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Developer behind free Adobe alternatives launches open-source Microsoft Office rivals

By
Ai
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The developer behind ArtCraft, a collection of free, open-source alternatives to Adobe’s creative software, has expanded the project with three new applications designed to compete with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The new tools, called WordCraft, GridCraft and DeckCraft, aim to provide users with free alternatives to Microsoft’s productivity applications without requiring a subscription which you can download on the getartcraft.com website.

The project is led by software developer Brandon Thomas, who has spent approximately 15 years working in software engineering. Thomas has been developing ArtCraft as an alternative to commercial software, with a particular focus on making professional tools accessible across different operating systems.

The latest additions expand ArtCraft beyond creative applications into productivity software, putting the project in competition with another major player in the subscription software market.

Free alternatives to Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Each of the three new applications targets a familiar Microsoft Office product.

WordCraft is designed for document creation and editing, positioning itself as an alternative to Microsoft Word.

GridCraft focuses on spreadsheets, offering an alternative to Microsoft Excel, while DeckCraft targets presentation creation, competing with PowerPoint.

All three applications are open source and available through the ArtCraft project’s GitHub repositories. Users can access the software without paying subscription fees, while developers can inspect and contribute to the underlying code.

Thomas has also used Anthropic’s Claude AI to accelerate development of the applications, demonstrating how AI coding tools are making it easier for independent developers to build increasingly ambitious software projects.

The applications are designed to offer a consistent experience across Windows, macOS and Linux, reducing dependence on software tied to a particular operating system.

However, the new tools are still relatively early in development and are not yet complete replacements for Microsoft’s established productivity applications.

Taking on subscription software

ArtCraft’s expansion reflects growing interest in alternatives to subscription-based software.

Microsoft and Adobe have built substantial businesses around recurring subscriptions, offering access to productivity and creative applications through Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.

While these services provide regular updates, cloud integration and collaboration features, their recurring costs can be a barrier for individuals and smaller organisations.

ArtCraft takes a different approach by making its applications free and open source, allowing users to access the software without committing to ongoing payments.

The project also offers an alternative for users who want greater control over their software and prefer applications that can run across multiple operating systems.

ArtCraft is not alone in challenging established software providers. Canva has also expanded its position in professional creative software after making Affinity free in October 2025.

Affinity combines photo editing, vector design and page layout tools into a single application, offering an alternative to several Adobe products. Its core design features are free, although certain AI capabilities require a paid Canva subscription.

More applications could be coming

Thomas is considering expanding ArtCraft into additional categories of professional software.

Members of the project’s growing community have suggested alternatives to computer-aided design applications, including software that could compete with Autodesk products.

One proposed application, CADcraft, would extend the project into engineering and technical design software. However, it remains a community suggestion rather than a confirmed product launch.

The expansion highlights how AI-assisted software development and open-source distribution are creating opportunities for smaller developers to challenge established technology companies.

Whether ArtCraft can attract users away from Microsoft Office will depend on how quickly its applications mature, particularly in areas such as document compatibility, advanced spreadsheet functionality and presentation tools.

For now, WordCraft, GridCraft and DeckCraft represent another attempt to provide free alternatives to software that has traditionally required paid licences or subscriptions.

Africa Holds Just 0.6% of Global Data Centre Capacity, World Bank Finds

By
Boses Muhinda
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A new World Bank report warns that Africa risks falling further behind in artificial intelligence as unreliable electricity, limited computing infrastructure, expensive connectivity and shortages of locally relevant data constrain the continent’s ability to participate in the global AI economy.

Africa is home to nearly 18% of the world’s population but accounts for just 0.6% of global data centre capacity, highlighting a significant infrastructure imbalance as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important to economic growth, public services and business productivity.

The figures are contained in the World Bank’s October 2026 Africa Economic Update, titled Building AI-Readiness, released on October 6. The report examines how African economies can benefit from artificial intelligence despite substantial gaps in the infrastructure, skills and institutional capacity required to deploy the technology effectively.

According to the report, only about 5% of African data centres are considered AI-ready, while the continent contributes approximately 2% of the world’s AI training data. These limitations could leave African businesses, researchers and governments increasingly dependent on computing infrastructure and AI systems developed elsewhere.

The World Bank argues that Africa’s most immediate opportunity is not necessarily developing powerful AI models to compete with those produced by companies such as OpenAI, Google and Anthropic. Instead, countries should prioritise adopting and adapting affordable AI technologies that address local economic and social challenges.

Africa’s AI ambitions face an infrastructure problem

The global AI industry is becoming increasingly dependent on large data centres equipped with specialised processors, high-speed networking equipment and substantial electricity supplies.

These facilities provide the computing resources needed to train AI models and run the systems used by businesses and consumers.

Africa’s limited share of global data centre capacity presents a challenge for countries seeking to develop domestic AI industries.

Research published by the African Data Centre Association in February 2026 estimates that the continent has approximately 360 megawatts of active data centre capacity, with another 238 megawatts under construction and 656 megawatts planned.

However, the association warns that even these investments may only maintain Africa’s current share of global capacity rather than increase it, because data centre development is accelerating elsewhere.

The research also identifies electricity availability as a more significant constraint than connectivity in many African data centre markets.

For AI infrastructure, reliable electricity is particularly important because specialised computing equipment must operate continuously and requires substantial cooling.

Countries with unreliable power supplies face higher operating costs, potentially making them less attractive destinations for major computing investments.

The challenge extends beyond building data centres. AI development also requires specialised engineering skills, accessible cloud services, reliable telecommunications networks and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment.

Why Africa’s AI future may depend on smaller, more practical applications

Despite the infrastructure challenges, the World Bank believes African economies can benefit significantly from artificial intelligence without developing their own frontier AI models.

The report identifies affordable, locally adapted AI applications as the continent’s most promising near-term opportunity.

These include systems that help farmers identify crop diseases, support healthcare workers with clinical information, assist teachers with personalised learning and enable small businesses to automate administrative tasks.

Unlike the large models developed by major technology companies, some of these applications can operate with relatively modest computing requirements.

This distinction is particularly important for African markets where mobile phones remain the primary means of accessing digital services.

The World Bank argues that AI adoption should focus on improving productivity and supporting workers rather than assuming that automation must replace existing jobs.

What this means for Uganda

For Uganda, the findings raise questions about the country’s readiness to participate in an increasingly AI-driven digital economy.

Uganda has opportunities to deploy AI across agriculture, healthcare, education, financial services and public administration. However, successfully implementing these technologies will depend on more than access to international AI platforms.

Reliable electricity, affordable broadband, digital skills and access to appropriate computing infrastructure will determine how widely AI can be adopted.

The availability of locally relevant data is another consideration.

AI systems trained predominantly on information from developed economies may not adequately represent Uganda’s languages, agricultural practices, healthcare environments or business conditions.

Developing useful local applications will therefore require investment in datasets that reflect the country’s population and economic activities.

There is also an infrastructure policy question.

Rather than attempting to replicate the enormous AI data centres being developed in the United States and other advanced markets, Uganda could benefit from regional infrastructure partnerships, shared computing resources and investments that make existing AI technologies more accessible to local businesses.

These are potential policy approaches, rather than specific recommendations directed at Uganda in the World Bank’s report.

AI adoption could become an economic opportunity

The World Bank’s assessment comes as Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth is projected to increase from 4.1% in 2025 to 4.3% in 2026.

However, the institution warns that the recovery remains insufficient to substantially reduce poverty or create enough employment opportunities for the region’s rapidly expanding workforce.

AI could contribute to addressing these challenges by improving productivity, strengthening public services and supporting the development of new businesses.

The World Bank identifies Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa as the continent’s leading centres of AI activity, although adoption remains at an early stage across much of the region.

The institution also emphasises regional cooperation, including initiatives under the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Area, as potential mechanisms for expanding access to AI technologies.

Africa’s AI challenge goes beyond building data centres

The findings highlight a broader issue facing African economies as AI becomes embedded in everyday technology.

Countries that lack the infrastructure to develop advanced AI systems may still become substantial consumers of AI services. However, relying heavily on foreign computing infrastructure and technology providers could limit their control over costs, data and the development of locally relevant applications.

Building domestic capabilities will therefore require a combination of investment in infrastructure, technical education, research, data governance and policies that encourage private-sector innovation.

The World Bank’s central argument is that Africa does not need to compete directly with the world’s largest technology companies to benefit from AI.

Instead, the continent’s immediate priority should be creating the conditions under which businesses, governments and individuals can use existing AI technologies productively.

For Uganda and other emerging digital economies, the question is not simply whether AI will become available, but whether the infrastructure, skills and institutions needed to make it useful will develop quickly enough.

With Africa controlling just 0.6% of global data centre capacity, closing that gap will be a long-term undertaking. In the meantime, practical AI adoption could offer a more immediate route to economic value.

Paramount completes $110 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, creating media giant

By
Boses Muhinda
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Paramount has completed its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, bringing some of the world’s largest film studios, television networks and streaming platforms under a single media company.

The combined company will operate under the Skydance name, putting Paramount and Warner Bros.’ film studios alongside major entertainment and news brands including HBO, CBS News and CNN.

The completion brings to an end a lengthy acquisition process that saw Paramount compete with Netflix for control of Warner Bros. Discovery before securing an agreement in February.

The deal subsequently faced opposition from lawmakers, Hollywood talent and regulators concerned about the impact that further consolidation could have on competition across the film, television and streaming industries.

Paramount cleared one of the final regulatory obstacles in September after reaching a settlement with 12 US states that had sued to block the acquisition on antitrust grounds.

As part of that settlement, Skydance has agreed to maintain a minimum level of theatrical film production over the next five years.

The company must release at least 30 theatrical films during each of the first two years following the merger. It has also committed to spending at least $300 million more on US production compared with the combined amount Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery spent last year.

David Ellison will lead the newly combined Skydance alongside Ynon Kreiz, the former chairman and CEO of Mattel.

“Today is a historic day, not just for Skydance but for our entire industry,” Ellison said in announcing the completion of the deal.

He said the company’s ambition was to bring the two studios together to create a stronger competitor with the talent, resources and reach to produce content across different genres and platforms.

The acquisition significantly expands Skydance’s position in the global entertainment business. Beyond the Paramount and Warner Bros. studios, the combined company now controls a wide portfolio spanning cinema, television, news and streaming.

The scale of the merged company could also reshape competition in streaming, where traditional Hollywood studios are competing against technology and entertainment companies including Netflix, Amazon and Apple.

At the same time, the regulatory conditions attached to the acquisition highlight continuing concerns about consolidation in the media industry and its potential impact on competition, employment and theatrical film production.

With the transaction now completed, attention will turn to how Skydance integrates the two companies and manages their overlapping film, television, news and streaming businesses.

Kira punter wins fourth motorcycle in KBET & VROOOM giveaway

By
GURU8 Staff
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Ninsiima Rominate, a receptionist at SGA and regular USSD bettor from Kira in Wakiso, has won the fourth motorcycle in Kagwirawo’s ongoing KBET & VROOOM giveaway.

Rominate’s win came despite having lost all her recent betting receipts. Under the promotion, however, participants do not need to present winning betting slips to qualify for the motorcycle draws.

Every eligible bet placed during the promotion counts as an entry, regardless of whether the bet itself wins or loses. This meant Rominate remained eligible for the draw and was subsequently selected as the fourth motorcycle winner.

For the Kira resident, an ordinary week of placing bets ended with a considerably bigger prize than expected, the keys to a new motorcycle.

The KBET & VROOOM promotion is continuing, with additional prizes still available to customers who participate through eligible KBET betting channels.

There is no minimum stake required to participate in the promotion, according to Kagwirawo. The draws are conducted live, with winners contacted directly by the company.

Customers can participate through the KBET website or using USSD on Airtel and MTN.

Airtel customers can access the service by dialling 185532#, while MTN customers can use 165464#.

Or visit the website on KBET website www.kbet.ug

KBET says its sports betting platform is licensed and regulated by Uganda’s Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board.

Safaricom and Pesapal roll out scan, tap and AI powered M-PESA payments in Kenya

By
Brian Code
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Safaricom and Pesapal have announced a new partnership to roll out next generation M-PESA payment experiences in Kenya, introducing dynamic QR code payments, NFC based Tap to Pay and AI assisted payments for businesses and consumers.

The collaboration combines Safaricom’s M-PESA payment platform with Pesapal’s merchant payment infrastructure and POS devices, with the companies aiming to reduce manual entry and make checkout transactions faster and simpler.

One of the key additions is Dynamic Scan to Pay. Customers can scan a QR code displayed on a Pesapal POS device, with the merchant’s M-PESA details and transaction amount automatically populated for verification before payment.

The system builds on Safaricom’s existing Scan to Pay service, which links QR codes directly to merchant M-PESA Till Numbers.

Safaricom says Scan to Pay is already available at more than 60,000 merchant outlets across Kenya and is targeting expansion to 500,000 outlets within the next year.

Tap to Pay brings another payment option to Pesapal terminals. Customers with NFC enabled smartphones can tap their phone against a compatible Pesapal POS device, verify the transaction details and complete their M-PESA payment.

“Tap-to-Pay and Scan-to-Pay on the Pesapal POS represent the biggest leap in Kenya’s checkout experience in years,” said Agosta Liko, founder of Pesapal. “Thousands of businesses trust our platform, and by teaming up with Safaricom, we are delivering the faster, error-free transactions their customers expect.”

M-PESA is also getting AI Pay

Safaricom is separately introducing AI Pay through My OneApp, which the company says has surpassed seven million downloads.

Instead of manually entering payment details, customers can use their smartphone camera to scan a receipt, including printed and handwritten receipts.

Where the required information is available, AI Pay identifies the relevant M-PESA Till or PayBill details and payment amount before automatically populating the transaction fields. The customer can then verify the information before completing the payment.

The feature is designed to address one of the more cumbersome parts of mobile money payments, where users typically need to manually enter Till Numbers, PayBill numbers, account details and transaction amounts.

James Maitai, Group Chief Technology Officer at Safaricom, said the company is looking beyond simply facilitating transactions as consumer payment behaviour changes.

“As the way Kenyans shop and transact continues to evolve, we are focused on ensuring that M-PESA evolves with them,” Maitai said. “This means moving beyond simply enabling payments to reimagining the payment experience itself.”

The partnership represents a broader push to make M-PESA work more like modern contactless and digital wallet payment systems at physical checkout points, while retaining the mobile money infrastructure already widely used by Kenyan consumers and businesses.

Pesapal’s existing POS footprint gives Safaricom another channel through which to deploy the new experiences. The companies say they will continue expanding the services as adoption grows.

For merchants, the most significant change is the reduction in information customers need to enter manually. Dynamic QR codes can carry both merchant and transaction information, while NFC enables a tap based interaction. AI Pay tackles a similar problem from another direction by extracting payment information directly from receipts.

Together, the three approaches represent Safaricom’s attempt to streamline different stages of the M-PESA checkout experience without requiring customers to move away from the mobile money platform they already use.

Kampala Taxi Conductor Wins Brand-New Car in KBET and VROOOM Giveaway

By
Ivan Musiime
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A taxi conductor from the Jinja stage has become the first person to drive away with a brand-new car in the KBET and VROOOM promotion from Kagwirawo.

Mugoya Yasin, a Manchester United supporter from the Busoga region, won the car after placing multiple bets on Virtual Football through KBET. After receiving his keys, Mugoya said he plans to use the car to start a special hire business.

His win is the first of three cars being given away in the promotion. Two more cars and six motorbikes are still up for grabs.

Customers can enter by placing bets on Virtual Football through any of the following:

Apple bundles Apple TV and Apple Arcade with iCloud+ in Uganda and over 100 countries

By
Brian Code
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0
iCloud+ subscribers in select countries will gain access to Apple TV and Apple Arcade as part of their iCloud+ subscription starting this month
iCloud+ subscribers in select countries will gain access to Apple TV and Apple Arcade as part of their iCloud+ subscription starting this month

Apple is significantly expanding the value of its iCloud+ subscription, adding Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no additional cost for paying subscribers in Uganda and more than 100 other countries.

The change applies to every paid iCloud+ storage plan in participating markets, including the entry level 50GB plan. Subscribers will retain their existing cloud storage while gaining access to Apple’s video streaming service and its catalogue of games.

Family Sharing also applies to the expanded subscription, allowing users to share their iCloud+ storage, Apple TV and Apple Arcade access with up to five other people.

Uganda is among the countries included in the rollout, alongside Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Singapore, South Africa and a number of other markets across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe.

Major markets including the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom are not included in the initiative.

The change goes beyond a temporary bundle. Apple TV and Apple Arcade will no longer be offered as separate subscriptions through Apple in participating countries.

Existing iCloud+ customers will automatically receive access to Apple TV and Apple Arcade. Customers who currently subscribe separately to Apple TV or Apple Arcade but do not have iCloud+ will be moved to iCloud+, with their existing standalone subscription cancelled.

Apple says existing Apple Arcade game saves and progress will be preserved during the transition.

The company is also changing the role of Apple One in affected markets. New customers will no longer be able to sign up for Apple One, although people who already have an Apple One subscription will be allowed to keep their existing plan.

The move suggests Apple is repositioning iCloud+ as its primary services bundle in many smaller markets, combining cloud storage with entertainment rather than requiring customers to subscribe to several individual services.

Apple is also introducing Apple Music Select as part of the expanded iCloud+ package. The service provides ad free, Apple curated music stations and is designed to give subscribers a limited Apple Music experience.

Users who want the complete Apple Music catalogue will still need a full Apple Music subscription, with Apple offering discounted Individual and Family plans to iCloud+ subscribers in participating countries.

The expansion also substantially increases the international footprint of Apple TV. Apple’s streaming service is launching in 59 additional countries as part of the initiative, taking its availability to 170 countries worldwide.

For users in Uganda, the change means even Apple’s cheapest paid iCloud+ subscription now provides considerably more than additional cloud storage. Subscribers will receive storage alongside Apple’s streaming television service, gaming subscription and curated music stations under a single monthly subscription.


Countries where the new iCloud+ bundle is available

Apple is rolling out the expanded iCloud+ package across more than 100 markets, including Uganda. The countries listed for the offer are:

Albania, Algeria, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Everything Apple announced: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 and AirPods 5

By
Brian Code
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0

Apple has unveiled its latest generation of consumer devices, with its September hardware launch introducing a foldable iPhone for the first time alongside new iPhone Pro models, Apple Watches and AirPods.

The headline product is the iPhone Duo, Apple’s long awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market, but the company also introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5.

iPhone Duo

Apple’s first foldable phone combines a 5.4 inch outer display with a 7.6 inch inner display, making the latter the largest screen Apple has put on an iPhone.

The Duo uses a grade 5 titanium chassis and a precision hinge containing more than 100 components. Both displays support ProMotion and Always On functionality, while the folding display receives a nano texture treatment designed to minimise reflections and make the crease less noticeable.

Inside is Apple’s new 2nm A20 Pro processor, alongside a custom vapor chamber and dual battery architecture.

Apple has also redesigned iOS 27 for the folding form factor, adding Split View multitasking, app pairs, dual app windows and interfaces that adapt as the phone is folded and unfolded.

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 and will be available from October 23.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro series is also powered by A20 Pro but maintains Apple’s traditional smartphone form factor.

Its biggest camera upgrade is a new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. Users can manually choose between four aperture settings, giving photographers greater control over light and depth of field.

Apple has also redesigned the thermal system around a next generation vapor chamber and reduced the size of the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both arrive September 18.

Apple Watch Series 12

Health is at the centre of Apple Watch Series 12.

Apple has introduced a new Health Sensing System alongside its S11 chip, providing higher frequency heart rate and heart rate variability measurements.

The additional data powers a new Readiness feature, which generates a score based on recent activity, training load, vital signs and sleep to help users understand their capacity for exercise and other activities.

Series 12 also introduces Audio Intelligence features, including Sound Recognition, Live Rewind and Siri Recap. Live Rewind can show a text representation of the previous 15 seconds of a conversation, while Siri Recap generates summaries of conversations for later reference.

Apple says these features do not create or store audio recordings. Audio processing is isolated within a Secure Exclave on the S11 chip, with the raw audio deleted after processing.

Battery life remains up to 24 hours for everyday use, although outdoor workout battery life increases to 10 hours. A 15 minute charge can provide up to another 12 hours of battery life.

Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes and introduces aluminium, titanium and ceramic variants. Prices start at $399, with availability beginning September 18.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Apple Watch Ultra 4 brings the same Health Sensing System and S11 processor to Apple’s rugged smartwatch.

Apple says the watch can measure heart rate every five seconds throughout the day, while HRV can now be measured up to 24 times more frequently. It also receives the new Readiness score.

Battery life increases to as much as 50 hours during normal use and 84 hours in Low Power Mode. A new Max Extended Workout mode can record outdoor workouts for up to 45 hours while continuing to take GPS readings every second.

Charging for 15 minutes can provide up to 18 additional hours of battery life.

The Ultra 4 comes in natural and black titanium and retains satellite communications for situations where cellular and Wi Fi networks are unavailable.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799 and will be available from September 18.

AirPods 5

Apple also introduced AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its most affordable AirPods.

The earbuds retain an open ear design but use a new multiport acoustic architecture and next generation Adaptive EQ. Apple claims the new ANC removes up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

AirPods 5 also work with Siri AI, allowing users to access Apple’s new assistant hands free, and support Live Translation for conversations across supported languages.

Apple is offering two versions.

The standard AirPods 5 cost $129, while the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add stem based volume controls, longer battery life and wireless charging.

The higher end version provides up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled and up to 22 hours with the charging case. Its case supports USB C, Qi chargers and Apple Watch chargers.

Both AirPods 5 models are available for preorder immediately and reach stores on September 18.

Apple is putting AI deeper into its hardware

One theme connects almost everything Apple announced this year: Apple Intelligence is moving beyond software features and becoming more tightly integrated with Apple’s hardware.

Siri AI arrives across the new iPhones and Apple Watches, while Apple is using AI to interpret health data, provide contextual information, assist with photography and enable hands free interactions through AirPods.

The redesigned Health app is another significant part of that strategy. Apple says it will use Apple Intelligence to analyse health information and surface insights, with a new Longevity section including Health Age, which compares selected health metrics with a user’s actual age.

The September launch therefore goes beyond annual specification upgrades. The iPhone Duo gives Apple an entirely new smartphone form factor, while A20 Pro, S11 and Apple’s growing use of on device intelligence indicate where the company sees the next phase of its hardware ecosystem heading.

Apple launches iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone Duo

By
GURU8 Staff
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0

Apple has unveiled its latest generation of iPhones, introducing the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max alongside the iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable smartphone.

The September 9 launch represents one of Apple’s biggest changes to the iPhone lineup in years. While the iPhone 18 Pro models focus on cameras, performance, battery life and artificial intelligence, the iPhone Duo introduces an entirely new form factor built around two displays and a folding titanium design.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A20 Pro chip and introduce a redesigned thermal system using a next generation vapor chamber. Apple says the combination delivers the highest sustained performance it has achieved on an iPhone.

Both phones also feature a smaller Dynamic Island and run iOS 27, with support for Apple Intelligence and Apple’s new Siri AI.

Photography is one of the biggest areas of improvement. Apple has equipped the phones with a new 48MP Fusion Main camera featuring variable aperture, bringing adjustable aperture control to the iPhone for the first time.

The camera uses six blades to move between different apertures, automatically adjusting depth of field and light capture. Professional users can also manually select between four aperture settings in the Camera app. Apple says the new sensor improves low light photography and detail, while giving photographers greater control over depth of field.

Apple is offering both phones in black, silver, glacier and a new burgundy finish.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both are available with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage. Preorders open September 12, with availability beginning September 18.

Apple enters the foldable phone market with iPhone Duo

The more significant addition to Apple’s smartphone lineup is the iPhone Duo.

It is Apple’s first foldable iPhone and introduces a 5.4 inch outer Super Retina XDR display paired with a 7.6 inch folding inner display. Apple says the outer screen provides 90 percent of the screen area of the iPhone 18 Pro, while opening the device reveals the largest display ever fitted to an iPhone. Apple

Both screens have the same aspect ratio, allowing content to scale proportionally as users move between them. They support ProMotion, Always On functionality and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness.

Apple has also added a nano texture finish to the inner display to reduce glare, reflections and the visibility of the fold crease. The company says Apple Pencil with USB C support will arrive later this year.

Instead of Face ID, Touch ID is integrated into the side button. The phone can also be unlocked using an Apple Watch.

The folding mechanism uses a precision hinge made from more than 100 components, while the chassis is constructed from grade 5 titanium. Ceramic Shield protects the back, Ceramic Shield 2 covers the outer display, and the phone carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

A20 Pro powers Apple’s foldable

The iPhone Duo uses the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro series.

Apple says its six core CPU is up to 20 percent faster than the A19 Pro, while its seven core GPU is up to 40 percent faster and more power efficient. A new Dual 16 core Neural Engine provides twice the compute performance for running AI models on the device.

The chip is manufactured using a 2 nanometre process and offers 50 percent more unified memory bandwidth. Apple has paired it with a custom vapor chamber to sustain performance during gaming, multitasking and AI workloads.

Cameras designed around the fold

The iPhone Duo has a 48MP Fusion Main camera with an optical quality 2x Telephoto and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera capable of macro photography.

The folding design enables several new shooting modes.

Duo Preview can display the camera preview on the outside screen so subjects can see how they are being framed. Users can also take selfies using the higher resolution rear cameras while previewing themselves on the outer display.

Smart Take uses on device AI to recognise when subjects are posing and automatically capture an image. Kid Cue displays Peanuts animations on the outer display to attract a child’s attention towards the camera.

The phone can also record 4K video at up to 120fps in Dolby Vision using its main camera.

iOS 27 adapts to a folding iPhone

Apple has redesigned parts of iOS 27 specifically for the Duo.

Opening the phone can display two Home Screen pages, while Split View allows two applications to run side by side. Users can open two windows of the same application, save app pairs and interact with Siri AI while continuing to use another app.

Apple says Netflix, Zoom and Slack are among the third party applications already adapting their interfaces for the larger folding display.

The Duo also gets Apple’s new Siri AI, which can use personal context, information displayed on screen and broader knowledge to answer questions and perform actions.

Dual batteries and eSIM only

Apple has placed a battery on each side of the iPhone Duo.

The company claims up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner screen and up to 44 hours using the outer display. When both screens are used equally, Apple estimates up to 24 hours of use per charge.

Fast charging can take the battery to 50 percent in around 20 minutes, while MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging can reach 50 percent in around 30 minutes.

The Duo is also eSIM only worldwide. Apple’s N1 wireless chip provides Wi Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, while the C2 cellular modem introduces AI assisted improvements to cellular connectivity.

The iPhone Duo will be available in star white and night sky, with prices starting at $1,999. Storage options range from 256GB through 512GB and 1TB to 2TB.

Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro models, buyers will have to wait longer for Apple’s foldable. Preorders begin October 16, with availability starting October 23.

Uber Leaves Nigeria and Uganda

By
GURU8 Staff
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0

Uber has confirmed it will shut down operations in both Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, 2026, in what is one of the most significant exits from African tech markets this year.

The decision, confirmed through an official spokesperson statement, is described as the result of a thorough review of business priorities and investment focus across the continent. Uber has been clear that the exit is limited strictly to these two markets and does not affect its operations elsewhere in Africa.

“After a thorough review, we have taken the difficult decision to wind down operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective September 2, 2026,” the spokesperson said. “Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.”

What Happens to Drivers and Riders

For drivers, Uber says it has already been in touch with active driver-partners and will extend a token of appreciation as they transition over the coming period. The company has not disclosed how many drivers or riders are affected in either market.

Rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations cease to assist with outstanding queries and transition-related matters.

Uber for Business customers in both countries will also see services discontinued, and Uber says it is in direct contact with business partners to support them through the process.

What About User Data

Rider data will continue to be handled in line with applicable data protection laws and Uber’s privacy policies. The company says it will limit data retention to what is legally required and maintain appropriate security controls. Riders who have questions about their personal data or wish to submit a privacy request can do so through Uber’s privacy inquiry portal at help.uber.com.

What This Means for Uganda

For Kampala specifically, Uber has been one of the more recognisable ride-hailing options in the city alongside local competitors. Its exit opens a clear lane for alternatives like Bolt and home-grown platforms that have been quietly building out their presence in the market.

Uber’s departure does not necessarily signal weakness in the Ugandan or Nigerian ride-hailing markets. The framing from Uber is one of strategic concentration, focusing resources on markets where it believes it can generate the most value for both drivers and riders at scale. What that means in practice is that two of Africa’s most populous and commercially active markets have been deemed lower priority than others.

Competitors operating in both countries will be watching this closely. A sudden absence of Uber from the market on September 2 means thousands of regular riders will need alternatives, and that is not a small opportunity.

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