Tech

3 Apps To Download To Legally Stream All 2018 FIFA World Cup Matches

This article may be late but as they say, better late than never, right? Ever since the first match of the 2018 World Cup, I have relied on my smartphone to watch over 50% of the matches

Published

6 years ago

July 3, 2018

Africa News Watch

By Kaluka Wanjala

This article may be late but as they say, better late than never, right? Ever since the first match of the 2018 World Cup, I have relied on my smartphone to watch over 50% of the matches. And no, I am not talking about illegally streaming the matches using some shady website or using one of those apps that you download and hope it works all the time and does not bombard you with pop ads left, right and centre.

The reason why I have watched most of the 2018 World Cup matches on my phone has to do with the fact that I am not always at home when they start. With most of the afternoon matches, I am always out and about or just not near my TV and not having my phone would mean that I miss most of these matches. If you are like me, you probably are in school or at work by the time the first match kicks off and need ways to watch all the matches you want on the go.

Kwese-Iflix App

This is the app I have been using for the last couple of weeks. I am meant to understand that Kwese and Iflix joined forces recently as previously they were independent companies. I have known about both Kwese and Iflix for sometime but I have never subscribed to any of these services before.

The DStv Now App

If you are a DStv subscriber, you do not have to rush home everyday just to watch the live matches. You can do so on the go through the DStv Now app. I personally did not know DStv offered such an option until two weeks ago. The app is available on both Android and iOS and once you get it, go to LiveTV > Sport and stream the matches on the relevant SuperSport channel.

The StarTimes App

I have never been a fan of StarTimes and I would be the first to admit that I do not know the channels it offers. Even with that said, they got into my radar recently as they were among the first pay TV providers who announced that they would be streaming all 64 world Cup matches this year. We already knew DStv was going to stream all matches but we have already established that the MultiChoice-owned company is very expensive. This is why the announcement by StarTimes got my attention, Yes I know, I like cheap things.

Conclusion

I am a big fan of companies that create products specifically for smartphone users. Not everyone is willing or able to watch live sports on their TV and having an option to do that on your phone is necessary. The ability to stream live sports on your phone legally will definitely introduce new products to consumers and introduce new subscribers to the Pay Tv services. Not everyone is willing to spend thousands of shillings every month on a Pay Tv service yet they only want the live sports action. Still on this, not everyone is willing to spend a ton of cash on data so as to watch their favourite team play. This is why this partnership between these three service providers and Safaricom makes sense, the service providers benefit, Safaricom benefits and most importantly, the users of these services benefit.

I hope this is the start of a new era and we should be seeing additional products from Telcos such as Safaricom and Pay Tv or Video On demand service providers.

The apps listed above are just the ones that got my attention and have local payment options. There are a ton of other international apps that you can get but why should you when you have these?

Fun Fact about this world cup: Every team I have supported have lost, I am beginning to think that I should support the teams I want to see eliminated for the sake of my sanity.

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Tech

Huawei launches cloud service in Nigeria

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Global technology company, Huawei, has launched its first African hyperscale local cloud service in Nigeria, making it the first international cloud provider to offer such services in the country.

The CEO of Huawei Nigeria, Chris Lu, who unveiled the new local cloud in Lagos on Wednesday, said it was powered by Tier 3+ data centres, providing ultra-fast services with a latency of just 15 milliseconds.

According to Lu, this will ensure that data storage and computing resources remain within Nigeria, benefiting local businesses and sectors, particularly fintech companies that require strict adherence to data protection laws.

At the launch event, themed “Leap Now With A Better Cloud,” Lu emphasised the company’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.

He noted that the initiative was a significant milestone towards meeting the country’s data protection regulation, and alignment with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s objectives to limit cross-border data transfer and have data kept within the country.

“With disruptive technology, we can transform our daily lives, our industries, and our economy. Not knowing where your data is stored is terrifying,” Lu said.

“The Huawei local cloud ensures your data and that of your customers are safely protected. Our local cloud provides better latency, better services, and ensures data sovereignty for our customers.

“Huawei’s is offering enhanced data sovereignty, reduced latency, and bolstered support for local businesses.The service aims to support Nigerian startups, SMEs, and the broader tech ecosystem and aligns with Nigeria’s regulatory environment and digital transformation goals.”

Beyond cloud technology, Huawei has invested heavily in Africa’s tech ecosystem, forming partnerships with governments and private entities to drive digital transformation.

Tech

SunCulture partners Turaco to empower Kenyan farmers with affordable climate insurance

Published

3 days ago

December 10, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan solar-powered irrigation solutions startup, SunCulture, has joined forces with leading mass-market insurtech company, Turaco, to launch a platform called “SunCulture Protect”, aimed at providing enhanced protection to small holder farmers using SunCulture’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) devices.

According to Samir Ibrahim, the CEO of SunCulture, the partnership between two leading Kenyan tech companies will address the urgent need for risk mitigation tools, such as insurance, for the most vulnerable populations, enabling and expanding access to healthcare.

“As the impact from climate change escalates, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are expected to rise, negatively affecting health outcomes and pushing millions of Africans into poverty,” Ibrahim said.

“At SunCulture, our mission has always been to help small holder farmers grow more food and improve their livelihoods.

“Partnering with Turaco allows us to extend our commitment by not only providing sustainable energy solutions but also offering financial security and peace of mind to our customers and their families,” he said.

He also stated that SunCulture Protect offers essential health and life coverage, safeguarding customers and their families against unforeseen medical expenses and risks that are exacerbated by extreme weather events.

Ted Pantone, CEO of Turaco, who also commented on the partnership, said he believed affordable insurance should be accessible to everyone, especially those that are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“Our partnership with SunCulture enables us to provide essential coverage that not only protects livelihoods but also fosters long-term resilience among small holder farmers,” he said.