Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

realme, the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand, recently introduced a ground breaking design element in their latest device, the Realme C55. The device boasts a unique and innovative feature known as the MiniCapsule, which is set to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with smartphones.

“When we assess the Kenyan smartphone market, it becomes evident that the demand for smartphones is predominantly driven by the youth. Their primary considerations revolve around the device’s design and performance. As realme, we take this responsibility seriously, committing ourselves to continuous research and technological advancements. Our goal is to offer products that resonate with the preferences and desires of the youth, and our latest innovation, the MiniCapsule, exemplifies this dedication,” expressed Mildred Agoya, PR and Marketing Manager at Realme Kenya.

The MiniCapsule design of the Realme C55 is inspired by futuristic aesthetics and aims to provide users with a compact and ergonomic form factor. The device is ingeniously crafted to fit comfortably in the hand, allowing for easy one-handed operation. Its sleek and slim profile adds a touch of sophistication, making it an appealing choice for tech-savvy individuals.

“What sets the MiniCapsule apart is not just its aesthetic appeal. It also serves a practical purpose by maximizing the screen-to-body ratio. With minimal bezels and a compact overall size, the Realme C55 offers an immersive viewing experience without compromising on usability. Users can enjoy a larger display in a smaller package, making it perfect for on-the-go usage or for those who prefer a more portable device,” Said Mildred Agoya, PR and Marketing Manager, realme Kenya.

Additionally, the MiniCapsule design of the Realme C55 enhances durability and resilience. The device is built with high-quality materials that ensure robustness and protection against accidental drops or impacts. Its solid construction provides users with peace of mind, knowing that their smartphone can withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Another advantage of the MiniCapsule design is its contribution to energy efficiency. The compact size of the device translates into reduced power consumption, allowing for prolonged battery life. Users can enjoy extended usage without having to constantly worry about recharging their device, making the Realme C55 an ideal choice for individuals who are always on the move.

The Realme C55’s MiniCapsule design is not just about aesthetics and functionality; it represents a shift in the way smartphones are designed and perceived. It pushes the boundaries of innovation, demonstrating that smartphones can be more than just rectangular slabs of glass and metal. The unique design of the Realme C55 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences.

In conclusion, the MiniCapsule design of the Realme C55 is a game-changer in the world of smartphones. Its compact size, ergonomic form factor, durability, and energy efficiency make it a remarkable addition to the Realme lineup. As technology continues to evolve, it is refreshing to see manufacturers like Realme pushing the boundaries and introducing innovative designs that enhance our smartphone experiences. The Realme C55’s MiniCapsule is a true testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and design to its users.

Samsung Electronics East Africa has introduced the Bespoke Top Mount Fridge (TMF) into the Kenyan market. The TMF refrigerator that is quite popular in other global markets combines elegant design with a full range of Bespoke color and texture options to help give every kitchen a unique and stylish decor. Equipped with the latest in freshness technologies and energy saving, it makes food storage convenient, efficient and flexible.

“These days, customers expect appliances to go beyond their basic functions,” said Junhwa Lee, EVP and Head of the Customer Experience Team of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “With a wide choice of colors and cutting-edge technologies like SmartThings Energy’s AI Energy Mode, Optimal Fresh+ and SpaceMax™, users can enjoy the next level of kitchen experiences by storing their food at peak freshness, all while saving energy and keeping the living space looking beautiful.”

Flat Door Design with a Range of Expressive Colors for a Unique, Stylish Look

The Bespoke TMF refrigerator’s flexible design options help customers realize the unique aesthetic of their kitchen. With a range of Bespoke colors and finishes to choose from and an elegantly simple modern flat door design, its stylish finish helps bring the colors of a kitchen to life. Glass textures in Clean Black, Clean Navy, Clean Peach, Clean Pink, Clean Vanilla and Clean White offer a sleek, color-enhancing finish for a refined, modern look. By contrast, Cotta textures in Metal Charcoal, Metal Pink and Metal White offer the warm, matte finish of baked terracotta.

“We understand that every home is unique, and the Samsung Bespoke refrigerators are designed to cater to this diversity. The Samsung research and Development team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail is taken care of, and the end result is a product that we are extremely proud to introduce to this market,” said the Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics East Africa, Mr. Samuel Odhiambo “With the Bespoke refrigerators, Samsung has taken customization to a whole new level. The Bespoke refrigerators allow you to choose from a wide range of colors, materials, and finishes to perfectly match your home’s décor. The goal is to provide Kenyans with a refrigerator that not only meets their functional requirements but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of their home.”

To complement this range of colors and finishes, the Bespoke TMF refrigerator’s clean, contemporary flat door design features streamlined recessed handles that do not protrude or get in the way. With recessed handles and a smart, refined design, the Bespoke TMF refrigerator enriches color schemes and fits in seamlessly with existing kitchen furniture.

Effortless Energy Saving with AI Energy Mode

SmartThings Energy’s AI Energy Mode uses AI to keep track of usage patterns and power consumption of the Bespoke TMF. AI Energy Mode then analyzes the data to provide useful insights through the SmartThings app to help the user proactively save energy.

Users can monitor consumption cost estimates and get a better understanding of how they use their fridge. This usage statistic can be viewed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, all up to user’s preferences. If an estimated monthly electricity bill goes over preset targets, SmartThings alerts users by recommending switching to AI Energy Mode, reducing energy use by up to 7% with just the press of a button.

Optimal Fresh+: Locking in Freshness and Flavor through Innovative Technology

The Bespoke TMF refrigerator’s Optimal Fresh+ compartment offers four distinct modes of refrigeration and can keep food fresh for up to twice as long as standard cooling.

Located in an independently controlled drawer installed at the top of the fridge, the four unique temperature modes, Fridge, Meat & Fish, Soft Freeze and Power Cool are designed to store different food types efficiently and optimally.

The Fridge mode is ideal for preserving fresh foods and frequently used daily items like dairy and deli foods. If users want to store unfrozen meat, fish and poultry, Meat & Fish mode is perfect for keeping it fresh and ready for up to seven days. The temperature setting for Meat & Fish mode can go up to -1℃. If users are looking for an even longer storage time without full freezing, Soft Freeze mode applies a thin coating of ice that prevents freezer burn and allows for pliable cutting with no defrosting required. The temperature setting for Soft Freeze can go up to -4℃. For rapidly locking in the freshness of groceries, Power Cool mode blasts the Optimal Fresh+ compartment with cold air, reaching low temperatures fast and chilling foods and beverages quickly.

With the dedicated Optimal Fresh+, the Bespoke TMF refrigerator lets users store all kinds of foods flexibly, making the storage of numerous food types simpler and more convenient.

More Space Inside, Same Size Outside with SpaceMax™

To give customers more freedom in how much food they can keep fresh at once, the Bespoke TMF refrigerator comes with 20 liters more storage capacity than previous models with no extra exterior bulk.

The Bespoke TMF refrigerator is designed with special SpaceMax™ technology that uses high urethane insulation to allow for much thinner fridge walls with no compromise in energy efficiency. This gives the Bespoke TMF refrigerator plentiful drawer and shelf space for foods of many shapes and sizes, all while retaining the sleek, streamlined look of its design.

To learn more about the innovations, the Bespoke TMF refrigerator delivers in freshness and connectivity and the freedom it offers users in terms of color choice and appliance management, visit Samsung.com. The Refrigerator is available at authorized Samsung Retail stores in all major towns in the Country. You can also purchase it from the Samsung online store using this link.

Huawei, being one of the world’s largest patent holders, announced royalty rates for its handsets, Wi-Fi, and IoT patent license programs as part of its broader push to share cutting-edge innovations with the world and support the common, sustainable development of industries globally.

Some existing patent licenses with both leading tech industry players include Samsung and Oppo, and top automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, Renault, Lamborghini, and Bentley.

The move came as Huawei now holds more than 120,000 active patents, and the company has become one of the largest patent holders in the world after decades of heavy investment into research and development.

To date, Huawei has entered into almost 200 bilateral patent licenses. In addition, over 350 companies have obtained licenses to Huawei’s patents through patent pools. Under these licenses, Huawei’s total past royalty payments are about three times its royalty collections, and its 2022 licensing revenue amounted to $560 million

Huawei announced royalty rates for 4G and 5G handsets, Wi-Fi 6 devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) products. The rate caps for 4G and 5G handsets are US$1.5 per unit and US$2.5 per unit, respectively.

Huawei’s royalty rate for Wi-Fi 6 consumer devices, meanwhile, is US$0.5 per unit. For IoT, the rate for IoT-Centric devices is one percent of the net selling price, capped at US$0.75, while the rate for IoT-Enhanced devices ranges from US$0.3 to US$1 per un

Speaking during the firm’s annual flagship event on innovation and intellectual property protection titled “Bridging Horizons of Innovations: Sharing IP, Driving Innovation”, Alan Fan, Vice President and Head of the Intellectual Property Rights at Huawei said that the company is willing to share cutting-edge innovations in the form of patents with the world.

Huawei’s official licensing website was also launched at the event. This website offers details about the company’s bilateral licensing programs ranging from mobile handsets to Wi-Fi and cellular IoT.

“These will support the common, sustainable development of industries globally”, he added, noting that over the past 20 years, Huawei has been a major contributor to mainstream ICT standards, such as cellular, Wi-Fi and multimedia codecs.

Huawei, he explained, is committed to licensing its standard essential patents (SEPs) on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory principles.

To date, Huawei has entered into almost 200 bi-lateral patent licenses, according to Fan. In addition, over 350 companies have obtained licenses to Huawei’s patents through patent pools. Under these licenses, Huawei’s total past royalty payment is about three times its total royalty collection, and its 2022 licensing revenue amounted to US$560 million.

It is also an active advocate and supporter of major global open source industry organizations.

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) wishes to announce the appointment of CPA Dr. Grace Kamau as the new Chief Executive Officer following the approval of the Council per Section 12(1) of the Accountants Act of 2008.

Her three-year tenure takes effect from 1st August 2023. Currently, CPA Dr Grace serves as the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, a position she has held since January 2023. Previously, she served as the Director of Finance and Strategy at ICPAK. She has also held various senior executive leadership positions in other blue-chip organizations in Kenya and the region.

CPA Dr. Grace brings on board a wealth of vital experience and expertise in leadership, sound financial management, strategy formulation and execution, stakeholder management, ICT, research, and talent management among other skills. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for ICPAK, as we set our sights on becoming a globally recognized hub of excellence for the accountancy fraternity.

CPA Dr. Grace holds a PhD in Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the University of Nairobi. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Strategic Management) degree from the same university and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from Kenyatta University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of ICPAK, a Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (CIFA) and a member of ICIFA. She also holds membership in the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Association of Women Accountants in Kenya (AWAK). In addition, CPA Dr. Grace serves in various boards and committees in the public, private and Not-for-profit organizations, both locally and internationally.

The Council congratulates CPA Dr. Grace on her appointment. This marks a pivotal moment for ICPAK, as we set our sights on becoming a globally recognized hub of excellence for the accountancy fraternity.

FCPA George Mokua

ICPAK Chairman

Huawei has upgraded the internet on its DigiTruck to 5G as it seeks to increase the internet speeds and numbers of youth who can benefit from training on digital skills, aiming to reach at least 1,200 youth in the next year.

Speaking during the official launch of the Huawei CPE Pro 2 on DigiTruckn, Ian Korir, the firm’s CSR Coordinator explained that the significance of the upgrade lay in DigiTruck’s new capability to deliver a 5G experience to the learners on the program. A CPE (Customer Premises Equipment), often also known colloquially as a router, or a dongle, is a device with a sim card inside that connects to a mobile network and provides Wi-Fi access to devices nearby to connect to that network. Therefore, even non-5G devices can use Wi-Fi to connect to the CPE and benefit from the 5G speeds.

“Ultimately, we plan to cover all 47 counties in Kenya, to deliver the much-needed digital skills to all people, leaving no one behind,” said Korir.

Huawei’s CPE Pro 2 powered by 5G facilitates high speed internet that enables online learning for children across the country. This will enable children to have fast learning practical experience in experiments, coding and programming. It has 5G antennas and supports multiple 5G frequency bands to get the best coverage and capacity. CPE Pro 2 also allows students to upload videos in an instant, livestream in 4K high-definition graphics and unlock the full potential of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Korir noted that the DigiTruck’s newly enhanced features will power additional lessons for the Kenyan youth as they troop to start and run online businesses in line with the government’s digital masterplan.

Korir pointed out that Huawei, together with its partners, who are Safaricom Women in Technology, Kenya National Innovation Agency, National Youth Council and ICT Authority, continue to leverage on partnerships in each of the locations visited across the country including county and national government and regional technology hubs such as Swahili Pot in Mombasa. The team kicked off school visits that are expected to take at least one week across several learning institutions in Mombasa County

Safaricom’s Women In Technology Vice Chair, Dianah Ogeto noted that the partnership between the two firms would foster greater hands-on learning experience, which would thus promote their mantra of see-and-believe model that they use to steer the children to STEM uptake in schools through one their programs that include Kids In Tech.

For the past three and half years, Huawei’s Digitruck has provided access to ICT skills training for more than 3,000 youth across 25 counties in Kenya. Previously it has used a 4G CPE to provide connectivity but with the Safaricom 5G network rapidly expanding across the country felt it appropriate timing to upgrade the CPE to benefit from the faster speeds. Where 5G networks are not available, the CPE will connect to Safaricom’s 4G network which covers around 97% of the population.

“In this rapidly evolving digital era, having proficient digital skills has become a necessity rather than a luxury. The DigiTruck serves as a transformative platform that empowers young individuals by bridging the digital divide and creating awareness of digital skills across the whole country but specifically targeting the underserved population. This awareness helps them to know what is available in the job market as career options, opportunities of learning that can spark an interest in furthering their education and for the business enthusiasts to discover various platforms that can enable their business growth and expansion. Moreover, the DigiTruck fosters a spirit of innovation and creativity, encouraging young minds to explore their potential and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in the digital realm,” explained Korir.

By: Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Experience at Samsung Electronics

Last year, I expanded my responsibilities as head of Samsung’s MX Business, to lead our Corporate Design Center. My career as an engineer taught me that the most sublime designs are intertwined with technological innovation. This new responsibility allows me to delve deeper into how the synergy of design, engineering, and R&D can yield transformative experiences. With my fellow designers, I’ve embarked on a deep exploration of Samsung’s design strategy to understand our roots and envision our growth.

Different Times, Unchanged Commitment

In 1996, Samsung committed to a philosophy: “Inspired by Humans, Creating the Future.” It means our creations are conceived with a deep understanding of you, the user, and we hold an unwavering belief that a user-centric approach is the key to the future.

We feel this even more keenly nearly 30 years on, as we contemplate the fluid nature of human interaction. Users value experiences over mere achievements and meaningful connections over raw technological prowess. We have distilled the Samsung design philosophy into three guiding identities, each one with you at the center: our products must be essential, innovative, and harmonious.

Essential design prioritizes clarity of purpose and ease of daily use. Innovative design emphasizes originality, reflecting purpose in new and distinct ways. Harmonious design ensures all elements work together for a holistic purpose, aligning with societal, environmental and ethical values.

Inspired by Humans, Creating the Future

These three design identities are exemplified by our latest hardware and software ecosystem.

Take, for instance, the act of folding and unfolding a smartphone. It seems simple. However, that simplicity users feel is only achieved through a rigorous focus on what is most essential and intuitive. The minimal, sleek appearance housing specialized hinge functionality emphasizes our commitment and the inherent beauty of essential design.

We’ve raised the standards for foldable smartphone ergonomics. A difference of millimeter in a device’s thickness may not sound like a big change, but every gram and millimeter in a foldable device requires an engineering breakthrough. It demands craftsmanship with passion. When done well, the benefit to users is huge. That’s why we’ve innovated to make our latest foldables slimmer and lighter while at the same time, more durable than our previous generations.

With our foldables, your self-expression reaches new levels with, literally, the most flexible camera experience. You can capture the perfect angle, hands-free. The enhanced multitasking experience like a PC also raises the bar for productivity. You can work, collaborate, or game on-the-go.

Samsung Galaxy Tab and Wearables are designed in the same spirit. They work with each other harmoniously in an ecosystem that opens up a powerful connected experience, serving as a seamless extension of your needs, priorities and unique personality.

Whatever the Samsung Galaxy experience is, when we say, “Inspired by Humans,” we don’t just mean people. We also mean their communities, their environment and their planet. Samsung Galaxy devices are being designed with sustainability in mind, because even the smallest actions contribute to a large impact such as protecting our planet. When we say, “Creating the Future,” that includes our responsibility today to ensure a sustainable tomorrow for the future generation.

Our Shared Journey to a Better Tomorrow

When design comes together with technological innovation, it brings forth new possibilities. With innovative technologies, people can make the most of today and ultimately create the best possible tomorrow. We invite you to join us at Unpacked, where we’ll pull back the curtain on our latest devices and experiences inspired by you, created for you.

In a way, they were nearly 30 years in the making, a culmination of decades of human-inspired design. But this is also just the beginning. Seeing the ways our innovations blend into your lives, enabling new possibilities for creativity, productivity or self-expression, will inspire the next steps of our journey. So, let’s navigate this journey together, harnessing design and technology to create a future that truly reflects you.

Mark your calendars for July 26!

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has awarded other three grand winners of the recently launched edition of the National Consumer Promotion (NCP) campaign of  ‘Jipe Form  na Senator Ushinde’ at Hardrock Bar in Uthiru, Nairobi.

This is after a successful award that went to the first grand winner on 10^th May 2023, Mr Felix Nyaneko. Shelmith Wangui Maina, Stephen Maingi and Timothy Erina Ekhalie were the three lucky winners in the last draw of the ongoing promotion who won Kshs2 million and were awarded Kshs1 million to invest in their own personal growth and another Kshs1 million to be donated to a community of their choice.

Stephen Maingi, one of the grand winners noted, “At first, I couldn’t believe when I was called by the Kenya Breweries official line but today, I am one happy man. This winning will go a long way in supporting my family as well as my businesses that and I cannot wait to support my community with the remaining one million. I would like to thank Kenya Breweries for this award, and I would like to encourage consumers to keep on participating because you could be next.”

Speaking during the event, Abel Ratemo, Brand Manager at KBL also noted that, “With the launch of this new consumer campaign, we hope to continue to change lives by providing a legitimate source of income for our local brewers and improving the overall well-being of our consumers by reducing the deaths that result from illicit brews.”

As a way of showing their commitment to the welfare of its customers, KBL’s Jipe Form na Senator Ushinde campaign aims to reward loyal consumers and enrich their lives and communities. With a total worth of Kshs 97 million, the campaign will run for three months and will see five grand lucky winners each receiving Ksh2 million.

Additionally, 20 consumers will receive monthly home makeovers, 12,000 winners will receive weekly shopping vouchers, and a whooping 1,980,000 winners will receive daily cash and airtime vouchers. These rewards highlight the Senator’s dedication to the well-being of its customers.

So far, 5 home makeover winners, 3 in Embu and 2 in Nairobi, have received their deliveries and were happy for the timely gesture from EABL that has alleviated them off the burden of the current hard economic times.

“Over the years, KBL has been intentional in contributing significantly to the development and prosperity of the Kenyan economy. Catalyzing the creation of thriving communities is embedded in our vision and sustainability agenda. Now more than ever, we understand that our business must be a force for good. Through initiatives such as these, we are scaling up our commitment to promoting social sustainability and economic empowerment of our communities,” Mr Abel added.

The Head of Emerging Business also congratulated Ms Shelmith, Mr Stephen and Mr Timothy on their win and added, that he hopes the grand winners will make good use of the win to transform their lives economically and generate more wealth within their communities.