In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the latest releases. However, it’s worth taking a closer look at the Pixel 6, launched in 2021, as it remains a compelling choice in 2023. Contrary to the constant phone upgrades often portrayed on social media, most users don’t replace their phones annually, opting for a more extended 3 to 4-year cycle. Here’s why the Pixel 6 is still a relevant and reliable option two years after its debut.

Design & Build

Google’s Pixel 6 sports a bold two-tone design that’s a refreshing departure from the simpler aesthetics of its predecessors. This modern design language is set to influence the look of Google’s devices for the foreseeable future.

While an all-black option is always a safe choice, the Pixel 6 offers captivating color options. The “Kinda Coral” shade, a delightful pinkish-orange, caught our attention. Other color choices include “Stormy Black” (essentially black) and “Sorta Seafoam” (a shade of green).

The Pixel 6 boasts a sturdy build, though it tends to be on the thick side and can be a bit slippery to hold due to its smooth and glossy glass back. A matte finish or textured grip would have been appreciated.

The camera visor running across the back of the phone is a standout feature, housing the impressive camera system. It not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides a convenient spot for your fingers to rest while holding the phone. While the Pixel 6 might not be the most snug fit for those with smaller hands, the visor contributes to its premium feel, an aspect missing in earlier models.

One notable aspect of the Pixel 6 is the tactile feedback of its physical buttons. The power and volume buttons on the top right emit a satisfying click when pressed, offering reassuring confirmation. However, some may find them slightly too noisy, particularly in quiet settings. Button noise preferences can be subjective, but there is room for a quieter yet effective solution.

Display

The Pixel 6 boasts a 6.4-inch HDR OLED display with a dynamic refresh rate that adjusts between 60Hz and 90Hz based on content. With a screen resolution of 1080p, it delivers sharp visuals suitable for most users. Notably, the Pixel 6 employs an in-display fingerprint sensor, replacing the rear-mounted sensor of previous models. While this sensor is innovative, its reliability can be hit or miss. Registering the same fingerprint twice may enhance recognition, but it’s still a tad finicky.

The Pixel 6 offers three color modes for the display: “Natural,” “Boosted,” and “Adaptive.” “Natural” offers the most accurate colors, while “Boosted” slightly enhances color vibrancy. “Adaptive” is the most customizable, enabling you to fine-tune color temperature and intensity according to your preferences. Each mode has its merits, and personal color accuracy preference varies.

Despite its decent peak brightness of 770 nits for outdoor visibility, there are occasional issues with the auto-brightness feature. Manual adjustments are sometimes necessary. Infrequently, the screen may experience momentary freezes, necessitating a return to the home screen. While not a common occurrence, it’s worth mentioning.

Software & Performance (Tensor Chip)

The Pixel 6 marks Google’s first foray into custom-made chips, with the introduction of Tensor. Designed to handle advanced AI tasks such as language translation, speech transcription, image processing, and live captioning, Tensor sets the Pixel 6 apart. While it may not lead the benchmarks, real-world performance is impressive. Apart from rare freezing instances, the Pixel 6 effortlessly handles gaming, browsing, messaging, and photography.

What distinguishes the Pixel 6 is its ability to tackle complex tasks typically reliant on an internet connection or cloud servers. For instance, you can use the Google Translate app to translate text or speech across languages, even offline. The Recorder app transcribes audio recordings into text, facilitating easy editing. Live Caption generates subtitles for video and audio content, even if they lack captions.

The Pixel 6’s camera system utilizes Tensor to enhance photos and videos. It automatically detects faces and adjusts focus and exposure, though it may occasionally suffer from over-processing. The Magic Eraser tool removes unwanted objects or individuals from photos. Cinematic Pan mode creates realistic motion blur effects in videos. Portrait Light lets you adjust lighting and shadows in portraits.

For those who prefer not to rush into the latest models, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series, featuring newer Tensor chips, offer enhanced features and performance. However, they come at a higher price point.

Camera

The Pixel 6 signifies a significant improvement in Google’s camera hardware and software compared to previous iterations. It boasts a 50-megapixel main sensor (binned to 12Mp) with OIS, EIS, LDAF, and an ƒ/1.85 aperture, along with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera sporting a 114-degree field of view. The main camera delivers exceptional photos with superb detail, depth of field, and color accuracy. The ultra-wide camera, while not quite as impressive as the main one, still performs admirably and offers a wider perspective.

The Pixel 6’s camera software is a standout feature, relying on artificial intelligence and machine learning for photo optimization. The Magic Eraser tool efficiently removes unwanted elements from photos. Color correction post-processing is sometimes overly sharp but generally improves image quality. The camera app allows direct QR code scanning without the need for Google Lens.

Exploring various modes and features can enhance your photography experience. Portrait mode adds a bokeh effect by blurring the background. The 2x zoom in profile mode enables close-ups, functioning as a workaround for a dedicated macro camera. Night Sight excels in low-light photography, with Face Unblur mitigating blurry shots. Speech enhancement is an option for video recordings.

The Pixel 6 camera stands as one of the best on the market, delivering high-quality photos that rival or surpass flagship phones from other brands.

Battery & Charging

The Pixel 6 houses a generous 4614mAh battery that easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage. It supports fast charging, both wired and wireless, and even offers reverse charging for other devices. While a charger is not included in the box, any USB-C charger can be used, with 30W PD chargers for wired charging and 21W Qi chargers for wireless charging yielding optimal results. Charging from 0 to 80% takes about an hour, although it slows down to preserve battery health beyond this point.

Overheating concerns have been addressed with the Android 14 update, which optimizes thermal management and performance. After updating, the Pixel 6 operates coolly, even during video recording or extensive photography sessions in direct sunlight.

Android 14

As a Google phone, the Pixel 6 has already received the Android 14 update. This update rectified several issues, including overheating, and extended battery life. It introduced customizable lockscreen options, including various clock styles, wallpapers, and widgets. Google plans to roll out additional features in future updates, with the ability to use the Pixel 6 as a PC webcam among the most anticipated.

Is the Google Pixel 6 Worth Buying?

The Pixel 6 was

The TikTok Live Subscription is a relatively new feature within the TikTok social networking app that offers users a unique way to support and reward content creators. Currently, TikTok is in the process of testing its LIVE Subscription feature, and it’s available exclusively to invited creators. However, the plan is to eventually make this feature accessible to creators worldwide. For content creators, activating LIVE Subscription can open doors to increased earnings and a thriving community.

To be eligible for the TikTok LIVE Subscription feature, you must meet specific criteria. You should be a content creator aged 18 or older, have a minimum of 1,000 followers on TikTok, and fulfill the age requirement to send or receive Gifts and Coins.

How TikTok Live Subscription Functions

As a TikTok user with an active LIVE subscription, you’ll enjoy various benefits:

1. Subscriber Badges: You’ll receive badges displayed next to your username on your TikTok profile. These badges can evolve and improve over time.
2. Subscriber-Only Chat: Access to the subscriber-only chat feature is exclusively granted to those with a LIVE subscription on TikTok.
3. Custom Emotes: Subscribers gain exclusive access to emotes that creators personalize for use during their live sessions.

How to Subscribe on TikTok

If you wish to subscribe to TikTok’s LIVE Subscription monthly plan, follow these steps:

1. Visit the creator’s profile and tap on “LIVE Subscription.” This will take you to the creator’s subscription page.
2. Scroll down to the end of the page and tap on the “Subscribe” button.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the subscription process. Note that you can opt for auto-renewal, ensuring your subscription continues automatically every month.

Alternatively, you can subscribe while the creator is currently hosting a live video. Here’s how:

1. Join the live video.
2. Look for the Star Icon located at the bottom-left corner of the live video, indicating that subscriptions are available. Tap on this icon.
3. A pop-up will appear, asking you to tap the “Subscribe” button. Follow the instructions on the screen, including making an online payment to complete the process.

Frequently Asked Questions about TikTok Subscriptions

How Much is a Subscription on TikTok? A TikTok subscription costs $4.99 or £4.13 per month and can be paid online using a valid payment card, such as MasterCard.

Is TikTok Subscription Free? No, a monthly fee is required to subscribe to TikTok LIVE Subscription. The exact amount may change as the feature is currently undergoing testing.

Is TikTok a Monthly Subscription? Yes, presently, there is no annual subscription plan available for TikTokers looking to support their favorite creators. Therefore, your only option is to select the monthly plan.

For DStv users who own an Explora & HD decoder, establishing parental controls on your DStv is a smart way to regulate the content accessible to your family. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up parental controls:

1. Start by pressing the Blue ‘DStv’ button on your DStv remote control.
2. Navigate through the options displayed on your TV screen and select “Settings.”
3. Within the Settings menu, choose “Parental Control,” and then proceed to “Select PG Settings.”
4. The default pin is ‘1234,’ so enter this pin as prompted.
5. Now, it’s time to customize your global blocking settings.
6. To activate parental control, scroll down to “PARENTAL CONTROL” and select an appropriate age restriction, such as ’18’ or your preferred age limit.
7. Alternatively, you can opt for channel-specific restrictions by using the channel-blocking feature.
8. To block specific channels, select “Select Blocked Channels.”
9. Enter the channel number that you wish to block and confirm your selection by pressing OK.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully configured parental controls on your DStv decoder, ensuring that the content accessible to your children aligns with your family’s preferences. If you decide to utilize any of these parental control options on DStv, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.

The Ugandan government has established a firm deadline of November 1, 2023, for the mandatory installation of digital number plates on all vehicles in the country. This initiative, introduced by the President, is part of a broader effort to combat crime by enhancing vehicle tracking capabilities.

Initially scheduled to commence at the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year, the program faced delays due to coordination challenges among various government departments, including the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Concerns were also raised about the cost of the digital number plates, which stands at 751,000 Ugandan shillings for new vehicles and 150,000 Ugandan shillings for replacing old number plates. Furthermore, the capacity of Joint Global Security Company, the firm awarded the contract to import the digital number plates, was questioned by Members of Parliament on the Roads and Transport Committee.

State Minister of Transport Fred Byamukama emphasized that there will be no further extensions, and the implementation of the digital number plates will commence on November 1. Byamukama also emphasized that this initiative is designed to assist Ugandans by enabling the tracking of vehicles in the event of theft.

Residents of Muzikiti zone in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso district, are expressing strong opposition to an American tower company’s plans to construct a 5G telecommunication mast in their area. They believe that these masts have adverse effects, particularly on their health.

Local residents, along with community officials, are in disagreement with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for permitting the American tower company to construct the 5G mast on their land without their consent.

Robert Wasizilra, a trade unionist and resident of the Jokololera zone, cited research indicating that such masts should be located at least 7.5 km away from residential areas. Some residents claim that the American tower company Uganda visited and negotiated with certain community members who unlawfully sold them their land for mast construction without notifying the broader community.

The residents are deeply concerned about their property and land, as they are uncertain about their future relocation. They blame the government for granting licenses and permissions to the American Tower Company (ATC) without adequately consulting the community.

Police officers present at the site, armed with letters from NEMA and the Uganda Communications Commission authorizing the mast’s construction, attempted to halt the protesting residents.

Mukite Rebecca, head of public and international relations at UCC, rejected claims of mishandling the licensing process. She emphasized that telecommunications infrastructure is advancing globally and coming closer to residential areas due to technological progress. She urged residents not to be fearful and to allow the company to carry out its duties.

Regarding concerns about the health effects of these masts, Mukite stated that there is no conclusive evidence, as per the research conducted by the World Health Organization. However, Dr. Mugisha Noleb of the Uganda Cancer Institute provided further insights into this matter.

The American Tower Company Uganda specializes in providing wireless infrastructure to support global connectivity, serving various environments, including urban and rural locations.

It follows a ban on Facebook imposed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in January 2021, after the social media giant deleted accounts operated by government officials on grounds of seeking to manipulate public debate prior to general polls.

The right-to-information activists have challenged the Government to respect citizen’s right access to information and restore Facebook, one of the online social networking services owned by American technology giant, Meta Platforms.

It follows a ban on Facebook imposed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in January 2021, after the social media giant deleted accounts operated by government officials on grounds of seeking to manipulate public debate prior to general polls.

The activists made the call during the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information at the National Information Communication Technology – ICT Innovation Hub Nakawa in Kampala on Friday organized by Twaweza, an East African NGO that operates in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 2023 celebration took the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO’s global theme: “The Importance of the Online Space for Access to Information’’ and subtheme; “Ensuring Universal Access in a Digital Era’’with an objective to promote free and secure online space and digital access to information.

Dr. John Baptist Imoka, a Lecturer at Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication implored the government to denounce attempts to restrict access to information on online platforms and interrupt activities of such digital platforms citing Facebook.

Dr. Imokola reasoned that the rights of people to access or distribute information on online platforms are being abused or stopped under the disguise of enforcing cyber security which fundamentally violates the Access to Information Act (No. 6 of 2005) and Article 41 of the Constitution.

Speaking at the same event, Charity Komujjurizi, an official from the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) notes that already over 33 out of 45 million Ugandans have no access to the internet, thus limiting access to information deprives them of access to information on employment opportunities and other development programs.

Safia Nalule Jjuuko, the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission – EOC argued digital information era is inevitable in the modern-day world and is the cornerstone of any progressive society for true democracy, transparent governance, and genuine sustainable development.

A 2021 report by the International Telecommunications Union – ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for many matters related to information and communication technologies revealed that 33 percent of the World’s population of 7.888 billion people is not on the Internet.

The Minister of State for National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga who officiated the event underscored the government’s ambitious journey to digitally transform the country. He explained that the roadmap to digital transformation is not just a vision on paper, but a working strategy being brought to life each day.

The Minister cited key initiatives under this roadmap including Digital Literacy Programs which focus on youth and elders; Digital Infrastructure expansion to ensure internet accessibility to the most remote areas and government e-services aimed at achieving transparency and accountability.

Kabbyanga lauded the Africa Freedom of Information Centre – AFIC and Twaweza East Africa for their instrumental role in Uganda’s digital transformation by creating awareness on ATI, building portals such as the Ask Your Government portal, and building the capacity of more than 400 public officials, more than 600 citizens champions, and community groups.

“There are on-ground insights, feedback, and tireless efforts that have shaped many policies and projects including the current process to review and amend the ATI Act 2005, and the digital transformation road map among others,” said Kabbyanga.