite from the Google Play Store in 36 countries across Africa, Latin America, Middle East, and Asia. You can also sideload it from other sources if it’s not available in your country. You can use it with your existing Spotify account or create a new one.

Spotify Lite is not a replacement for Spotify, but a complement. You can use both apps on your phone if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds. However, if you have to choose one, I would recommend Spotify Lite for its simplicity, speed, and efficiency.

What do you think of Spotify Lite? Do you prefer it over Spotify or not? Let me know in the comments below.

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Android Apps Gaming iOS Review

Power Slap: A New Mobile Game That Lets You Slap Your Way to Victory

I’m sure all of you know the slapping contest that has been trending on social media, right. If so, you might want to check out Power Slap, a new mobile game that lets you slap your way to victory. Power Slap is a turn-based fighting game that tests your timing, precision, and strategy skills with playful humor. You can create your own custom character, train with different slap bags, challenge real-life Power Slap participants, and compete online with other players.

Power Slap is developed by Rollic, a subsidiary of Zynga, in partnership with Power Slap League, the world’s first regulated and sanctioned slap fighting promotion led by UFC’s president, Dana White. The game is free to download and includes optional in-game purchases (including random items). It is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

The game features a career mode where you can rise through the ranks and become the undisputed PowerSlap Champion. You can also unlock exclusive rewards by beating John “The Machine” Davis, one of the four real-life Power Slap participants whose likeness is included in the game. The game also has a training mode where you can practice your slapping skills with different slap bags, each with its own unique effect. For example, the ice bag can freeze your opponent’s face, while the fire bag can burn it.

The game also has an online mode where you can challenge other players from around the world and show off your slapping prowess. You can also chat with other players, send them emojis, and view their profiles. The game has a leaderboard system where you can see how you rank among other players globally and regionally.

Power Slap is a fun and addictive game that brings all the excitement and satisfaction of a virtual slap contest to your pocket. If you are looking for a new way to have some fun and relieve some stress, you might want to give Power Slap a try. Just be careful not to hurt your hand or your phone!

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Android Apps Gaming iOS Review

The Most Played Mobile Game in 2023: Subway Surfers

If you are looking for a fun and addictive mobile game to play on your iOS or Android device, you might want to check out Subway Surfers. This game has been around since 2012, but it is still one of the most popular and downloaded games in the world. In fact, according to Business of Apps, Subway Surfers was the most played mobile game in 2022 with 304 million downloads. It was also the most popular game on both iOS and Google Play.

So what makes Subway Surfers so appealing? Well, for starters, it is a simple and easy game to play. You control a character who is running away from the police on a subway track. You have to swipe left, right, up, or down to avoid obstacles, collect coins, and power-ups. The game is endless, so you can keep running as long as you can without crashing or getting caught.

The game also has a lot of variety and challenges. You can unlock different characters, outfits, hoverboards, and locations as you progress. You can also compete with your friends and other players around the world on the leaderboard. The game updates regularly with new events, themes, and rewards. For example, in October 2023, the game celebrated Halloween with a spooky update that featured a new character named Jack O’Lantern, a new hoverboard called Pumpkin, and a new location called Transylvania.

Another reason why Subway Surfers is so popular is that it is suitable for all ages and tastes. The game has colorful and cartoonish graphics that appeal to kids and adults alike. The game also has a cheerful and upbeat soundtrack that matches the mood of the game. The game is not violent or scary, but rather fun and exciting. The game is also free to play, although you can buy some in-game items with real money if you want.

Subway Surfers is a game that I personally enjoy playing whenever I have some spare time. It is a great way to relax and have some fun. It is also a game that I can play with my family and friends, as we can compare our scores and achievements. I think Subway Surfers is a game that deserves its popularity and success, as it is a well-made and entertaining game that anyone can play.

If you have not tried Subway Surfers yet, I highly recommend you to download it from the App Store or Google Play and give it a try. You might be surprised by how much you like it. And if you are already a fan of Subway Surfers, I hope you keep enjoying this amazing game as much as I do.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it interesting and informative. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on Subway Surfers or any other mobile games that you like.

Categories
Android Apps Review Social

Kai: The Dating App That Connects Zimbabweans

If you are looking for love in Zimbabwe, you might have tried some of the popular dating sites and apps that are available. But have you heard of Kai, the dating app that is designed specifically for Zimbabweans?

Kai is a new app that aims to connect singles who share the same culture, values, and interests. Unlike other apps that use algorithms and swipes to match people, Kai uses a more personal and interactive approach. Users can create their own profiles, upload photos and videos, and chat with other users in real time. They can also join groups based on their hobbies, passions, and preferences, and participate in events and activities that are organized by the app.

Kai is not just a dating app, but a social network that helps people find friends, partners, and community. It celebrates the diversity and richness of Zimbabwean culture, and encourages users to be themselves and express their individuality. Kai also respects the privacy and security of its users, and verifies every profile to ensure authenticity and safety.

I discovered Kai a few days ago, and I was intrigued by its concept and features. I decided to login, but since then I’ve not been able to login so unfortunately I can’t provide screenshots from the app. However if you are looking for a new way to meet people in Zimbabwe, I highly recommend you to check out Kai. You never know who you might find!

You can download Kai from the Google Play Store. Happy dating!

Categories
Android Apps Gaming iOS Review

My Experience with BitLife: A Life Simulator with a Twist

Have you ever wondered how your life would turn out if you made different choices along the way? What if you followed your dreams, took more risks, or did something crazy? Well, there is a game that lets you do just that: BitLife.

BitLife is a life simulation video game developed and published by Candywriter. It was released for iOS devices in 2018 and for Android devices in 2019. The game allows players to simulate their lives from birth to death, making choices that affect their health, wealth, relationships, and more.

The game is very detailed and realistic, with many factors that affect your life, such as your health, happiness, intelligence, looks, money, and karma. You can also experience various events, such as going to school, getting a job, getting married, having children, getting sick, getting arrested, going to war, and dying. The game also has achievements and challenges that you can complete for extra fun.

But what makes BitLife different from other life simulators is the humor and edginess that it offers. The game does not shy away from topics such as sex, drugs, violence, and crime. You can choose to have one-night stands, threesomes, abortions, plastic surgery, drug addiction, murder, and more. The game also has some hilarious scenarios and outcomes that will make you laugh or cringe.

However, this also means that the game is not suitable for younger audiences or people who are easily offended. The game contains mature content that some may find inappropriate or disturbing. Some of the choices and events in the game are also unrealistic or exaggerated for comedic effect. Therefore, the game should be played with discretion and common sense.

Features of BitLife

BitLife includes a wide range of features, including:

  • Character creation: Players can create their own characters, choosing their gender, name, and appearance. They can also choose their character’s parents and siblings.
  • Life simulation: Players can simulate their character’s life from birth to death. They can make choices that affect their character’s health, wealth, relationships, and more.
  • Random events: BitLife includes a variety of random events that can happen to players’ characters. These events can be positive or negative, and they can have a major impact on the character’s life.
  • Achievements: Players can earn achievements by completing certain tasks in BitLife. These achievements can be displayed on the player’s profile page.
  • Challenges: Players can also participate in challenges in BitLife. These challenges typically involve completing a specific set of tasks within a certain amount of time.

Review of BitLife

BitLife is a fun and engaging life simulation game. It is well-designed and includes a wide range of features. The random events and challenges keep the game interesting and unpredictable.

One of the best things about BitLife is that it is very versatile. Players can choose to live their character’s life in any way they want. They can be a good person, a bad person, or something in between. They can also choose to focus on any aspect of their character’s life, such as their career, relationships, or family.

Another great thing about BitLife is that it is constantly being updated with new features and content. The developers are very responsive to feedback from the community, and they are always looking for ways to improve the game. Overall, BitLife is a great life simulation game that I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a fun and engaging way to pass the time.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Personal thoughts

I have been playing BitLife for a while now, and I am still not bored with it. The game is so versatile that there is always something new to do. I love the random events and challenges, and I am always excited to see what will happen next.

One of my favorite things about BitLife is that it is a great way to escape from reality for a while. I can create my own character and live their life in any way I want. This allows me to explore different possibilities and try new things that I would never be able to do in real life.

I highly recommend BitLife to anyone who is looking for a fun and engaging life simulation game. It is a great way to pass the time and escape from reality for a while.