Fantastic apps for the Kenyan Ipad owner

Having owned an ipad in Kenya for a while, i would like to share with you the apps that I find most useful. The twist here is that my recommended apps are based on situations that we find ourselves in and not ratings - if you want ratings there are plenty of sites that will give them to you. Am assuming of course that you have a 3G Ipad!

Stuck in traffic - 1-2 hours to kill
1) Zinio - this app brings all international magazines to you. Time to break free from PDS and other magazine distribution services! Can easily kill a couple of hours getting to or coming back from work

2) Flipboard - this neat little app presents content of all your favourite blogs, Social network accounts and websites in a magazine format. What's particularly nice is that it downloads the content as you read the headlines hence eliminates waiting time if you decide to read the full story

3) Kindle - need I say more?

Waiting to meet someone - 30 mins to kill
1) Game time: Angry Birds and Trucks & Skulls - once you start these you'll only be waiting for your next 30 min slot to finish all levels
2) Discover: this app looks at Wikipedia and chooses a random article and converts it into a readable magazine. Wikipedia has too much information and isn't often a choice for random browsing - it's amazing what I have come across.
3) Cracked HD - this is a funny site that aggregates funny articles and countdowns - perfect to lift your mood and making that wait next to a smelly individual bearable!

More in a couple of months

Xcelr8 change - Great Blog for Kenyans http://xcelr8.wordpress.com/

For thought provoking viewpoints on progress in Kenya and how we can play a part in xcelr8-ing change, add this blog to your bookmarks!

The Bite of the Apple Macbook Air!

Its Happened! after an impulsive buy i have been mesmerized by the new Apple Macbook Air 11"!

Well so it starts... need an excuse to buy a laptop- anything come to mind? how about the need for mobility or the never ending quest for the perfect travel companion? either way, i decided to buy and then cook up a reason - and now hopefully the joy on my face everytime i use the new macbook air 11" will speak for itself.

Firstly in true apple tradition - it is a work of art... just how did they make it so thin? ideal for traveling and did i mention that, unlike our friendly netbooks, apple has a charger that can be carried without a forklift? Point being that in Kenya this is the laptop to carry when you're sitting in traffic and really need to get some work done.

My only recommendation... need a mifi or a 3G usb dongle to accompany your technology and take you to real mobility.

Enjoy...

Ulizatech has joined about.me!

About.me is a new stats portal that aims to provide stats on visitors and traffic to your various sites and social networks. ulizatech got it's invite this morning and our page is now up!

Check out http://about.me/ulizatech

Does your home need an email address?

We all know how difficult it is to deliver a package to someone in Kenya. The use of post office boxes has eliminated the need for a physical addresses but, with e-commerce becoming more viable in this region, Kenyans are going to have to adopt a physical address at some point. Enter location services such as google maps, foursquare etc to fill the temporary gap but eventually your home is going to start talking to the supermarkets in order to ensure there is enough milk in your fridge for tomorrow. With homes becoming smarter, the physical address of the future will require an electronic one to go with it. I certainly wouldn't want this electronic address to be the same as my personal or business address hence I have decided to register a domain for my home. All orders for my home will be made using groceries@myhomedomain.com and if you want payment for services please write to bills@myhomedomain.com.

Domains can be registered using www.hover.com or www.freeparking.co.uk

Social becoming the passport of the future?

Could social networks be used to confirm the true identity of individuals in the future? With all the controversy surrounding privacy in social networks and all the hype about identity theft, here is a wild thought... Would you prefer your bank asking your date of birth or mothers maiden name to identify you? or would you rather they ask where you were doing 2 hours ago? If you are part of a close family or have a credit card from a company that doesn't secure it's information very well - you are vulnerable to identity theft! The beauty of recording your life in social networks means that, although your information is available to everyone, the response time to answering questions on your social life can only be quick if it's your life. Date or birth, Mothers maiden name, identity card numbers can be prepared for before hand - the ability to find and relay information about where you have been and what your friends have been up-to in real time is impossible.

Thank you sir - your transaction has been authorized.... Hope you enjoyed your trip to the park - looks like you had a great time!

Is There space for the Return of Windows Mobile?

The latest Microsoft mobile operating system (Windows Phone 7) for phones is set for launch on the 11th of October and one wonders whether there is room for another operating system.

For Kenyans the distinction is clear, as the cost of data is biassed towards the blackberry platform, business and cost conscious users opt for Blackberry. iPhones are gaining momentum, more so because of the Apple 'sexy' factor and Android is just beginning to scratch the surface especially since it's app store doesn't really support purchases in Kenya.

But windows mobile has been the platform for choice for IT administrators due it it's core integration with parent Microsoft products.

Will windows phone 7 be of choice in Kenya? - we'll have to wait and see but the carriers have the most important role to play to ensure a level playing field for all mobile phone platforms.