Top Stories
New WhatsApp Update for iOS and Android
Image sourced from YoMZanzi WhatsApp has unveiled new beta updates for iOS and Android, according to WABetaInfo. These new features include advanced wallpaper configuration tools that allow users to customise their in-app wallpaper. MyBroadband reports that there are now “32 new bright wallpapers, 30 new dark wallpapers, and a number of solid colour options to choose from”. WhatsApp Unveils New In-App Features WhatsApp has revealed a number of new in-app features covering Shopping, Payments, and Customer Service. According to the messaging platform, the ways in which people and businesses communicate are not working. “The global pandemic has made clear that businesses need fast and efficient ways to service their customers and make sales. WhatsApp has become a simple and convenient resourc...
South Africans could soon need a TV License for their Smartphones and Laptops
The SABC has revealed its plans to push new regulations that would call for South Africans to pay TV Licence fees. Sylvia Tladi, SABC Head of TV Licences, said that “one of the key things that we [need] to deal with was the definition of the television set because once you have defined what a television set is, you move on to identifying whether a licence is required or not.” Tladi goes on to say that people are not just viewing content or broadcasting services on a traditional TV anymore – and that’s why the regulations need to change. “What we are asking for is for the definition to be amended so that it can also include other devices that are not traditionally built to look like television sets but are used to receive broadcasting services for content, whatever platforms people use...
Sony Unveils ‘PlayStation Ready’ Bravia TV Lineup
Sony has unveiled a lineup of its current Bravia TVs that are officially ‘Ready for PlayStation 5’. The new ‘Ready for PlayStation 5’ tagline has been created in partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) to make it easier for consumers to select the “optimum TV in preparation for the highly anticipated launch of PlayStation 5, the next-generation game console releasing this holiday season”. The first ‘Ready for PlayStation 5’ TVs from Sony includes the standout X90H 4K HDR Full Array LED. The X90H displays gameplay images of up to 4K resolution at 120 fps with a very low input lag of 7.2ms. ‘Ready for PlayStation 5’ TV models also boast Bravia Game Mode, which allows users to automatically play games on the PS5 console with low latency. Thanks to Bravia Game Mode, users can wak...
Vodacom Partners with Nokia on 5G Network
Vodacom has join forces with Nokia to enable ultra-fast 5G services for South Africans. Nokia is said to be deploying its 5G radio, core and fixed network solutions across Vodacom’s network. The telco is using Nokia’s 2G, 3G, 4G and fibre access networks, as well as 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) and mobile broadband services. Vodacom will also use Nokia’s FastMile 5G gateway to offer FWA broadband services in areas not currently served by a fibre network. The solution is expected to be easy for subscribers to install, delivering fibre-like speeds to homes while using Wi-Fi to connect devices within the home. “We are committed to providing the most innovative products and highest quality service to our subscribers. 5G technology allows us to deliver ultra-fast mobile networks and support e...
LG Reveals Wing 5G Smartphone Launch Date
LG has announced that its Wing smartphone will be available in South Africa from 1 November 2020. This is exciting news for tech fans and content creators that are intrigued by its second swivel screen and camera specs. Designed to take ‘flight’ Described as ‘the most transformative smartphone ever’, the LG WING allows users to seamlessly switch between either Basic Mode or Swivel Mode, which reveals a hidden second screen. This screen unlocks an entirely new and truly different experience for users. Simply swivel the entire front of the phone 90˚ to reveal the 3.9″ second screen that doubles as a grip when the main screen is in landscape mode. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_d00.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_d00.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } The swivel screen also makes the WI...
Nokia Introduces the 8.3 5G Smartphone to Kenya
HMD Global, the home of Nokia, has announced the availability of its 8.3 5G smartphones in Kenya. The Nokia 8.3 5G has been designed to support multiple and evolving 5G network deployments, with support for both standalone and non-standalone 5G combinations – which operators are rolling out around the globe. Being the first smartphone to use the Qualcomm 5G RF Front end module solution, as part of its Qualcomm Modular Platform, the Nokia 8.3 5G condenses more than 40 different RF components into a single module, making it not only a global device but also a “future-proof smartphone” which is ready for the next step in 5G. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_4f8.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_4f8.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } The device comes with a powerful PureView quad camera with...
MTN Nigeria Appoints New CEO
MTN Group has appointed Karl Toriola, current VP for MTN Group’s West and Central Africa (WECA) region, as the new CEO of MTN Nigeria – effective 1 March 2021. Toriola will take over as MTN Nigeria CEO from Ferdi Moolman, who has served MTN Nigeria with distinction in this role for the past five years. Moolman will return to South Africa, where he will assume the new role of Group Chief Risk Officer. Toriola has a BSc Hons in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and an MSc in Communication Systems. In his five years as VP of MTN’s WECA region, he has overseen the steady progress of the operating companies in the region, notably the turnaround of MTN Ivory Coast and MTN Cameroon over the past two years. In addition, the WECA markets have made significant commercial and strategic strides, i...
Google could be Testing Dark Mode for Chrome OS
Image sourced from Android Police Google is testing dark mode for Chrome OS, according to AndroidCentral. If the feature is released, Chrome OS users would be able to join the ranks of Windows and macOS users. “Dark mode has been in high demand for any OS over the past few years for its benefits on eye strain and general readability,” reads a report from Android Central. “[And] although the feature isn’t fully ready and definitely has some bugs to squash, it already works on the Chrome browser and a bunch of different system web apps. The dark theme already seems to be a pretty comprehensive feature so far as it not only applies to the app backgrounds but seems to apply to other UI elements as well.” There’s no word yet on when (or if) Google will unveil this feature. /* custom css */...
WhatsApp Unveils New In-App Features
WhatsApp has unveiled a number of new in-app features covering Shopping, Payments, and Customer Service. According to the messaging platform, the ways in which people and businesses communicate are not working. “The global pandemic has made clear that businesses need fast and efficient ways to service their customers and make sales. WhatsApp has become a simple and convenient resource at this time. More than 175 million people every day message a WhatsApp Business account.” With these in mind, here’s a closer look at WhatsApp’s new features: Shopping – WhatsApp will introduce new ways for people to check out available products and make purchases right from a chat. It also plans to make it easier for businesses to integrate these features into their existing commerce and customer solut...
How Global Brands are Keeping up with SA Tech Trends
As the demand for powerful, affordable Internet of Things devices grows in South Africa, the focus for manufacturers and distributors alike has shifted to provide a diversity of tech products to suit the needs and budget of a highly segmented market. It is for this reason that Mobile in Africa, the official distributor for Xiaomi in South Africa, is so committed to ensuring that there is the perfect device for everyone by bringing in quality technology at outstanding prices. The Xiaomi 9 Series range of innovative, cutting-edge devices stays true to this promise, by offering a unique device for every user. Something for the Techies The Redmi Note 9 is a powerful device packed with some exceptional tech for its price point. Its quad-camera composition is noteworthy on its own, containing a ...
Huawei Launches Petal Search, Petal Maps and Huawei Docs
Huawei unveiled a number of new additions to the Huawei Mobile Services ecosystem; Petal Search, Petal Maps and Huawei Docs. Here’s a closer look at these digital experience updates: Petal Search Huawei’s official search engine app, Petal Search now is available in over 170 countries and regions and supports over 50 languages, letting users conveniently and instantly find out the information and services they need. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_a55.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_a55.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } Petal Search offers search capabilities across more than 20 categories, including apps, news, videos, images, shopping, flights, and local business. It also develops and integrates various tools, such as weather, calculator and rate exchange. With the new update, the s...
Huawei Introduces the Mate 40 Series
Huawei has officially unveiled its new Mate 40 Series smartphones; including the Mate 40, Mate 40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro + and the Mate 40 RS Porsche Design. “Each year the Huawei Mate Series brings the most exciting technology together into one stunning package. This is what defines the Mate Series DNA and is all made possible by our dedication to innovation,” says Richard Yu, Executive Director and CEO of Huawei Consumer BG. “In these unprecedented times, we remain committed to creating a better future, with innovative technology that delivers a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of consumers. In the future, we will continue working closely with our partners to bring the Seamless AI Life experience to consumers all around the world.” Here’s a closer look at the Mate 40 Series /* custo...
