LG TARGETS PHONE DURABILITY TO ENHANCE USER EXPERIENCE

The rapid growth in the number of smartphone users has been on the rise annually. From 2014 where we had 1.5 billion users to the current 2.34 billion users and further projected 3billion users by the year 2020, the growth is fast and rapid.

This however is due to a number of key things the mobile industry has put into effect over the years making it one of the most constantly used forms of technology in the modern day. LG has done this by consistently placing and emphasizing on delivering user- friendly products that boast features such as increased screen size, longer battery life and single handed usability that are designed with specific appeal to key user demographics.

One key factor that LG has been able to bring out forward is its durability on its smartphones. Previously, phones such as the flip phone were too heavy or too large for the consumer.

Though most smartphones are similar in design and template, there is a vast difference in the type of materials that go into manufacturing the device. Such materials determine a number of factors such as its weight, durability and how thin the phone can be as well as its ergonomic usability.

LG’s phones with no doubt have are sleek when it comes to design from the curved rear panel of the G4 to the durable V20 that was recently ranked as one of the most durable phones in the recently concluded Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The LG V20 undertook a number of conducted tests that were conformed to U.S military standards, the results of which showed that the phone can survive repeated drops landing in a variety of positions.

“ Although the progress of smartphones is on the rise, a number of key issues have been neglected by developers such as the durability of the phone, at LG, we ensure that phones can be durable to breaking and at the same time look fashionable and its outcome is astonishing” explained Moses Marji, General Manager Marketing LG Electronics.

At the same time LG is also ensuring that the screen to bezel ratio is way above 85% ensuring that the smartphones have more screen coverage hence enhancing usability, convenience and user experience.

LG INTRODUCES A MORE ADVANCED SMARTPHONE COOLING STYSTEM

Smartphones have a come a long way, from only being a means of communication with the telephone to offering diverse services such as calling a taxi, sending money, changing a channel on your television and watching a video. There has been a convergence in the use of different types of media into one device.

With the rise of new technological innovations, companies are constantly introducing faster processors into smartphones. This has enhanced the devices to perform a variety of tasks on their phone at the same time.

The ‘system-on-a-chip’ technology has enabled all components of a computer and electronic systems to be used on a smartphone. Your phone can now give you the same performance of a laptop. This has opened the door to a pool of system softwares and applications into the phone market.  You can find an app to do just about anything today.

Smartphone companies are always creating new gadgets which feature a much thinner, high security, cutting edge design. However, tech companies are adding newer features to a thinner smartphone; holding a smaller battery. They are creating higher demands of power with the same battery capacity. This is what has led to the rising number of cases of phones overheating. It has become increasingly common among smartphones today. Some extreme cases have led to battery phones swelling and even exploding.

When you task your phone with a variety of functions, it will become warm, as they require more power to carry out different functions. Most modern smartphones use a lithium-ion battery. These are the best rechargeable batteries in the market. However, they are sensitive to heat.  There is a need for the key players in the smartphone market to provide a better cooling system for these new technology processors.

The new LG G6 will be a game changer; featuring new copper heat pipes that will reduce overheating. These pipes are normally used in PCs and big devices to manage heat control. They will reduce temperatures by six to ten percent.  It only makes sense to introduce a more advanced cooling system for a processor that is performing the same number of functions that a regular PC is performing.  Moreover, the battery is capable of tolerating temperatures of up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit; which is 15 per cent higher than United states and European standards.

With this new copper heat pipes, consumers are assured of safety; especially when charging their phones. Smartphones are considered the most sensitive to heat when they are on full charge. The pipes will also increase battery life from the average two years to four years.

A smartphone is an extension of its owner. LG has provided a product line that is not only durable and reliable, but also safe.

Smartphones next display size dilemma that LG has been on the forefront to mana

We live in an increasingly technological world where smartphone display size is as important as the window to the world consequently creating mass appeal. The advent of more advanced smartphone display size over the last decade has created a connected world where as individuals and societies we are click way from our next connection whether business, spiritual or emotional.

We no longer see the world through our own senses such as hearing, sight or touch but rather through lens and definitions on LED screens on our smartphones. This is a huge statement most telling of the user centric approach to design and display technology.

As the display take the centrepiece of almost all the users interactions with their smartphones, smartphone manufacturers have had to rethink to ensure that the display is optimized to provide the best user design and experience possible. But different users can demand different things from their displays, so, what are the best displays that maximize consumer satisfaction?

The dilemma has been on how to deliver a single – handed usability while also allowing for large screen on smartphone. At present, people who prioritize single handed usability will look for smaller phone while those more interested in a more immersive experience will naturally gravitate towards a larger screen.

Today’s smartphone market has a wide range of display formats, sizes and shapes with even curved displays becoming increasingly common. Of course there are advantages and drawbacks to each phone size and each user has their own individuals’ preference for design.

To attain the equilibrium in the dilemma, LG electronics, a true innovator in practical smartphone technology, has worked hard to thread the needle between these two extremes and create smartphones with large displays that still fit comfortably in the user’s hand to enhance accessibility.

One of the ways that this has been accomplished is by constantly expanding each phones screen to body ratio by increasing the screen- to- bezel ratio. Additionally, LG has pioneered a secondary display which grants users the ability to check the time and notifications with just a glance.

The elimination of bezels allows for larger screens capable of bringing high resolution pictures and videos to life. A constant trend in smart phone designs has been that the less prominent the bezel (outside frame) become, the more space is ceded for screen itself.

The highest screen- to- bezel ratio yet achieved so far is 91.3% , but LG engineers insist that they are on the cusp of a breakthrough of a pure, bezel less frame. To that front LG is trendsetting the way with its incredibly narrow smartphone panel bezels that are even thinner than a credit card. This incredible reduction in bezel size allows LG to provide more screen coverage, enhancing usability, convenience, and the overall user experience.

So, how soon will we have a bezel less smartphone? The answer could just be around the corner with the upcoming launch of innovative LG G6's display that will cover the entire front of the phone - with no bezels around the edge.

NIC Bank Group records a pre-tax profit of KES 6.17 billion

NIC Group has posted a net pre-tax profit of KES 6.17 billion and a net profit of KES 4.3 billion for the year ending December 31, 2016.  On a net profit basis, this represents a 3% drop year on year.

Operating profit during the period rose by 23.2% to KES 9.9 billion, representing strong growth in the Bank’s core business and a demonstration that execution against its three-year strategy remained on track.

Total operating income for the year grew by 17.4% to KES 16.1 billion compared to KES 13.7 billion the same period the previous year. The growth was largely attributed to a number of initiatives the Bank undertook during the year to bolster funded and non-funded income lines.

In the period under review, the Group’s net profit was weighed down by significant additional provisions taken to support the non-performing facilities of a few large corporate customers that were impaired in 2015.  The overall NPL ratio however declined year on year from 11.2% to 10.8%.

“2016 was a challenging year with various factors impacting our operating environment but our strategic shift to reach more retail and SME businesses, as well as branch expansion, continued to drive our performance. NIC Bank continued to roll out strategic partnerships over the course of the year to drive business growth especially around Asset Finance where we continue to be the clear leaders,” said NIC Bank’s Group Managing Director, John Gachora.

The Group reported an increase in total assets of KES 3.7 billion, while customer deposits remained flat.

The Group’s capital base for the period closed at KES 30.3 billion, a growth of KES 4.0 billion over 2015, with key banking regulatory ratios in excess of the minimum thresholds set by the Central Bank of Kenya.

Total Operating expenses, excluding loan loss provision, grew 9.3% to KES 6.2 billion reflecting the Bank’s continued investment in technology and new branches.

During the period under review, the Bank continued to aggressively migrate customers onto its digital platforms and there are plans to launch a number of innovative digital banking solutions in 2017.
In May, the Bank rolled out a fully automated online platform enabling employees of corporate organisations in the Bank’s Scheme to apply for loans conveniently.

During the year, the Bank grew its branch network from 27 to 33 in Kenya with the opening of Kitengela, Kisii, KMA Centre in Upper Hill, CPA Centre in Ruaraka, Maasai Mall in Rongai and The Point in Buruburu. The expansion in Kenya saw its branch network in the region reach 40. The Branch expansion plan is part of the Banks proposition to target more retail and SME customers.

In the year under review, the Bank continued to enter into strategic partnerships that offer customer’s innovative and tailor-made financing solutions for vehicle and non-motor vehicle assets underscoring its position as a market leader in Asset Finance. The Bank partnered with Delights Kenya Ltd, Simba Colt Motors, General Motors (GM), Nissan and DT Dobie as part of maintaining its position as a market leader in Asset Finance.

In June 2016, the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC) appointed NIC Bank to act as the Assets and Liabilities Consultant for Imperial Bank Limited (in Receivership). The mandate included, amongst others, an assessment of the quality of IBLIR’s assets and liabilities, disbursement of funds to IBLIR depositors and other advisory services to KDIC. In our role we have been able to disburse more than KES 10 billion to IBLIR depositors.

Subsidiaries:
The Bank continues to focus on growth and development of its subsidiary companies in order to offer a wide range of financial services to customers across the region.

NIC Bank Tanzania, NC Bank Uganda, NIC Insurance Agents (Bancassurance) and NIC Securities (Brokerage) all contributed positively to the Group’s financial performance in the period under review.

Group Reorganisation:
In quarter four of 2016, the Group held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) where it received a nod from shareholders to proceed with the proposed reorganisation, to create a non-operating holding company structure. The Group is awaiting approval from the regulators.

The reorganisation is a strategic move to support the Group’s medium and long term strategy by providing a structure that facilitates optimal use of capital, more effective use of strategic and risk management, and improved governance of its subsidiaries. As part of its strategy moving forward, the Group intends to expand the scale and scope of operations of its subsidiary companies alongside growing its banking business.

The reorganization is expected to have minimal impact on shareholders, customers, employees and regulators.

Outlook:
The Bank’s management is cognisant of the changing operating environment following the new interest rate capping law. This has meant a review of business to maintain growth driven by operational efficiency across the business. Key will be enhancing the Bank’s digital banking platform to offer greater automation and digitisation of processes for an enhanced customer experience.

“The Bank is consolidating its business and relooking at our strategy on the back of the interest rate capping law. The Bank remains a strong institution and has fully complied with the new law,” said Mr Gachora. “We are re-evaluating our business in this new operating environment and we will be rolling out new products and services to ensure we continue being competitive by investing more in our digital platforms.”

Mr. Gachora noted the full effects of the new law would start being felt in the first quarter of 2017 results.