Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

Founders Factory Africa has secured an additional $114 million in funding to scale its model to better serve founders across the African tech ecosystem.

 

The additional support from the Mastercard Foundation and Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures, an impact fund within the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, follows on from previous investments into Founders Factory Africa by Standard Bank, Small Foundation and Netcare. The support will enable Founders Factory Africa to scale its model and better serve technology-led start-ups and founders across the African continent.

 

“We are excited to have new and dynamic funding, which follows on from previous investments into Founders Factory Africa by Standard Bank Group, Small Foundation and Netcare Group,” says Alina Truhina, co-founder of Founders Factory Africa.

 

Since its inception in 2018, Founders Factory Africa has catalysed the trajectory of over 55 tech start-ups across the continent. The additional funding affirms Founders Factory Africa’s hybrid investment model of combining capital and operational support and will help the early-stage investor further iterate this model by:

 

● Becoming sector-agnostic  in its investment with founders who prioritise business fundamentals  and will also double down on addressing the gender imbalance in the ecosystem.

● Broadening its capital investment offering to include non-dilutive capital, supporting the continent’s need for different capital deployment types across the venture maturity curve.

● Strengthening Founders Factory Africa’s internal capacity to continue to provide its portfolio of start-ups with the best venture-building support on the continent.

 

“Come build with us,” says Founders Factory Africa CEO, Bongani Sithole.

 

“Moving Africa forward requires more of us to support tech-driven, solution-oriented ventures that have the potential to scale and make an impact at speed. Our role as Founders Factory Africa is to provide founders with the funding, knowledge, and hands-on venture building support they need to achieve commercial success and create outsized, systematic impact.”

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3, CyberDog 2, Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14” and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro launch in Beijing

Xiaomi today held its Lei Jun Annual Speech | Xiaomi Launch 2023 at the China National Convention Center, where the company launched a host of new products, from smartphones to ecosystem products and even innovative robotics. Specifically, these included Xiaomi MIX Fold 3, Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14″, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, Redmi K60 Ultra and CyberDog 2. Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group, also gave his annual speech, sharing key experiences and insight over the past 36 years. At the same time, he announced Xiaomi’s core philosophy for the future.

Announcement of Xiaomi’s Core Philosophy: Investment in Technologies to Benefit Humanity

Facing a new round of immense industrial and technological change, and with eyes on the future, Xiaomi officially announced an upgrade to its technology strategy, proclaiming its core philosophy: to continuously invest in technologies that will benefit humanity.

“We focus on long-term value and adhere to long-term investment. Only in this way can we build core competitiveness and a rampart around us, and truly become a great technology company.” Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group, said that Xiaomi’s exploration into technology not only has to be of benefit to the lives of mankind today, but also needs to contribute to the creation, progress, and development of the future of humanity.

Xiaomi has disclosed four key paths and principles for its strategic upgrade, namely deep cultivation of underlying technology, continuous and long-term investment, and the deep integration of hardware and software, empowered by AI.

The proposed upgrade to Xiaomi’s strategy further clarifies the company’s steadfast adherence to being “technology-oriented” and its core direction of being firmly invested in the future.

The series of breakthroughs that Xiaomi has enjoyed in self-developed technologies could not have been achieved without its continuous investment in research and development over the years. It is reported that its compound annual growth rate of R&D investment during the past six years (2017-2022) has reached 38.4%¹. Moreover, it is expected that Xiaomi’s total R&D investment for 2023 will exceed RMB 20 billion¹, and R&D investment during the next five years (2022-2026) will exceed RMB 100 billion².

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 comes as the company’s latest innovation in foldable flagship smartphones, continuing the slim and lightweight design of the previous generation, while also offering all-round powerful product experience in imaging capabilities, performance, and reliability. It sets all-new standards for foldables, and consolidates Xiaomi’s leading position in the premium foldable smartphone market.

Slim, Lightweight, and Highly Durable: Xiaomi Proprietary Hinge Sets New Records in the Reliability of Foldable Smartphones

To preserve our commitment to redefine boundaries, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 remains steadfast in its pursuit of slim and lightweight elegance, measuring just 255g³, 10.86mm³ thick when folded, and opening to the ultimate slimness of just 5.26mm³. This can mainly be attributed to its Xiaomi proprietary hinge, which compared to the Micro Waterdrop hinge in the previous generation is 8.6% slimmer⁴ when folded and 12.5% slimmer⁴ unfolded. The hinge is also 8% narrower⁴ and takes up 17% less space⁴. All of this contributes to make the entire smartphone slimmer and lighter, and leave more stacking space within the confined area of the smartphone body to create a slim and lightweight device that is highly versatile.

Applying the Xiaomi proprietary hinge to Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 has greatly enhanced the reliability of the entire device: it adopts a 3-element connecting rod structure, and has up to 14 micro-hinges, significantly improving the degree of freedom of the hinge and perfectly enabling the curvature of the display. It effectively addresses any change in shape of the display, and reduces the risk of damage to the display if dropped. The main structure of the hinge is made of ultra-high strength steel, which has a yield strength of up to 1800MPa. This, in combination with the ultra-durable carbon ceramic steel rotating mechanism, contributes to further enhance the reliability of the hinge.

 

Both displays on Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 come with comprehensive protection: the inner display utilizes UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass), which is 2.25 times⁴ stronger than traditional colorless polyimide (CPI). The outer display consists of Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass Victus^®️ 2 to achieve a 50% improvement in drop resistance compared to the previous generation⁴.

Besides, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 also offers a special edition, implementing Xiaomi composite fiber. This Xiaomi self-developed composite fiber integrates high-strength aramid and ceramic fibers, greatly enhancing drop resistance.

With this stellar combination of innovations in both materials and structure, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 demonstrates excellent reliability overall. It has successfully achieved the TÜV Rheinland Extreme Folding certification for up to 500,000 folds⁵.

 

Slim and lightweight with exceptional imaging capabilities: Quad camera system with Leica optical lens to reach new heights in photography among lightweight and slim foldables

Besides being slim and lightweight, strong camera performance is also key. Thanks to increased stacking space with the new hinge design, and the miniature optical system co-engineered with Leica, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 has successfully contained its quad camera system with Leica optical lens in an extremely light and slim body. It covers focal lengths ranging from 15mm (ultra-wide)⁶, 23mm (main)⁶, 46mm (main)⁶ and 75mm (telephoto)⁶ to 115mm (periscope)⁶ to achieve a full focus range of 0.6x to 5x, setting new benchmarks in photography among slim and lightweight foldables.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3’s combination of four cameras and five focal lengths comprehensively enhances imaging performance. Of these, the 23mm ƒ/1.77 wide aperture main camera introduces an ultra-low color dispersion glass lens to the quad camera system with Leica optics for the first time, effectively eliminating color discrepancies and providing more precise, clearer images to offer professional, unparalleled image quality; the 15mm ultra-wide offers an ultra-wide field of view up to 120°; the 75mm telephoto and 115mm periscope each excel in their respective fields, greatly improving users’ freedom of composition; and the 115mm periscope also realizes 30cm super-macro shooting in a very small space, making Xiaomi MIX Fold 3’s camera suitable for even more scenarios.

Following Xiaomi’s previous smartphones with flagship imaging capabilities, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 adheres to the pursuit of natural color science and classic tones depicting a Leica style, rather than overly sharpened images or those that are over-processed so that they lack light and shadow texture. The Leica two photographic styles offer more creative choice, and in Pro mode, Leica custom photographic styles are also offered, enabling professional users to take photos that reflect their own personal style.

Thanks to its large inner display and all-new hovering capabilities, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 also features a series of unique features, adding to photography efficiency and entertainment. These include the ability to shoot and view simultaneously, when taking photos from the inner display. That is, the finished image can be displayed in real-time on the left half of the display, without needing to click into the photo album to view. Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 also offers rear camera selfies, making use of the outer screen for real-time preview when the smartphone is unfolded to fully leverage the excellent quality of the main camera with Leica optics, thereby enjoying even higher quality selfies than those taken on the front camera. This foldable smartphone also supports waist-level photography in hover mode for easy low angle shooting, and the newly added front facing camera on the inner screen can be used for both selfies and video conferencing.

Slim and Lightweight with a Long-Range Battery: Xiaomi Surge battery and large, low-power display to bid farewell to battery anxiety

In response to battery life challenges with foldable smartphones, Xiaomi has relied on technological innovation to find a solution with Xiaomi MIX Fold 3. Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is equipped with a dual Xiaomi Surge battery structure and a new-generation of silicon-carbon negative electrode technology combined with multiple optimizations, achieving an additional 10% increase⁴ in capacity within the same size, and a total capacity of 4,800mAh⁷.

Its Xiaomi Surge battery management system consists of a dual Xiaomi G1 Surge battery management chipset, fully enhancing battery use efficiency. Equipped with the Xiaomi Surge P2 charging chip, it supports 67W wired turbo charging, and can charge up to 100% in as little as 40 minutes⁷. It also offers 50W wireless turbo charging, rarely seen in slim and lightweight foldable smartphones. With the Xiaomi Surge battery management system, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 can achieve more intelligent charging and discharging control, ensuring the health and safety of the battery.

 

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3’s 6.56″ outer display and 8.025″ inner display are both made of the latest E6 material, which offers optimized power efficiency control. The inner display utilizes advanced Pol-less Plus display technology, combined with a low-power Panel design and a newly upgraded Display Driver IC (DDIC), to achieve excellent power control and a 52% increase⁴ in battery life on the large display. According to data from Xiaomi Internal Labs, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 offers a DOU of up to 1.34 days⁷, whether using the inner or outer display. Not only is this a significant breakthrough for Xiaomi in foldable smartphone battery life, but it also alleviates battery anxiety for smartphone users.

 

Slim, Lightweight, and a True Flagship: Comprehensive hardware upgrades merge with impeccable details

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is equipped with Qualcomm’s latest flagship Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Leading Version chipset, which further improves performance compared to Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2. To ensure maximum performance, Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 also utilizes a carefully designed cooling system, which has a total area of 10,943mm². Contained in the smartphone’s slim and lightweight body is an ultra-thin stainless-steel VC to further enhance heat dissipation capacity.

Meanwhile, its MIUI Fold operating system has been significantly optimized for large display use, offering innovative fun features with the folding display, including video conferencing and viewing in Hover mode, as well as floating windows and split screen, further meeting users’ increasing needs for large displays.

Furthermore, multiple details have also been optimized in Xiaomi MIX Fold 3, such as a 3-microphone array, symmetrical dual speakers, and a brushed metal frame to provide users with an all-round flagship experience.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 sets new benchmarks in the industry in all aspects, providing users with a flagship foldable smartphone experience that exceeds expectations. All in all, the launch of this smartphone takes Xiaomi’s technological innovation in foldable smartphones to greater heights.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 comes in three colors: Gold, Black, and Xiaomi composite fiber, as well as three storage variants:

12GB+256GB, 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB.

 

Xiaomi Launches CyberDog 2

Also unveiled at the event was the bio-inspired quadruped robot, CyberDog 2, which comes as even more intelligent and lifelike. Weighing just 8.9kg, approximately the size of a Doberman, it is also smaller in size than the previous generation. CyberDog 2 is equipped with Xiaomi’s self-developed CyberGear Micro-actuator, which further enhances the robot’s mobility and supports high difficulty maneuvers, such as continuous back flip, and fall recovery. It comes with more precise control and will remain intact, even if continuously touched. Besides, CyberDog 2 is equipped with a fusion sensing and decision-making system, offering 19 sensors for vision, touch and hearing.

In addition, CyberDog 2 has been made as open-source as possible, from coding to structural drawings, as well as providing graphical programming and the modular processing of various sensing capabilities. With its continuous open-source ecosystem, the CyberDog family will attract more developers to take part, while continuously promoting the progress and enhancement of bio-inspired robots to truly benefit people’s lives in the future.

 

Product images are available here: Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 and CyberDog 2.

 

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 Quick Specs

	Xiaomi MIX Fold 3
Design	l   Xiaomi composite fiber variant n   Thickness: 10.86mm folded and 5.26mm unfolded8 n   Weight: 255g8 n   Color: Black n   5-layer composite fiber back cover l   Glass variant n   Thickness: 10.96mm folded and 5.26mm unfolded8 n   Weight: 259g8 n   Colors: Black, Gold l   Xiaomi proprietary hinge n   Multi-level hinge design n   TÜV Rheinland Extreme Folding up to 500,000 folds5
Display	Outer display l   6.56″ AMOLED display n   Samsung E6 material n   2,520×1,080 n   2600 nits peak brightness n   DCI-P3 Color gamut n   Dolby Vision®, HDR10+ support n   120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate n   Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2   Inner display l   8.025″ Eco² OLED Plus™ display n   Samsung E6 material n   120Hz LTPO n   2,160×1,916 n   Pol-less Plus display technology n   DCI-P3 Color gamut n   Dolby Vision®, HDR10+ support l   Flexible Ultra Thin Glass
Camera	l   50MP wide camera n   IMX800 n   23mm equivalent focal length6 n   2.0 μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel n   f/1.77, 1G+6P lens, SMA actuators for OIS l   12MP ultra-wide camera n   15mm equivalent focal length6, 120° FOV, f/2.2, 5P lens l   10MP telephoto camera n   75mm equivalent focal length6, f/2.0 l   10MP periscope camera n   115mm equivalent focal length6, f/2.92 l   20MP front camera
Performance	l   Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Leading Version n   4nm power-efficient manufacturing process, up to 3.36GHz l   LPDDR5X + UFS 4.0 storage
Battery & Charging	l   4800mAh battery l   67W wired turbo charging l   50W wireless turbo charging
Audio	l   Dual speakers l   Dolby Atmos®️
Connectivity	l   Multifunctional NFC
Operating System	l   MIUI Fold 14 based on Android 13

 

 

¹Data retrieved from Xiaomi Corporation Q1 2023 Results Announcement. As of March 31, 2023.

² Data retrieved from Xiaomi Corporation Annual Results Announcement for the Year Ended December 31, 2022.

³ Measurements only apply to the Xiaomi composite fiber variant. Actual measurements between individual products may vary. All specifications are subject to the actual product.

⁴ Data obtained from Xiaomi Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

⁵ Certified by TÜV Rheinland through testing conducted under laboratory conditions. Actual results may vary with differences in testing environments.

⁶ The focal length of each lens is the equivalent focal length in default mode, and may differ from the physical equivalent focal length. Please refer to the actual situation.

⁷ Data from Xiaomi Internal Labs. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage.

⁸ Actual measurements between individual products may vary. All specifications are subject to the actual product.

Hundreds of families gathered in the West Darfur capital of El Geneina on June 15, plotting their escape from what had become a hellscape of blown-out buildings scrawled with racist graffiti and streets strewn with corpses. The state governor had just been executed and mutilated by Arab militia groups, leaving civilians with no choice but to flee.

A new CNN investigation led by Chief International Investigative Correspondent Nima Elbagir reveals that what followed was a gruesome massacre, believed to be one of the most violent incidents in the genocide-scarred Sudanese region’s history. The powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and its allied militias hunted down non-Arab people in various parts of the city and surrounding desert region, leaving hundreds dead as they ran for their lives, according to evidence collected by CNN.

CNN analyzed videos, photographs and satellite imagery, and gathered 11 testimonies from eyewitnesses and survivors of the violence in El Geneina, including aid workers who collected the dead, and a surgeon who treated the wounded in Chad, to piece together what happened.  

As the killing continues unabated in Sudan, with reports that the violence is accelerating, CNN’s investigation into atrocities carried out over a single day in June offers a window into the scale of abuses, largely hidden from view. 

In the early hours of that morning, residents set off en masse from southern El Geneina, many trying to reach the nearby Sudanese military headquarters where they thought they might find safety. But they said they were quickly thwarted by RSF attacks. Some were summarily executed in the streets, survivors said. Others died in a mass drowning incident, shot at as they attempted to cross a river.

Many of those who managed to make it out were ambushed near the border with Chad, forced to sit in the sand before being told to run to safety as they were sprayed with bullets.

“More than 1,000 people were killed on June 15. I was collecting bodies on that day. I collected a huge number,” one local humanitarian worker, who asked not to be named for security reasons, told CNN. He said the dead were buried in five different mass graves in and around the city.   

“June 15, 16 and 17 were the bloodiest days in Geneina,” said the humanitarian worker, who was part of a city-wide network of aid workers collecting bodies from the streets. He based the death toll on information gathered by the group. “June 15 was the worst of them all.” 

Without access to the city, it has been impossible for CNN to independently verify the true toll, but testimonies from body collectors, aid organizations, doctors and survivors offer clues. 

The evidence uncovered by CNN suggests that, behind a curtain of secrecy, the RSF and its allies are waging an indiscriminate campaign of widespread killings and sexual violence unlike anything the region has seen in decades.

The RSF’s official spokesperson told CNN that it “categorically” denied the allegations.

“To say you were Masalit was a death sentence,” said Jamal Khamiss, a human rights lawyer, referring to his non-Arab tribe, one of the biggest in Darfur. Khamiss was among those who said that they fled from El Geneina to Chad, surviving a series of RSF and allied militia positions by concealing his ethnicity.  

He said he only managed to escape execution because he convinced the fighters that he belonged to the Tagoy ethnic group, whose language he speaks proficiently.  

Khamiss recalled an 8-year-old boy grabbing his hand, part of the group walking towards the border, rushing to put distance between themselves and the violence.  

“When we arrived at Shukri, they captured us,” said Khamiss. “They told us to run away. They shot and killed the 8-year-old boy. He was trying to run away, and they shot him in the head.

“June 15 was one of the worst days in all of Darfur’s history.”

• This partnership, currently active in Nairobi and Mombasa will enable consumers to benefit from fast and convenient delivery of Domino’s Pizza to their doorstep through Glovo.
• Domino’s is  the only brand that offers free delivery for orders above KES 800

Today, Glovo, Africa’s leading multicategory app, has announced a partnership with multinational pizza restaurant chain, Domino’s Pizza, to offer consumers access to affordable meals from the comfort of their homes and strengthen their customer base across Kenya.

The partnership is expected to offer consumers access to a steady supply of Domino’s products through Glovo and ensure they receive their orders with a 25-minute free delivery guarantee for orders above KES 800. Through this alliance, customers are poised to enjoy a seamless experience from point of purchase to point of delivery, in line with the joint goal of delivering an excellent customer experience. Domino’s Pizza is also currently the only brand on Glovo that offers free delivery for orders above KES 800, which ties to its commitment to giving customers value for their money and promoting affordable enjoyment.

Commenting, Caroline Mutuku, Country manager, Glovo Kenya said that the partnership is another step to making meals more accessible to consumers through Glovo. “We are excited to partner with Domino’s Pizza, a brand synonymous with quality and taste. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide customers with a diverse range of choices and unmatched convenience. Now, in addition to our existing offerings, customers can indulge in the delight of Domino’s signature pizzas, making their dining experience even more enjoyable.”.

“Upon analysis, insights revealed that in 2022, Glovo delivered at a rate of 1 pizza every 4 minutes in Kenya, achieving 23% growth in this product vs 2021 and an average of 146% over the last 3 years.  With Kenya being the second largest African market of pizza units delivered by Glovo, after Ivory Coast, this union between Glovo and the main pizza player in the country, Domino’s Pizza, will foster the growth of the category to meet growing demand from consumers as can be seen from the data”, added Ivy Maingi, Commercial Manager for Glovo Kenya.

On his part, Peter Jones, Managing Director, Eat’N’Go Kenya, reiterated that Domino’s Pizza is renowned for its commitment to customer satisfaction and sees this partnership as an opportunity to enhance customers’ needs in this digital age and provide them with an enhanced dining experience. He said, “At Domino’s, our goal has always been to deliver happiness through delicious affordable pizzas and this partnership allows us to bring that happiness directly to the doorsteps of more customers. Leveraging Glovo’s local expertise in the quick commerce industry, we believe this partnership will not only enable us to offer fast and convenient home delivery service that allows us to maintain exceptional service delivery, but also expand our customer base.”.

Also commenting, Peris Gitau, Marketing Manager for Domino’s Pizza explained that the partnership is in line with Domino’s Pizza 25 minutes innovation strategy which allows the brand to personalize services based on customers’ needs to receive their pizzas faster than before. She said, “Our customers’ lifestyle trends have changed, and service delivery is a key component of customer satisfaction. Customers expressed their satisfaction hugely; with the extra time they are saving in getting their pizzas faster than before. The 25 Minutes innovation strategy not only enables us to serve our customers better but also solidifies our position as the industry leaders driving happiness with every order of our freshly baked hot pizzas.”.

Customers can look forward to a streamlined ordering process, and reliable delivery service, making their pizza indulgence effortless and delightful. The partnership is currently active in Nairobi and Mombasa, with plans to expand to other cities in the coming months.

As the Jipe Form na Senator Ushinde National Consumer Campaign (NCP) draws to a close, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has awarded the final grand winner, Titus Mwangi at Villager Bar and Restaurant in Ndumberi Town, Kiambu County.

Titus Kanyi Mwangi walked away with KES 2million shillings in which KES 1 million will go to invest in his own businesses and another Kshs1 million to be donated to a community project. The campaign has been ongoing for the last three months and has seen five grand lucky winners each receiving KES  2million.

The winners are: Titus Mwangi from Nyeri, Felix Magoma from Kiambu county, Timothy Ekhalie, Stephen Mwangi, and Shelmith Wangui from Nairobi.

Mr Mwangi noted, “At first I couldn’t believe it when I was called by the Kenya Breweries official line but today I am one happy man. This win will go a long way in supporting my family as well as my businesses that I have 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 cheque handover event, Ms. Hannah Waruguru, Shopper Manager Senator at KBL also noted that, “Over the years, Kenya Breweries and Senator has aimed to enrich its consumers lives by providing an affordable and safe product. Over and beyond that, we have invested in our National Consumer campaigns that seek to enrich and benefit our loyal consumers. This is the fifth campaign which we have done and we are thankful to all who participated. To the winners who have been lucky, congratulations and we hope the winnings will help in benefiting you and your loved ones.”

Jipe Form na Senator Ushinde campaign aimed to reward loyal consumers and enrich their lives and communities with a total worth of Kshs 97 million.

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

To participate, consumers were required to purchase two 500ml mugs (either Senator Lager or Dark Extra) in which they were issued with a scratch card. The Consumer then sent an SMS with the unique valid code found under the scratch panel to a 5-digit short code i.e., 22110 to get an entry into the competition (One valid code gave one entry).

“Throughout its history, KBL has consistently played a deliberate role in making substantial contributions to the growth and success of the Kenyan economy. Fostering the emergence of vibrant communities is a fundamental aspect of our vision and sustainability plan. In the present moment, we recognize the heightened necessity for our business to exert a positive impact. By means of endeavors like these, we are amplifying our dedication to advancing both social sustainability and the economic empowerment of the communities we serve,” Mr Edward Kimathi, Head of emerging businesses KBL added.

Senator Keg has previously rewarded its loyal customers with a series of national consumer promotions (NCPs), such as Imarisha Maisha na Senator Keg and Imarisha Maisha na Senator Keg Reloaded, in which lucky customers won 150 TVS motorcycles from Car and General, as well as one-year insurance, two helmets, two reflectors, and two free services in a year.

Samsung Electronics today launched the One UI 6 beta program for users of its Galaxy S23 series. Based on Android 14, One UI 6 enables a more user-friendly experience, bringing a complete package of enhancements to Samsung apps and features including a more streamlined design and wider options for personalization. The beta program is an important precursor to the public release because it enables the collection and incorporation of real user feedback, ensuring the official software update delivers the best experience possible.

“Our mission with One UI is to reflect the unique preferences of our users in every aspect of their mobile experience,” said Janghyun Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of the Software Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Every iteration of One UI responds to the needs of our user community, and we look forward to user feedback on One UI 6 as we create a richer, more intuitive experience for all.”

Simplicity and Ease of Access

One UI 6 makes a compelling first impression with its beautiful simplicity. Many elements have been tweaked to create a more modern look and feel, such as the impactful new default font and the new emojis on Samsung Keyboard. The Quick Panel has been revamped with an updated layout that makes it effortless for users to access their most used features. It is easier than ever to adjust screen visibility on the go as the brightness control bar is available by default in the compact Quick Panel. Furthermore, there is also a new instant access option to the full Quick Panel, providing faster access to settings with a single downward swipe at the upper right corner of the screen.

More Ways To Personalize Your Experience

One UI 6 is loaded with great new ways for users to customize the Galaxy experience based on their own habits and preferences, so it feels even more like an extension of themselves. For instance, it is now possible to set different lock screens according to specific Modes and Routines, such as a calming photo of a forest in Sleep Mode. There is also a new custom camera widget, which lets users preselect a camera mode and a storage location like portrait mode and a folder just for headshots.

Join the One UI 6 Beta Program

These innovations are just a few of the upgrades that come with One UI 6. In addition to enhanced aesthetics and higher levels of personalization, the software update simplifies everyday tasks to maximize productivity. One UI 6 also offers robust security and privacy, so users can enjoy mobile connectivity and convenience with total peace of mind.

Galaxy S23 series users are invited to join the One UI 6 beta program and be among the first to try out the latest enhancements and share valuable feedback. The program is available in the United States, Germany and South Korea starting today.

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has officially launched a new Smirnoff Campaign, dubbed ‘We Do We’ that highlights a compelling narrative that celebrates the essence of unity, the undeniable spark of ‘WE’ that comes alive when people come together as one.

Through a breathtaking tapestry of creative expression and vibrant energy, this campaign promises an unforgettable journey where every moment is alive with the joy of togetherness.

With a resolute commitment to empowering communities and celebrating the richness of diversity and togetherness, Smirnoff’s We Do We campaign is set to revolutionize how we perceive unity in Kenya. Weaving a colourful tapestry of shared experiences, this initiative is poised to inspire, and uplift, forging an unbreakable bond of celebration and togetherness

While commenting on the launch of the campaign, KBL’s Managing Director Mr Mark Ocitti said, “Our We Do We campaign is more than just a marketing marvel; it’s a resounding call for all to embrace the collective spirit that makes us stronger together. Brace yourselves, because We Do We is just the beginning of an exhilarating journey that will evolve over the months to come, captivating hearts through a whirlwind of electrifying events, cutting-edge partnerships, and empowering sponsorships including music, art and fashion. This is where the magic truly unfolds.”

“We Do We” is the living embodiment of collective dreams, brought to life through the passion and creativity of diverse individuals from all walks of life. The synergy behind this masterpiece is a testament to its congruence and the heartwarming commitment to instigate real, positive change in society far beyond the horizon of a fleeting moment. With a tireless dedication to adapt, strategize, and listen closely to the heartbeat of our consumers, Smirnoff Vodka is set to create ripples of inspiration that will last a lifetime,” added Mr Ocitti.

Mr Ocitti disclosed that the campaign is not a short-lived initiative but rather represents a long-term commitment by Smirnoff Vodka to drive positive change in society. The brand aims at sustaining the momentum of the campaign by continuously adapting strategies and seeking feedback from its consumers.”

Speaking at the launch event, Smirnoff Vodka Brand Manager Ms Brigid Wambua said, “We welcome you to the dazzling world of ‘Smirnoff We Do We Campaign, where we proudly hail the unstoppable force of togetherness. This groundbreaking initiative celebrates the enchanting fusion of consumers, ingredients, and flavours, igniting an explosion of shared experiences that promises to leave you mesmerized. We’re talking about a sensational platform shift for Smirnoff, a brand that passionately believes in the invincible power of unity, all wrapped in an invigorating and vibrant package.”

The We Do We campaign heartbeat is aimed at targeting none other than the vibrant, trendsetting Kenyan vibe shifters aged 25 to 34. These awe-inspiring consumers possess an unbridled love for Kenyan art, tirelessly championing the prowess of homegrown talent. Fueled by a burning desire for individuality, they sparkle like stars, spreading cheer wherever they go. But their magic truly comes alive when they gather people from all walks of life, uniting them in a harmonious symphony of diversity and creativity. Together, they understand the extraordinary power of ‘We.’

“The campaign, particularly the launch event, is all about crafting spaces where joy, authenticity, and togetherness converge in a beautiful dance of conversations. It’s an empowering platform where we tackle social issues surrounding equality and responsible drinking while inviting Smirnoff fans to share their extraordinary stories,” concluded Ms Mbugua.

The campaign launch weekend was nothing short of a cosmic celebration, with the brightest stars of Kenyan music such as Kaligraph Jones Trio Mio, and an enthralling lineup of top-notch artists, Deejays and entertainers including MC & DJ Nick The Trend, MC Gogo & DJ Roq, Grauchi, DJ Karowski, Kaneda, DJ Redbone, and DJ Tibbz.

The ambience was electric, the spirits soaring high and the night was forever etched in the hearts of everyone present. Stepping into the enchanting world of We Do We, where every moment is alive with possibility, and the collective spirit dances in joyous unison.