While a majority of the local telcos allow you to connect to the Internet without any default configurations, connection failures may occur if you don’t set the right access settings for your base network.

In fact, As Smartphones evolve, a majority no longer require you to set any Internet settings to connect. However, the low light of not double-checking the set defaults may land you into issues of not seeing a data connection sign on your Smartphone, in simple terms inability to connect.

Luckily, if you own an MTN, Airtel, Africell, UTL, Smile or Lyca Mobile SimCard, then we have a default settings sheet for you to double-check with your Smartphone or connection device.

How to Enter new Internet Settings

• On Your Smartphone, Tap the Menu button or All Apps
• From the Apps list, choose Settings.
• Tap Wireless and networks or Network & Internet(may vary depending on your Android version)
• Select Mobile Networks.
• Choose Access point names.
• Tap the + (plus) Icon to get a New access point form.
• Give your new Access point a name
• Then enter an appropriate APN (use Internet by default) or see our telco list below
• Leave other options blank and Click save to test your new settings.

Airtel Uganda

MTN Uganda

Africell Uganda

Uganda Telecom

Smile Telecom

Smart Telecom

Once Saved, turn your data on, and check the notification bar for a 4G, H, H+, E or G sign. Depending on your SimCard type, your network bar will display any of the default letters standing for 4G, 3G, 3G+, 2G and GSM respectively.

The console itself is a 6.2-inch tablet that plugs into an HDMI/USB-C dock. The two removable Joy-Con controllers slot into the tablet when you’re on the move, but work through Bluetooth when you’re not.

The Nintendo Switch brings with it a central idea that can benefit literally every game, not just the selected few that can use motion control or a second screen. Nonetheless, below is the switch’s mini specs sheet:

Nintendo Switch Specs

SIZE

Approximately 4 inches high, 9.4 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached)
*The depth from the tip of the analog sticks to the tip of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.12 inches

SCREEN

Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 6.2-inch LCD Screen / 1280 x 720

CPU/GPU

NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor

STORAGE

32 GB of internal storage, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. Users can easily expand storage space using microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB (sold separately).

WIRELESS

Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)(*)
Bluetooth 4.1
(*In TV mode, Nintendo Switch systems can be connected with a wired LAN adapter – sold separately)

USB Connector

USB Type-C
Used for charging or for connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock.

BATTERY

Lithium-ion battery/4310mAh

A Toast of Experience with the Nintendo Switch

I personally own the Nintendo Switch and got to say its really worth the investment, have got a chance to play some interesting titles like Breath of the wild and yes it took my breath to the extreme wilds, mortal combat and more, A pro controller is a must if you always want to have an immersive and comfortable feeling of gaming.

Given the fact that VPNs can now be downloaded from multiple archives on the web with developers sighting a steady smartphone audience on the Google and Apple store. Well, the mobile VPNs have become popular in Africa after Zambia borrowed the OTT tax concept from Uganda giving users a hefty task of relying on VPN apps which we think you should not cash in your maximum trust

How a VPN Works

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure interrupted service that encrypts all traffic sent over your Internet connection to a remote VPN server situated miles away from your physical location.

Initially, VPNs connected offices, but in this digital age, you can use this particular network to bypass any censored websites in any country by utilizing the address of your VPN server. So, a VPN simply gives you a different IP address (country) by hiding your actual address for a new channel of access

For instance, let’s say you’re in the UGANDA and you establish a VPN connection with a server located in the UK. Then, each website you access is directly encrypted with your VPN server header for anonymous surfing. Additionally, your social media accounts register the anonymous address and if you try to access your Facebook account, the changes must be effective like cheese and wine with a temporary lock in most cases. Well, temporary locks are just a drop in the ocean of the negative impacts you might have to subscribe to with a VPN

Unreliable Internet speeds

5G is a futuristic internet connection standard we might not see until 2023, though several internet providers are already running tests of this technology, 4G LTE is still the maximum standard we can rely on. However, the fantastic speeds are not the same when you connect to a VPN, by mere switching on your VPN button, you completely rely on the remote server speeds trashing your original internet speeds in duo-exchange process. But then, some servers usually provide reliable internet speeds only if you pay an extra dollar to the developers for a premium package

Little or No privacy

Privacy is an online companion that lets you have some peace of mind before someone else exploits it. With a VPN, privacy must be a long gone story since all information you transfer through the tunnel can be accessed by an anonymous developer. However, the perfect solution to this would be gearing up some premium subscriptions or choosing non-public servers like company affiliated leaks. On the contrary, you must forget about any sort of privacy each time you power on your VPN application

Your VPN could be trading your data/traffic for cash

Whenever you power on a VPN, you’re placing a huge chance in the hands of the developer to make some extra cash from traffic sent over your link. First of all, a VPN tunnel blocks out your Internet service provider or Wi-Fi hotspot operator from eavesdropping your browsing capabilities. But the story is different on the other side you can’t control. Well, you must have seen a few ADs or two in your VPN app or overlaying on your smartphone from nowhere, that’s probably the power of relying on these softwares whether you pay for one or retain a free version

You’re Placing a Lot of Trust to Your VPN provider

A recent investigation discovered that the majority of free VPN apps have links to China and 86% of them had unsatisfactory privacy policies. Some explicitly stated they transfer user data to China. Most of them had customer support emails pointing to generic personal email accounts on services like Gmail or Hot mail. These don’t sound like services worthy of your trust.

If you’re using a VPN for privacy or escaping Internet censorship, you probably don’t want to use an Asian based VPN. However, you don’t choose what to connect with, but instead! shift through the available country IP addresses you can instantly connect to. By the same trail, your app gets a great scent of trust per power-up exposing you to more privacy and traffic for cash threats whether relying on a free or premium package

What You Should Use Instead

Why would a developer code a killer design VPN just to be used for free? Or why would a VPN server provide a free connection to everyone who wishes to connect? These are both questions many users don’t put in mind before downloading or connecting to a VPN app.

If you still love to use VPNs, the best option would be paying for a high-end well secured VPN server or a trial based free VPN like Tuddle bear which has 60minute time outs(trial expiry) for free usage. Nonetheless, in countries where OTT tax is the order of the day, sacrificing the extra dollar could save you from all the above risks

The talk is real and the ultimate checklist to traveling cheaply in Kampala is one of the sweet pills u can swallow with boda hailing drivers popping up from every corner in branded helmets and jackets. However, we have a simple guide to help you get the best boda pickup near you, juggled through Taxify, Uberboda, Safeboda or Dial Jack

Safety

Whenever you want to travel cheap and safely around Kampala the first option that comes to your mind is to use a ride hailing app. However, a few riders drive with partial customer gear witnessed by one helmet off some ride hailing services we’ve seen in Kampala. Unlike Safeboda’s tight policies granting a safety sleeze per driver, other apps tend to miss the double gear shot

As much as getting a ride around Kampala is as easy as a smartphone swipe! Safety is key when it comes to the Orange camp order that rules out its competitors hands down as a Safety guarantee service. Additionally, Taxify boda, Uber Boda and Dial Jack all track safety on a daily basis except that Safeboda leads with a slightly bigger margin in a city witnessing tremendous growth with low prices, safety, and convenience beating all non hailing drivers in a safety by price marathon

Price

Although Uber, Dial Jack and Safeboda all gift drivers with free insurance as a motivational factor controlling the low prices by all apps. Taxify boda, on the other hand, has not adhered to this wagon with its prices shaking drivers to the insurance iced camps. However, as riders continue to pose a high demand for boda pickups, the more prices treble down with the current rate card per service favorable enough for a low-cost pick up below

Service	Base fare (Ugx)	Price/Km(Ugx)	Price/Min(Ugx)
Uber boda	500	450	70
Taxify boda	400	400	50
Safeboda	500	400	70
Dial Jack	500	400	60

But then From the downtown based Mwanga II Road to Kawempe, a trip would cost you this much on either Taxify boda, Uber boda or Safeboda

In spite of the seductive trip rate cards published by all boda hailing firms, the actual prices depend on the distance and time while peak hours mean high prices with Uber and Taxify. Well, as witnessed in our basic experiment, safeboda appeared to be charging more as Taxify boda teases the lowest rates

However, the story was different after using Safeboda credit that chopped the total fare by 25% off with no additional high demand multiplications incurred. So, Safeboda credit is the game changer with a discount off per trip unlike the green camps

Payment Modes

All boda hailing services brag with the convenience tagline by their goals, none of these apps features a single payment solution except Dial Jack which is soon rolling out a mobile money option for their customers as per the website FAQ

Taxify & Uber boda both offer cash and credit options through a credit/debit card for the latter as Safeboda bosts with a mobile money option through its credit portal. So, all apps offer dynamic options with only safeboda shipping in the mobile money option at the moment when the 0.5% tax is a withdraws only levy

Availability

With activated zones in Kampala and Entebbe at the moment, all boda hailing apps offer services anywhere around Kampala or Entebbe with a basic flat rate of UGX 90,000 on a Kampala-Entebbe route by Taxify/Uber boda. Additionally, Safeboda recently widened its availability zones covering all Kampala outskirts and finally crossing over to Wakiso teasing a follow me candle with its 8,000 drivers at the moment to DialJack, Taxify, and Uber boda

With a wide range of devices from the Tecno Spark, spark2, Camon CM, Camon X/pro and many more devices this year, the blue camp must be celebrating for greater heights in its next releases. However, with all these devices, Tecno mobile has constantly reflected back on the same specs over and over again and let’s find out the flaws.

Hardware

Keeping the hardware talk to greater heights, I think it’s high time the 16gb internal space on these Tecno smartphones considers an Exit door. The memory doesn’t catch up to the race, Imagine the majority of their devices are left with only 9gb internal storage after piling all inbuilt apps with a blend of Google bloatware.

Much more like an early stress factor 1gb Ram used to be light for a huge OS like Android 6 or Android 5 back then when the C8 rules. But then, In this Android Go generation, the RAM seems enough for a great start since the Android version is designed with light system files washing away the earlier 16gb talk.

As a point to be noted, Tecno mobile has some of the best devices on the market and this is usually attributed to the battery capacity. However, as Itel mobile previously launched the P32 as a battery centric smartphone, the battle for a big battery is a now a competitive slot with Itel shrinking the difference. Henceforth, we must appreciate the great designs on all 2018 smartphones we’ve got a chance to see.

Camera

I a market dominated by Snapchat enthusiasts and Instagrammer, Tecno hasn’t been bad in the camera game so far> For instance, we love their 13MP popular camera weight. But then, why does it have to be 13MP all the time for several mid-range releases yet a difference can be evidenced on 2 separate releases like the C9 and CX air.

Whoever introduced the strong selfie flashlight function must have tried it out in a well-exposed area and not the very dark zones. In case you love taking selfies in the dark, the front soft lights are not always worth it, though they get to save you in that tight spot. Earlier this year, the Camon X pro was the only smartphone we witnessed with a much better camera beating the Spark 2 and companions hands down. But at least Tecno would have made the Camox X experience mutual with all its releases and with the slight difference clocking between picture quality.

What we expect of the next Tecno release

As an appreciation slot for team Tecno, their smart phones are great by no doubt. However, with the little flaws, we find disturbing from the previous releases with slight improvements in 2018. We have hopes of seeing another beast to take race down Google’s pixel 3 or a great iPhone Xr alternative starting with our predictive specifications.

• Camera: 20MP or more
• Battery: 4500mAh
• Storage: 32GB/64GB
• Display: 18:9 ratio
• Design: Bezzleless with a top-notch and fingerprint sensor
• Operating System: Android 8.0.1 Oreo
• RAM: 3GB/6GB

As a dream come true, the above specifications are from our observations of the smartphone industry which have previously welcomed the Huawei Mate 20 and Google’s pixel 3. We shall not be surprised to see an L10 come to life or just another high-end Phantom release. Nonetheless, share with your thoughts about what you think of the next Tecno release in the comment section below.

Solution 1. Disable Windows Update Service

While disabling the automatic update service will temporarily halt any Windows 10 cumulative updates, the service will re-enable itself after a certain amount of time. Here are the directions:

1. Press the Windows logo key + R at the same time to invoke the Run box.

2. Type services.msc and press Enter.

3. Scroll down to Windows Update, and double-click it.

4. In Startup type, select Disabled. Then click Apply and OK to save the settings.

Solution 2. Change the Setting of the Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy feature is not available in the Home edition. So, only when you run Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor to change the settings to prevent Windows 10 from automatically updating. The group policy editor will notify you of new updates without automatically installing them.

• Press the Windows logo key + R then type gpedit.msc and click OK.
• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
• Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
• Select Disabled in Configured Automatic Updates on the left, and click Apply and OK to disable the Windows automatic update feature.

Note: If you need to update your Windows version later, you can repeat the steps above, then select Enabled to turn on this feature, so that you can continue to download the updates.

Solution 3. Meter Your Network Connection

You can only disable automatic updates by using this method on a WiFi connection. If your computer is connected to WiFi, you can try this to stop Windows 10 automatic updates.

1. Click the Start button at the bottom left on your desktop, then click the Settings app.

2. Click Network & Internet.

3. Click WiFi in the left panel, then click the name of your Wi-Fi connection.

4. Click to turn on Set as metered connection.

Note: Remember that for every different WiFi connection you connect to, you always have to set it as a metered connection.

Solution 4. Change the way of Windows 10 Updates Using Registry

Extra Tips: Editing the registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended that you make a full backup of your computer before proceeding.

With a backup at hand, now it’s safe to customize a Windows 10 update without receiving any forced updates on your computer. Here’s how to make the change in Registry:

1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

2. Type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry.
Browse the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

3. Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click Key.

4. Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.

5. Right-click the newly created key, select new, and click Key.

6. Name the new key AU and press Enter.
Inside the newly created key, right-click on the right side, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

7. Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.
Double-click the newly created key and change its value to 2. It’s for “Notify for download and notify for install”. Click OK.

8. Close the Registry to complete the task.

Using this value prevents Windows 10 from downloading updates automatically, and you’ll get a notification when new updates are available. By this way, you can avoid any auto Windows 10 update effectively.

While we managed to test each and every method on how you wish to turn off all the automatic updates in Windows 10. The above procedures must help you achieve the impossible dream of stopping crazy updates popping up.

A Feature breakdown in Windows 10’s October 2018 Update

Windows 10’s October 2018 Update was codenamed Redstone 5 during the Insider Preview development process and is also known as Windows 10 version/build 1809. It focuses on features you might actually use. However, There’s no new Paint 3D-style app here

This latest Windows 10 update includes a “Your Phone” app that lets you text from your PC and instantly access photos from your phone on your PC, assuming you’re using an Android phone without battling up with apps like Xender. Although Fewer features are available to iPhone users, the “Continue on PC” feature will let you quickly send links from an Android phone or iPhone to your PC as much as notification syncing from Android phones to PCs is on a coming soon status

Microsoft has also added a new clipboard history feature you can access via the Windows+V shortcut. This clipboard history feature is able to sync between all your PCs, and will one day sync to the SwiftKey keyboard on your phone for easy copy and pasting

Unfortunately, the “Sets” feature that added tabs to every application on your system was removed from the final update and has been delayed and we expect it to appear in Windows 10’s next update.

File Explorer now includes a dark theme, the touch keyboard is now “powered by SwiftKey,” and the new Snip & Sketch tool makes it easier to capture and annotate screenshots.

Even more features piled up in the Windows 10 october build

Under the hood, you’ll find easier HDR setup and mobile broadband improvements, power usage details for processes in the Task Manager, a quick slider to make all the text bigger on your screen, and better controls while projecting your screen wirelessly.

Microsoft has even made a lot of improvements to Notepad, which can now handle UNIX-style line endings. Geeks will appreciate new keyboard shortcuts for copy and paste in the Windows Subsystem for Linux, and the ability to quickly launch a Linux shell directly from File Explorer.

Those are just a few of the many, many improvements and changes you’ll find in this update. Check out our in-depth look at everything new in Windows 10’s October 2018 Update for more details.

How to install windows 10’s October 2018 Update

To get the update, just head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your PC. Click the “Check for Updates” button here.

Here’s how this works: Microsoft slowly rolls these updates out, and Windows 10 normally waits at least a few weeks before installing them. But, if you click this button, Windows 10 knows that you want the update right now, and your PC will find and install it.

This windows 10 update may not be available to everyone immediately, so check back later today if it doesn’t download after you click the button.

If this doesn’t work, you can also download and run Microsoft’s Windows 10 update assistant. Visit the Download Windows 10 page and click the “Update Now” button to download the assistant. Run it after downloading it and it will upgrade your Windows system to the latest available update and please make sure you have enough storage space on your HDD.

If you experience a problem after updating to windows 10 October update, you can go back to your previous version of Windows 10. This option is only available for the first ten days after updating, after which Windows will automatically delete the old files to free up space.

smartphone photography with the Itel S13

When it comes to capturing lifetime memories, selfies count a nice rank up to throwback Thursdays and with the Itel S13, this could be the cheapest selfie monster in a league of its own. Even with many things you can tweak around to make your photo beautiful, Its a welcome dock for the S13 rear camera which also shipped in the HDR option for even more landscape detailed photos just like one we captured below.

Selfie wise, the 13MP front camera has a little more noise when capturing in the dark. However, its never time to worry too much with a soft front flash ready to save all unfavorable conditions. But then, let’s dive into a simple selfie showdown for some headlights ahead.

How you could improve the photo quality with the S13 in your right hand

Improving your smartphone photography completely lies between the type of phone you hold and your camera skills. However, with the S13 in your right hand, you hold one of Itel mobile’s confident releases with a cheap price tag yet teasing a little behind the Infinix S3X.

Among the amazing features you can lay with on the Itel S13, the HDR option is one of a kind with the best lighting conditions and crispy feel produced on both the rear & front face. In addition, turning on the Camera flash can eliminate some of the dark spots sneaking in during capture.

Another option that is brilliant to consider yet not very unique of Itel smartphones. Camera effects, on the other hand, can surprise your Instagram or Snapchat followers thinking you borrowed a Tecno Camon X for a selfie showdown. However, these are some of the unique features you could utilize on your smartphone even when you don’t own the affordable Itel S13. Nonetheless, before you could decide to in opt for the Infinix S3x or Tecno Pouvior2, the Itel S13 can have a slot on your quartery smartphone budget.

Verdict

The Itel S13 is beautiful by the design and basic feature range. However, Its camera is not as good as its proclaimed even when you can improve the qaulity with the above procedures. Therefore, for its price, the camera is just so good although you cant compare it superior models.

However, we scooped a copy of the 13MP selfie beast and here is a dose from our unboxing journey all the way to the features layout. But first, Let’s dive into the S13 top specifications that are bundled with the UGX 290,000  price tagged smartphone.

Quick S13 specifications

• OS: Android 8.1 Oreo with Android Go
• SIM Type: Dual SIM (Micro)
• 4G LTE: NO
  
• Screen Size: 5.5 Inches LCD IPS Touchscreen
• Screen Resolution: 480 x 960 pixels (282 PPI)
• Processor Type: Quad-core 1.3 GHz, MediaTek MT6580 Chipset
• RAM: 1GB
• Internal Storage: 8GB.
• External Storage: microSD, up to 32 GB
• Back / Rear Camera: 5MP + 5MP dual cameras & LED Flash
• Front Camera: 13MP front camera with LED flash
• Battery: 2,400 mAh

Unboxing the Itel S13

Just like the unboxing of any other smartphone, Itel’s S13 engraved box doesn’t contain a handful of accessories. But instead, the usual charging brick, headsets, USB data cable and the device itself (A Midnight Black version). Unlike the previous Itel models that used to come with OTG capabilities, the company’s S series lies more on the Selfie side and the dual rear cameras prove just that with a single lens front version which we shall have to test whether it surely supports the proclaimed 13MP full detail.

S13 first impressions

If you were to compare a Samsung smartphone with a 1 step decrement to its other version, the difference could probably be void. However, Itel deserves a thumbs up for its unique features per device launched. But then, the Itel S13 appears more like the P32 on first sight with 2 tweakable rear camera lenses (Wide Angle + Telephoto) except the size which separates the two with a slightly bigger margin.

Coming with a light back cover this time around, the S13 peals out the comfort of its fingerprint sensor that lies on a 45 degrees scale away from the rear camera that excited us with its 360 sensitivity. While the 13MP front camera also thrilled us for a selfie showdown. The 6.0 screen size fitted right in the left pockets making it that simple, light and plenty feature smartphone budget-friendly wonders have always yearned to see.

Identically, the device comes with Android Go guaranteeing the best space available even with bulk files stored. Nonetheless, we felt like a P32S with a 13MP camera powered up to the front, But since its the actual S13 that doubles as the 3rd Android Go Itel smartphone we’ve seen this year, here are the Full specifications blending it out loud.

Itel S13 Full specifications board

NETWORK

BODY

DISPLAY

MEMORY AND OS

AUDIO

CONNECTIVITY

CAMERA

BATTERY

OTHER FEATURES

PRICE