LG’s innovative products improving consumers’ lives

 By Correspondent
As the world continues to experience rapid technological development, the need for electronics manufacturers to continue pushing their boundaries and produce cutting-edge technology is becoming more apparent with each passing day.
New technologies are great, but once something becomes popular there is an almost instant desire to improve on it, and this continues until that technology is rendered obsolete by something new that replaces its relevant functions.
This demand has created an enormous need for companies operating in the consumer technology space to continuously innovate in order to keep up with the growing demand.LG is one such company that is always striving to innovate and this is apparent in each business unit. From OLED TV, to gesture controlled selfies, or from the Door-in-Door refrigerators to commercial air conditioners designed for use in coastal areas, the company is always looking for ways to develop new technologies and to improve existing ones.

LG Electronics Chief Finance Officer Mr. Jinho Seok, General Manager Marketing Mr. Moses Marji and Opalnet Managing Director Mr. Rakesh Singh during the official opening of LG Electronics’ new outlet at the Nairobi’s Garden City Mall. LG is investing ksh100million in regional expansion.

“Our drive for innovation is never-ending, we continue to seek new ways to solve the problems around us,” said Maureen Kemunto LG Electronics Assistant Communications and Brand Manager.As consumers become increasingly interested in establishing appliance’s ability to minimize on effort and save time before purchase, competition by manufacturers to increase their range of ‘intelligent’ product portfolio in the home appliances category to fulfill this growing need has been on the rise.To improve customer’s lives, LG Electronics’ products are now being designed to minimize the effort that goes into daily chores, thereby giving users more free time to spend as they see fit.For example, its appliances are progressively becoming smartened up thanks to sensors and other technologies embedded in them.
They are becoming intelligent by integration with mobile devices and the internet. This ‘intelligent’ quality ultimately enhances human capabilities.Guided by this philosophy, LG engineers and designers have developed their own distinctive take on what it means to create products with an intuitive responsiveness to the demands of users.
It recently rolled out refrigerators that let users know when certain foods are running low. The company’s groundbreaking new Internet of Things (IoT) technology has made this and so much more possible.
It also recently introduced ‘LG Smart Home’, which is built around the idea of unifying multiple smart appliances into a single, cohesive system in order to increase convenience and simplicity.Coupled with its interactive new feature HomeChat, which employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) and LINE, the popular mobile messenger app with over 300 million users, homeowners can communicate, control, monitor and share content with LG’s latest smart appliances.
To illustrate this, the company’s smart refrigerator has several innovative, convenience-enhancing features such as Smart View, Smart Power Saving and Smart Manager.
Smart View employs the industry’s first built-internal refrigerator camera to allow users to see the content of the refrigerator using a smartphone or tablet. Every time the fridge door is opened, the camera captures images of the interior shelves.
Users can check these images through HomeChat™ to quickly assess what they need to buy while they’re at the supermarket, helping to save time and preventing unnecessary purchases.Moreover, LG Smart Manager also transforms the refrigerator into a complete food management system with a handy recipe search function which presents the user with a variety of tasty meal options based on the items stored in the refrigerator.
Additionally, the company’s advanced Dual Door-in-Door refrigerators double the benefit of traditional Door-In-Door refrigerators.
They are fitted with extra compartments that act as perfect storage space for drinks and other frequently accessed itemsWhen it comes to washing machines, LG’s smart washing machine is equipped with several smart technologies that simplify the task of doing laundry.
 Guided Laundry can recommend and automatically apply the optimal settings for any type of laundering scenario. For example, for orange juice spills, simply texting “remove juice stains” on HomeChat will initiate One Touch Washing to prescribe the appropriate course of action.
LG clearly appears to be leading the pack in making people’s lives easier and more comfortable with its recent launch of HOM-BOT SQUARE a cordless robot vacuum cleaner seems to have set it apart from competition.
The cleaner has a feature that enables it to monitor the home while the owner is away. If the unit senses any movement, its integrated cameras automatically take photos of the room and send them to the homeowner’s smartphone.
LG’s innovations actually do improve the lives of consumers, with its products, house work is becoming easier and consumer’s lives are becoming more comfortable.

Safaricom enters broadcast market with 'The BigBox' decoder

 @danmuhuni

Telecommunication solutions provider Safaricom has launched a decoder that will enable access to TV content and the internet.
 Christened 'The BigBox' the DVB-2 device will enable subscribers leverage Safaricom's extensive 3G and 4G data network to access content.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi on Friday, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said 'The BigBox' will serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot connecting up to 10 users and support data-heavy applications.  "It will give you access to HD TV Channels and allow you to watch content through online video services like YouTube,".
The decoder's first payment option will see subscribers pay an initial cost of Sh4,999 following by six Sh999 monthly installments.  "This package includes access to free-to-air TV stations and an allocation of up to 6GB a month in data bundles in addition to free YouTube viewing," Collymore said.
The second option of a one-off fee of Sh9,999 allows access to free-to-air channels and up to 6GB in data bundles for a month and free YouTube access. 
Subscribers who choose this option can also buy bundles of up to 50GB for Sh4,000.  Safaricom said customers will be able to top up their balances by buying monthly bundles using airtime or M-Pesa, on predefined USSD and WAP interfaces.
 Safaricom intends to reach the estimated 2.4 million households out of 3.2 million that have access to digital TV but are not using any of the set boxes available on the market.

Nation Media Group inks Sh100M ‘Dunga Milli Mtaani’ campaign with GOtv

 @danmuhuni

Mutunga Mbuvi, 38, a winner in the 'Dunga Milli' promotion receives Sh1 million cheque from GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo and Nation Media Group CEO Linus Gitahi at the announcement of a Sh100 million deal and the launch of 'Dunga Milli Mtaani campaign at the Nation Centre on May 7, 2015.

GOtv, Kenya’s most affordable digital entertainment option, on Thursday inked a Sh100 million campaign with leading East and Central Africa media hub, Nation Media Group.    
The campaign dubbed ‘Dunga Milli Mtaani’ – an extention of the initial Dunga Milli Campaign -will see more Kenyans turned into instant millionaires with every purchase and activation of a GOtv decoder, subscribers will automatically be entered into the draw to win Sh1 million among other daily prizes.    
The initial campaign, unveiled 8 weeks ago has witnessed winners from all corners of the country turned into millionaires for simply subscribing to GOtv.
 Speaking during the event GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo exuded confidence in the partnership given NMG’s leadership in the media industry.   
 “As a leading digital operator, GOtv Kenya is confident that Kenyans will be informed of the numerous digital migration benefits by the leading, most credible regional media house in Kenya.”     Kyengo concluded by saying that he was “confident that more Kenyans will migrate with GOtv ahead of the global June 2015 deadline,” said Mr Kyengo.   
 On his part, Nation Media Group CEO, Linus Gitahi commended GOtv for its insight in partnering with the market leader and promised to push its digital migration agenda.    
“As the leading multi-media house in the East African region, our print electronic media and internet platforms attract a regular readership quite unparalleled in the region. We are sure that GOtv will reap immense benefits from this win-win solution,”  said Mr Gitahi.    
At the same time, GOtv announced the eighth ‘Dunga Milli’ winner, a businessman based in Nairobi.  Mutunga Mbuvi, 38, runs an audio-visual solutions’ business in Westlands area, says he had to buy a set-top box to do away with the boredom in his house.   
 “I kept seeing people in long queues at the GOtv section in the supermarket; I enquired from an agent about it and I was pleased to learn of its affordability and range of channels,” said Mr. Mbuvi.     
Being in the audio-visual business, the experience of a blank TV has not been the best for Mr. Mbuvi.  It was a troubling period for him after his TV was switched off three months ago following the country wide analogue TV switch off.    
Being the first time Pay TV subscriber, Mr. Mbuvi boasts of GOtv’s variety of choices and flexibility in that he can convert it to a free to air when he wants.   
 “There is indeed a difference in my home as my wife and I have a source of entertainment and are now getting informed of not only what is happening in Kenya but also internationally,” said Mr. Mbuvi.    
Mr. Mbuvi and the wife are already fond of their GOtv programming. “My wife loves watching ENews while I enjoy watching Discovery World and National Geographic. We occasionally fight over the remote control,” he said, smiling.   
 The elated father says the win came at an opportune time as his wife is expectant and will go a long way in financing the hospital bills and giving his wife and the baby a comfortable life. He also plans to expand his business..   
 “My wife and unborn child will have the best medical care thanks to GOtv,” said Mr. Mbuvi     GOtv Kenya General Manager, Mr. Felix Kyengo, said, “After the overwhelming success of the Dunga Milli competition and witnessing how it has changed the lives of ordinary Kenyans there was no way we could end the competition after the initial 8 weeks.”   
 “The extended Dunga Milli Reloaded Campaign will allows us to further changes the live of Kenyansfor an additional 5 weeks and reward them on a daily and weekly basis for going digital with GOtv, while enjoying the instant benefits of increased choice in local and international content,” said Mr.Kyengo.   
 In addition to the one million prize money, there are also daily draws where every GOtv buyer stands a chance to win prizes of Sh15, 000, airtime plus annual GOtv subscriptions.   
 “GOtv is helping Kenya to go digital and enabling them to access the best quality local and international programming.
 As a true migration partner and a leader in the digital arena it is important that we play a pivotal role towards accelerating Kenya’s digital migration process.
For a special price offer of only Sh1, 399, including 2 months GOtv Plus subscription, Kenyan’s can enjoy the best international and local programming,” concluded Mr Kyengo.  
  GOtv subscribers are spoiled for choice with a selection of channels including news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies. GOtv channels are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs.   
 Channels include; Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Swahili, SuperSport Select 1 and 2, One Gospel, E! Entertainment, eTV Africa, ZEE World, Disney Junior in addition to local channels such as KBC, NTV, KTN, Citizen TV to mention but a few.    
 GOtv now covers over 30 cities in its pursuit to enable the government to achieve a speedy migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

BAMBA runs into high voltage headwinds

 @danmuhuni

Digital TV platform Bamba TV is scrambling to save its business amid widespread protest from agents and customers over malfunctioning of its decoders.

Some of their top agents, on Wednesday confirmed having returned 1000 and 400 decoders respectively.

The problem would seem to be the decoders voltage specification which is set at 5V rather than 12V.

This means that whenever an agent/trader tests using a 12-vold adaptor, the decoder blows.

Currently, Bamba TV is taking back decoders for software upgrades and promising consumers and agents that the process will take ‘2 weeks’.

The problem first became apparent a few weeks ago when Nakumatt’s management ordered its branch managers to withdraw the decoders from its shelves after receiving numerous complaints from dissatisfied customers.

"There has been several and numerous customer complaints on Bamba...because their decoder has a voltage of 5 instead of 12," Operations Coordinator Wilfred Kimani said in a letter to managers.

"Am therefore urging all to withdraw these decoders from the Shelves with immediate effect. Radio Africa will pick them up and replace with those that [sic] has Voltage of 12."

Daniel Gachanga, 32, of Kikuyu said he took his decoder back to the supermarket he bought it from when it experienced problems.

“At first I thought it was because of the power outages happening due to the rains,” Gachanga said.

“But the guys at the supermarket told me there were many complaints about Bamba. They are telling us to wait but I want my money back.”

Bamba TV is ran by Lancia Digital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Radio Africa Group.

It runs on a tier-2 broadcast signal distribution license issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

CA when queried said it was not aware of the problem with the Bamba TV decoders raising questions as to the thoroughness of its Type-approval process.

Loaned decoder wins a million shillings for mother of five

After staring on a dark screen in her living room for more than a month, Nancy Mudecha, 35, a green grocer from Musasa village in Chavakali, decided to borrow five hundred shillings to top-up and buy a set top box.

“I had only five hundred shillings and so I borrowed another five hundred from a friend as it was getting boring in the house without a television. I was only listening to radio but missed TV news and programmes,” said Mrs. Mudecha.

On 24^th March 2015, the mother of five went into a friend’s shop and asked for the decoder on credit as she didn’t have the total amount of Sh1, 399.

“I talked to the shopkeeper and he allowed me to take the decoder and pay the balance later,” Mrs. Mudecha explained. “I had overheard on radio a discussion that was promoting GOtv saying it was the best for local and international channels,” she said.

The shopkeeper allowed her to take the decoder home after she paid Sh1, 000 and allowed her to pay promised to pay the balance of Sh400 in two weeks’ time.

“He helped me register the decoder using my mobile phone and also connected it,” she said.

 However, it was an unexpected call from GOtv that surprised Mrs. Mudecha who explains that her husband could not help her pay up the debt due to other family commitment.

“I was called on Tuesday by GOtv staff and informed I was the lucky winner of Sh1million. I was shocked and couldn’t believe it,” she said excitedly. “They explained to me that it was true and helped me book a bus to Nairobi to receive the cheque,” she added.

Samsung launches Digital Variable Multi System (DVMS) in the Kenyan market

 @DanMuhuni

The insatiable appetite for high-end office and residential blocks in Nairobi has seen Kenya’s construction industry enjoy a sustained boom, with both the commercial and residential real estate markets growing steadily to keep up with the country’s push to attain higher economic growth.  
To meet industry demand for smarter, faster, higher capacity air conditioning systems, global electronics company Samsung Electronics on Wednesday launched the 3rd generation Digital Variable Multi System (DVMS).
 Speaking during the product launch Robert Ngeru, Vice President & COO of Samsung East and Central Africa, said the new DVMS air conditioner was especially suited for the price sensitive East African market due to its energy and space efficiency capabilities.
 “According to a recent report, Nairobi has been named as one of Africa’s best cities to invest in, which we are currently seeing judging by the number of multinationals and local companies setting up and expanding in and around the Central Business District and areas such as Upper Hill and Westlands,” said Mr. Ngeru.
“With the boom in both residential and commercial real estate we see an opportunity to provide powerful yet energy efficient air cooling systems, designed with the local high costs of energy and efficient space usage in mind, both of which this DVMS considers.” he added.
The dual smart inverter has two compressors that operate simultaneously, providing balanced oil distribution and therefore quick cooling and heating, which in turn results in better energy efficiency and hence lower energy spends.
“The upgraded vapour injection system within the compressor increases the refrigerant flow rate by 20% compared to the conventional products, while innovative, clean design not only decreases the space occupied by the unit, but allows for the customisation often required by contractors developing high rise buildings in limited spaces.” added Mr. Ngeru.
The reduction in footprint gives the property developer more space to put up other facilities such as solar panels, as per a 2014 directive by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) requiring homes and commercial buildings that consume more than 100 litres of water daily to fit solar panels.
 In addition to weighing 25% less than conventional air conditioning system units and therefore costing less to install, the smart system air conditioner also has a multi-step diagnose function that enables the end user to easily detect any malfunction in the system and recover the last 30 minutes of operation data.   

Daughter’s surprise to mum bags yet another surprise win

GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo presents Sh 1 Million to Mrs. Mealii Ali Vyakweli

@danmuhuni
Last week, Fatuma Madi, 25, thought of surprising her mum with a gift. And with her mother’s TV set being off for a while, she figured out that the best surprise was a set top box. 
“I personally use GOtv and so I decided to buy another for my mum. I went into an electronic shop in Likoni, paid and registered with my mum’s name and mobile phone number.
I sent someone to deliver and activate it,” explains Madi.  On Monday evening her mum called to relay her gratitude terming it the year’s gift. 
No sooner had Madi’s mother, Mrs. Mealii Ali Vyakweli, 60, finished getting into terms with her daughter’s surprise than she received a call from GOtv officials announcing her as the third national winner of one million shillings in the ongoing GOtv’s ‘Dunga Milli’ competition.
“I was ecstatic. I have never won something else before. Thank God. I thank my daughter and GOtv,” said Mrs. Vyakweli observably overwhelmed by emotions.  When asked what the money will be used for, Mrs. Vyakweli narrated “this is a blessing.
I will then expand my grocery store and build a house for myself”. Mrs. Vyakweli, who’s already fond of her GOtv programming, likes it all but identifies Nat Geo and Telemundo as her favourite.  
She becomes the third Kenyan to win a million shillings in the 8 weeks competition of GOtv’s ‘Dunga Milli’ competition which launched three weeks ago. The competition will see Kenyans rewarded for going digital with GOtv, while enjoying the instant benefits of increased choice in local and international content.  
In addition to the one million prize money, there are also daily draws where every GOtv buyer stands a chance to win prizes of Sh15, 000, airtime plus a chance to win annual GOtv subscriptions. 
We are helping Kenya to GO digital with GOtv to enjoy the best quality programming, comments GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo.  “As a true migration partner and a leader in the digital arena it is important that we play a pivotal role towards accelerating Kenya’s digital migration process.
For a special price offer of only Sh1, 399, including 2 months GOtv Plus subscription, Kenyan’s can enjoy the best international and local programming”, added Mr Kyengo. 
GOtv subscribers are spoiled for choice with a selection of channels including, news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies.
GOtv channels are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs.
Channels include; Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Swahili, SuperSport Select 1 and 2, One Gospel, E! Entertainment, eTV Africa, ZEE World, Disney Junior in addition to local channels such as KBC, NTV, KTN, Citizen TV to mention but a few.   
GOtv now covers over 30 cities in its pursuit to enable the government to achieve a speedy migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Dad’s gift wins a million shillings for daughter

GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo presents Catherine Wambui with Sh 1 million prize

 @danmuhuni

Catherine Wambui Ndegwa, 36, is today a million shillings richer; thanks to the GOtv ‘Dunga Milli’ campaign.
 Less than a week ago, Catherine sent a friend to buy her a GOtv decoder, which was a gift for her father, who lives in Karatina.
Her name was entered into the Dunga Milli lucky draw. Little did she know that her name would be drawn, making her a Kenya Dunga Millionaire.   
“I have no words to express my excitement. Thank you to GOtv, my father can now enjoy quality programmes”.
She continued to commend GOtv for delivering affordable family entertainment option as Kenyans migrate from analogue to digital TV broadcasting.
When asked what the money will be used for, Catherine chuckled “it will come in handy for college fees, paying off a loan and doing renovations on my house”.
 Catherine, whose favourite show on GOtv is National Geographic (NatGeo), is the second winner of the ‘Dunga Milli’ campaign which launched last week.
The 8-week long campaign will see Kenyans rewarded for going digital with GOtv, while enjoying the instant benefits of increased choice in local and international content. 
 “Congratulations to Catherine Wambu for going digital. As we near the worldwide June digital migration deadline, GOtv has been consistently making set top boxes affordable in order to give more Kenyans access to experience the digital revolution.
 We are helping Kenya to GO digital with GOtv to enjoy the best quality programming, comments GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo.
“As a true migration partner and a leader in the digital arena it is important that we play a pivotal role towards accelerating Kenya’s digital migration process.
For a special price offer of only Sh1, 399, including 2 months GOtv Plus subscription, Kenyan’s can enjoy the best international and local programming”, added Mr Kyengo.
GOtv subscribers are spoiled for choice with a selection of channels including, news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies.
GOtv channels are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs.
Channels include; Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Swahili, SuperSport Select 1 and 2, One Gospel, E! Entertainment, Telemundo, eTV Africa, ZEE World, Disney Junior in addition to local channels such as KBC, NTV, KTN, Citizen TV to mention but a few.  
GOtv now covers over 30 cities in its pursuit to enable the government to achieve a speedy migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Government withdraws digital licence for Citizen TV, NTV & KTN

Here is the full statement from communications Authority;

PRESS STATEMENT BY MR. FRANCIS WANGUSI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF KENYA (CA), ON THE ADVERTISEMENT BY NATION MEDIA GROUP, STANDARD GROUP AND ROYAL MEDIA SERVICES, RELATING TO MEDIA TRANSMISSION SERVICES
21ST JANUARY 2015

CA DG Francis Wangusi addressing the media 

It has come to the attention of the Authority that three media houses, namely Nation Media Group Limited, Standard Group Limited and Royal Media Group Limited have jointly been running a misleading advertisement on Television and Radio since Friday 16th January 2015. The said advertisement purports that Startimes and GOtv are illegally carrying their content thereby infringing on copyright and neighbouring rights. The advertisement goes farther to instruct consumers not to purchase Startimes and GOtv pay-tv set-top boxes to watch CITIZEN Television, NTV, KTN and QTV. In addition, the advertisement allege that the three media houses are the exclusive vendors of Free-To-Air set-top-boxes that can enable the public to view their channels
The Authority is gravely concerned by the misleading content in the advertisement and wishes to advise the industry and the general public as follows:
1. The advertisement by the three media houses is misleading to the public, is offensive to the market. It is equally in gross violation of the legal and regulatory framework governing the sector;
2. The tone of the advertisement, its content and timing is intended to cause confusion and disrupt the digital migration programme;
3. The digital migration framework allows for the distribution of the ‘Free-to-Air’ signals on the digital platform under the “must-carry principle” . This was supported by the ruling of the Supreme Court of Kenya in September 2014 . It allowed for the availability of Free-to-Air channels to the public through all set-top-boxes (FTA and Pay TV). The advertisement dissuading consumers from purchasing set-top-boxes from other suppliers approved by the Authority is therefore misleading to the public and portrays anti-competitive conduct by the three media houses. Consumers need not be constrained to purchase a specific set top box to view the content of the three broadcasters whose content is Free-to Air;
4. The Authority has type-approved more than 65 set top boxes which are available in the market today. GOTV and Startimes set top boxes are duly type-approved by the Authority and are therefore authentic decoders in the local market authorized to carry the Free-to-Air Channels of the three media houses under the auspices of the “Must Carry Principle;
5. The sale of set top boxes in Kenya is a free market. Consumers can purchase type approved set top boxes from any vendor registered by the Authority. The full list of approved set top boxes and registered vendors can be freely accessed on the Authority’s website;
6. The Authority has neither received any application nor granted any type-approval of any set top box model from the three broadcasters, individually or collectively, for sale in Kenya. It is therefore illegal to purport to advertise set-top-boxes that have not been type-approved by the Authority;
7. The Authority has also received a formal complaint from Gotv and Startimes that the three media houses have refused to Air their digital-migration related advertisements which is potentially an anti-competitive conduct prohibited by law. While this complaint has not been investigated, the Authority notes with concern that it has itself been a victim of such refusal to carry advertisements both in the electronic and print media owned by the three media houses, yet the advertisements are aimed at educating the public on digital migration.
In view of these gross violations by the three media houses as enumerated above, the Authority has decided to take the following administrative actions:
1. Withdraw the temporary authorization granted to the consortium by the three media houses (under the consortium identified as Africa Digital Network). Subsequently the Authority shall reposes the frequency spectrum resources allocated with immediate effect;
2. Decline to continue with the process of issuance of a Network Facilities Provider Tier 2 License for self-provisioning to the three media houses, pursuant to Gazette Notice Number 9088 dated 19th December 2014. This is on account of the above violations of the legal and regulatory framework. The process shall therefore await the ruling and determination of the Competition Authority of Kenya and the Board of the Communications Authority of Kenya on the violations by the three media houses.
3. Liaise with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) to bar the importation of set top boxes by the three media houses considering the purported set top boxes are not type-approved by the Authority; and
4. Invite the Competition Authority of Kenya to investigate the cartel-like behavior and anti-competitive conduct and take appropriate regulatory remedies.
We further wish to inform the public that registered vendors have in stock different models of approved Free-to-air and Pay-TV set top boxes that are readily available locally for purchase. More than 1.2 million set top boxes have been purchased since migration in Kenya began. At the moment, the market has more than 1.5 million set top boxes in stock. As we progress into the second phase of the analogue switch-off in the country, consumers are encouraged to purchase set top boxes of their choice ahead of switch-off in order to enjoy digital television.
The withdrawal of the temporary self-provisioning authorization granted to the consortium and the repossession of the the allocated resources does not in any way prejudice the availability of the services of the three broadcasters. The broadcasters are at liberty to avail their content on the digital platform through the existing licensed Broadcast Signal Distributors.
Let me reiterate that the Authority does not condone contraventions of the Act by any of its licencees. The Authority will continue to execute its regulatory mandate with a view to ensure successful migration of Kenyans from the analogue to the digital platforms and ultimately for the growth of the ICT sector in Kenya.

GOtv scores big with a special Afcon channel

GOtv Plus subscribers will be thrilled to learn about a special AFCON-dedicated channel that will bring Africa’s biggest sporting spectacle, the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

The channel, which will stay open for the duration of the tournament, will be available to subscribers on the GOtv Plus bouquet (where available). 

The AFCON channel from SuperSport is guaranteed to become Kenya’s number one destination for all the soccer action taking place on the pitch in Equatorial Guinea where the 16 qualifying nations will engage in a battle to be crowned the ‘Kings of African Football’.

All subscribers who have digitally migrated to GOtv will have access to a select number of AFCON games on the Select 1 channel however, introduction of the special AFCON channel on the GOtv Plus bouquet means that subscribers will have access to ALL 32 AFCON live matches.

Not only will GOtv Plus subscribers get to enjoy the upcoming AFCON tournament on channel 35, but in between the match breaks, they’ll also have access to live and delayed local football matches from the Kenya Premier League, Uganda Super League and the Cecafa tournaments along with magazine programmes and football highlights.

Remember, all this exciting football action and local sports is available at only KSH 1 700 which includes a decoder and 2 months GOtv Plus subscription. 

This amazing offer will not only gives new subscribers access to the AFCON matches but also all the East Africa premier league matches and other sports (mainly cricket, athletics, rugby and boxing) and 32 other channels. Now that’s a hat-trick!

Get ready to catch Africa’s biggest soccer stars as they dribble their ways into your home with GOtv.

The AFCON channel will be available on the GOtv Plus Bouquet, channel 35 from 09:00 CAT on Saturday 17 January 2015 until 23:59 CAT on 8 February 2015.

Cleaning made easier with the LG robot

 By Dan Muhuni

You no longer have to bend, stretch or kneel trying to clean every nook and cranny in your house, this according to LG Electronics, the makers of the new smart robotic vacuum machine dubbed Hom-Bot Square.

The robot vacuum cleaner sets itself apart from its rivals by offering a choice of customisable cleaning modes that give you control of the cleaning process. For Kenyan professionals who often have to juggle competing tasks; the Hom-Bot comes in handy in reclaiming your time.   

“You can set it and go on about your business, letting it run automatically on the default settings, say Moses Marji, the LG East Africa Marketing General Manager. Hom-Bot Square cleans effectively and efficiently, thanks to Corner Master, which is comprises two long brushes, Corner Detecting Sensors and the cleaner’s unique shape.

With its more angular form and newly designed brushes that have been lengthened by 1.5cm, the robot can remove dust and dirt from the tightest of corners. 

The Corner Detecting Sensors enable the smart cleaner to pinpoint its exact location in the home, telling it when to turn or if it has reached the edge of a room.

Besides doing a decent job cleaning your home, the innovation has eclipsed LG’s potential competitor, the Roomba.

 Besides cleaning corners more effectively than its rivals, the Hom-Bot has two sweeping brush while the Roomba has two.

 The Roomba brags of one primary cleaning mode while the Hom-Bot packs two, plus five additional modes.

Robotic cleaners typically have only one camera. The advanced Hom-Bot Square uses two improved Dual Eye 2.0™ cameras to plot out a smarter, faster and more efficient cleaning route. 

Taking several images per second, the upper and lower cameras effectively scan ceilings, walls and floors, even in the dark.

This information is then analyzed by Hom-Bot Square generate smarter mapping. At the same time, multiple sensors detect all obstacles within a 180 degree field, taking a myriad of surface images for collision-free operation. 

The Hom-Bot Square also features a Learning Function which enables it to recognize areas it has previously cleaned.

 This helps it to remember the positioning of objects or to sense when an area is already clean, minimising unnecessary repetition.

Low noise level means the vacuum can clean when you’re watching TV, talking on the phone or reading. With a height of just 89mm, the unit’s slimmed-down profile enables it to maneuver around the home with ease, even under most furniture.

The LG Hom-Bot Square makes cleaning more convenient because it requires less frequent emptying thanks to the larger capacity Easy-out Dust Bin. 

 Unlike other robotic vacuum cleaners where the dust bin is located on the side, the Easy-out Dust Bin is positioned at the top of the cleaner for quick and hygienic removal.

The larger and upgraded HEPA 11 filter also enables it to separate dust particles from the air more thoroughly, while also helping eliminate unpleasant odors. 

Turbo Mode lets users manually adjust the cleaner to best match the characteristics of their flooring and Smart Turbo Mode automatically detects the type of flooring and changes its own settings for best performance.

Users will further enjoy a host of convenient features such as Voice Guidance, which includes over 90 voice alerts as well as Smart Diagnosis that troubleshoots problems more easily. 
Additionally, the improved battery holds more charge, meaning owners of the LG Hom-Bot Square can enjoy extended periods of worry-free automated cleaning.

Rampant smartphone theft is making insurance a necessity

By ICT Correspondent

About $7 million worth of smartphones are lost daily in the U.S. Though the numbers wouldn’t be as staggering in the Kenyan context were a survey to be conducted, the reality would still be appalling.

Besides the smartphones that fall under the dubious embrace of street urchins in Nairobi’s Central Business District, the rising number of PSV carjacking means  mobile insurance is something one should consider after acquiring a pricey high-end smartphone.    

Chances are that you never leave the house without your phone, and if you do, you feel as if there is an integral part of you missing. Owing to the fact the phone is the one gadget you carry constantly, the likelihood of you losing or damaging the device is high.

“If you depend on your cell phone and you know you would need a prompt replacement in case of damage or theft, then Orient Mobile is an insurance cover definitely worth considering” says Muema Muindi from Kenya Orient Insurance.

Telephones have evolved from the yesteryear gadgets that were connected to walls. Even cordless phones were easier to locate because they were rarely taken out of range of the base. In the new of smartphones, a phone can be misplaced anywhere we go because they accompany us everywhere we go.

Cracked smartphone screens and phones being yanked from windows of moving vehicles are a common sight. Mobile phones are extremely portable and easily resold. These characteristics make them ideal targets for criminals, and those who carry smartphones ideal targets for robbers.

Mobile phone insurance is meant to step in when you are a victim of phone crisis through left or damage.  But like any other form of insurance, it will cost you. Many consumers avoid the extra monthly premiums that insurance will add to their bills, and hope that they don't become a part of the statistics.

But if your smartphone is stolen, your concern could be much more than simply having to replace your handset. Not only are many smartphones worth thousands of shillings, but thieves can quickly rack up huge bills on stolen smartphones.

You may be liable for all charges accumulated on your phone before blocking it with your provider. This is usually set out in the terms and conditions of your contract. It is therefore imperative that one contacts their provider soonest to avert bills from unauthorized use.  

A nicked cell phone is more than just the absence of the treasured gadget. It's also means the loss of critical data and the possible identity theft. “We cover accidental damage e.g. damage caused by dropping the phone/ tablet, malicious damage i.e. vandalism and liquid damage,” says Mr. Muindi.

"Some smartphone owners are very cognizant of the peace of mind and serenity of extra security that this Orinet mobile insurance brings," says James Maina, a mobile phones vendor. "Additionally, some customers are much more accident-prone and seem to drop their phones frequently. For them, insurance scheme is really worth the extra money.”

Mr Muindi explains that unlike other insurance products, mobile phone cover doesn't depend on one’s gender, job, what you earn or other standard risks and registering a Claim online is easy and takes only a couple of minutes. “All you need is the ID that you used to register for your Kenya Orient  Policy. We however only insure selected models and only mobile phones that can access the internet.”

It’s all system go for Nairobi Analogue Switch-off -Gotv

MultiChoice Kenya, parent company of GOtv, has embarked on a campaign to assure Nairobi residents of it readiness for the analogue switch-off on December 13.

Launched in September 2011, GOtv has provided pay-TV channels for Nairobi residents with access to an increased number of channels and enhanced picture and sound synonymous with digital television. 

GOtv is currently the most innovative pay television service on the latest Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) technology worldwide and Nairobi is adequately covered by its signal. 

 

Launched in September 2011, Nairobi residents have been benefiting from easy access to an increased number of channels, with enhanced picture and sound quality synonymous with digital television at a price they can afford. 

According to the GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kengo, the Nairobi Switch-Off coincides with the Government’s target of migrating from analogue to digital TV transmission by mid 2014.

“Kenya committed to a mutually agreed East African deadline of 2012 to fully migrate television broadcasting to the digital platform. This move is expected to free up much-needed spectrum, which the government plans to re-use for other purposes,” said Mr Kyengo.

He also added that since its launch, GOtv has been playing a pivotal role towards contributing to this technological transformation and in the process helping the country to achieve its set target towards the migration to digital TV transmission.

“GOtv is uniquely placed as the home of African television. We firmly believe that there is enough rich content created here on the continent to make a case for packaging great African entertainment and we have committed ourselves to making this a reality thus, offering channels made in Africa for Africa,” said Kyengo.

GOtv provides television lovers with a digital quality picture and sound and an exciting range of local and international channels.  Subscribers will have access to an exciting selection of channels containing news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies.

Kyengo concluded by saying that, GOtv channels are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs at a very affordable price.

Some of the channels that will be available to GOtv subscribers include the ongoing GOtv East & Central Africa Senior Challenge Cup [CECAFA] football tournament, M-net Movies Zone, Select Sport 1 & 2 Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Swahili, One Gospel, E! Entertainment, Channel O, eTV Africa,  and local channels such as KBC, NTV, KTN, Citizen TV to mention but a few.  

The GOtv decoder is currently available at a special price of KSH 3,399 inclusive of 2 months free GOtv subscription and is available from the MultiChoice Agents countrywide

Samsung’s Digital Signage Display technology to be deployed to celebrate Kenya@50

 By Dan Muhuni

Samsung Electronics East Africa, through its outdoor advertising partner, Alliance Media, has announced its support for the upcoming Kenya@50 celebrations.

The global electronics giant’s support will include provision of strategic billboards across the country, as well as the country’s first panoramic digital advertising screen; that is undergoing test runs at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, to promote the monumental building as the regional premier meeting centre. 

Samsung’s Digital Signage Display technology @KICC

Speaking during the ceremony, the Sports, Culture and Arts Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Hassan Wario said, “Every sector in Kenya has a unique story to tell, and that fits into the country’s 50^th anniversary. This is a great opportunity for citizens, private sector, investors, the tourism industry among others, to come together to make an indelible mark in the Kenyan story.”  

Samsung Electronics East Africa Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Robert Ngeru, said that the new age screens which are a first in the region are based on Samsung’s Digital Signage Display technology.

Globally, Ngeru confirmed that Samsung is the now market leader in display technology providing LED-backlit panels that are renowned for their sharp text, rich colour and reliable performance. 

The launch of the Digital billboards for Kenya@50 celebrations comes at a time when the country is gearing up for the digital migration switch set for mid-December, which will see Kenyan embracing the digital broadcasting technology for the Televisions sets.

“We're extremely excited about the launch because as a brand, all our television sets are digitally complaint thus our customers will not miss the action during the celebrations. We believe that this partnership will go a long way in ensuring that the milestones of this great nation are beamed to the whole country.” Explained Mr. Ngeru.

Apart from celebrating 50 years as a nation, the Kenya @50 steering committee has lined up a series of initiatives, which will involve social and economic activities across the country with long-term positive impact.