The Life's Way: March 2021

Friday 26 March 2021

The @HuaweiZA Mate40 Pro Puts You in The Director's Chair with real-time HDR, Steady and Tracking Shot

Hi Friends,

Smartphone videography has come a long way in the past few years, with smartphone manufacturers now bringing the best of camera hardware, solid software and even taking advantage of intelligent onboard AI. Huawei has become a pioneering force in this aspect, due to the brand’s commitment to creating all-scenario camera systems that deliver great results. This envelope is pushed further with the newly launched HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro, which brings you to the director’s chair every time you shoot a video.

Looking at the technicalities of it all, the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro boasts an Ultra Vision Cine Camera system. This setup consists of a 20MP Ultra- Wide Cine Camera, a 50MP Super Sensing Wide Camera, a Periscope Telephoto camera and a laser sensor on the rear. Meanwhile, upfront the HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro comes with an Ultra Vision Selfie Camera with a 3D Depth Sensing Camera. Let’s take a closer look at how these cameras and some of their unique innovations can help you shoot your next masterpiece.

Shoot in real-time HDR

The HUAWEI Mate40 Pro uses a powerful quad-core ISP to balance exposure and maintain consistently high-quality results, even in situations with high dynamic range. In simple terms, this means that XD Fusion HDR is enabled by default, allowing you to shoot in full HDR for some stunning video results. Now you won’t have to worry about capturing videos indoors with sunlight shining through windows or a bright shopping mall, because the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro can deliver excellent results with great details and accurate colours.

Steady Shot for stabilization

Trying to get a shot on the move? Maybe something like a morning jog or even biking down a hill, crucial moments where stabilization is key. This is where the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro’s built-in AI Image Stabilization comes in with its support for Steady Shot and algorithms that ensure shaky footage is completely minimized.

Tracking shot to keep eyes on your subject

Speaking of algorithms, the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro leverages its advanced algorithms fix on a subject with the Tracking Shot feature. This is made possible with the onboard AI which identifies the subject in the frame and maintains focus on it across different frames, ensuring that it will always be front and centre.

Story Creator Mode for that final touch

Post-process edition seem too intense of a task? Well, it’s not that easy to do, especially if you don’t have the technical understanding behind it. However, with the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro, you can use the Story Creator mode instead. This way you get six different templates to shoot with, each of them offering a custom set of shots to help you capture your videos with that cinematic touch. All you need to do is pick the right template for your scene and then watch the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro automatically select the variety of camera shots to add the extra flair to your story. After this, you can also add effects, background music, filters and watermarks with ease.

The @HuaweiZA Mate40 Pro Puts You in The Director's Chair with real-time HDR, Steady and Tracking Shot

Dual-View Video for extra creativity

With the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro, you can also use the Super Sensing Wide Camera and Ultra Vision Selfie Camera simultaneously for high-resolution, ultra-wide-angle video capture. This way you can capture a video of yourself in the frame along with your subject, which is perfect for reaction videos or documenting from multiple angles.

Ultra-Vision Selfie Camera for all your vlogging needs

In today’s world of digital content creators and vloggers, the need for a solid front camera setup has become a deciding factor while picking a smartphone. The HUAWEI Mate40 Pro caters to these users with its Ultra Vision Selfie Camera setup that allows for ultra-wide recording as well as super-slow-motion capture at 240fps. The best part? It also supports high quality 4K video capture in exquisite detail.

Audio is just as important

As all video enthusiasts know, audio is just as important as video quality, which is why the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro has taken steps to ensure no sounds are left out while recording. This is why the front camera setup comes with Audio Focus, a Huawei-developed directional sound pickup solution that minimizes interference from noise from the surroundings and captures the user’s sound with improved clarity by effectively distinguishing human voice from ambient noise. Meanwhile, the Audio Zoom feature on the rear camera system can track the audio source in real-time, amplifying it as you zoom in.

Great photography as a bonus!

The HUAWEI Mate40 Pro’s cameras with their large sensors not only allow for stunning videography, it also paves the way for some impressive photography. This means you get better and brighter shots even in low light scenarios and advanced technologies to ensure faster and sharper autofocus features in scenarios with dynamic range. In addition to this, the Ultra- Wide Cine Camera also comes with distortion correction algorithms to optimize the images further by minimizing the distortion that comes with ultra-wide shots. This makes it perfect for group shots as well as landscape photography, all at the tap of a button. Meanwhile, the Periscope Telephoto Camera supports 10x hybrid zoom and 50x digital zoom.

On the other hand, the front cameras use the wide-angle lens and high resolving power to deliver selfies in high resolution with sharp details, such as skin texture, hair strands and eyelashes. The camera can also detect if there are more people in the frame and can adjust the field of view as needed.

The HUAWEI Mate40 Pro, in short, is a stellar smartphone when it comes to videography, with each feature fine-tuned to give you the best in experience while recording. However, it’s also a lot more than that, with its Kirin 9000 5G chipset, the world’s first 5nm 5G SoC, for exceptional 5G performance and a unique design ID that can stun anyone at a glance. It also comes preinstalled with HUAWEI AppGallery, Huawei’s official app platform and the Petal Search widget that complements it as a gateway to a million more apps.

HUAWEI Mate40 Pro comes with an Ultra Vision Cine Camera system for a stellar videography experience

Pre-order the HUAWEI Mate40 Pro NOW, simply pay R500 and receive an extra R1500 discount off on the balance of the purchase price. Receive a free gift bundle consisting of the new HUAWEI Freebuds 4i, a Wireless Charger, the HUAWEI GT watch, a Huawei backup and our HUAWEI VIP Service.

Exclusive to the HUAWEI Store (Online) – (Limited to 200 first customers). T's and C's apply

Cheers!!!

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Thursday 25 March 2021

UNO® Celebrates 50 Years of Bringing People Together #UNO50 #UNO50SA @Mattel

Hi Friends,

This month Mattel marks the celebration of the 50th anniversary of UNO, the number one game in the world that fosters inclusive play and leans into the culture.

Conceived in 1971 in a barbershop in Cincinnati, Ohio, the iconic card game was created as a way for families to spend time together, and quickly became a household staple. Five decades later, UNO, now available in over 80 countries and with 17 decks sold every minute, UNO, has grown into a global sensation that offers fans of all ages a variety of innovative card-based and digital games.

UNO® Celebrates 50 Years of Bringing People Together #UNO50 #UNO50SA @Mattel

"For 50 years, UNO has brought people together by transcending language, culture and age through gameplay. As the number one game in the world, we’ve maintained its origins of a beloved family pastime, while evolving into a cultural phenomenon," said Ray Adler, Global Head of Mattel Games. "Combining the brand’s roots of inclusivity and simplicity, the passionate global fan base, and unprecedented momentum, UNO’s 50th anniversary is a yearlong celebration of the brand’s past, present and future.”

The brand is celebrating 50 years of bringing people around the world together through:

NEW AND EXCITING WAYS TO PLAY

This year UNO is sharing different ways to plays, allowing you to put a different spin on hours of gameplay, with products available for purchase now.

Discover 13 Creative New Ways to Play UNO®!: The new ways to play debuted on the UNO® Instagram page with UNO® Bingo, which challenges players to carry out a number of moves during their game in order to call Bingo! Everyone can play with their family and join the social conversation using the #KeepPlaying hashtag.

I have received a special package from UNO on the 50th anniversary which I will soon share on my social media platforms so keep an eye on them. Happy Birthday to UNO from The Life's Way!

Cheers!!!

@HisenseSA Launches 3 New Infinity H50 Smartphones #HelloH50Zoom #HisenseSA

Hi Friends,

Premium phones at stellar prices. That’s what you can expect from Hisense’s new Infinity H50 and H50 Zoom smartphones, now available in South Africa, and the H50 Lite, which will be in stores from May 2021.

Hisense, China’s unsung hero, has quietly slipped into the playing field with its Infinity H50 range. The phones have been designed to satisfy different consumer needs with boosted-up or stripped-down derivatives, but the fundamental engine room across the range remains the same.

With its 91.26% screen-to-body ratio, the H50 base model, aptly named Infinity, seems like it wraps around the device. The H50 houses four separate cameras – a 64 MP HD main camera, an 8MP wide-angle camera, and an impressive multifunctional 2MP depth and macro-lens.

The H50 also has a 32MP front camera, with a new Beauty Mode feature that identifies the light conditions and adjusts the aperture automatically so there are no substandard blurry images.

@HisenseSA Launches 3 New Infinity H50 Smartphones #HelloH50Zoom

The H50 Zoom has a first-of-its-kind party trick with a 16MP pop-up camera with flash. This signature piece allows you to capture impeccable selfies in portrait mode.

The power unit on the H50 and H50 Zoom comprises an Octa-Core processor supported by 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage to create a very smooth user interface on the Android II operating system. The H50 Lite is slightly smaller with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage space, yet still packs a punch, performing just as well as the rest of the H50 family in all departments.

Hisense has also factored in security features in the H50 series. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor and facial recognition technology mean these phones are basically impenetrable.

The H50 comes in Pine Green and Black Jade, while a carved 3D gradient creates a colour-changing effect from different angles.

Hisense Infinity H50 specs:

4G LTE
6.81 Inch O-Infinity
64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP quad rear camera; 32MP front camera
6GB RAM and 128GB storage
5000mAh battery
Octa-core 2.1GHz
All new 108MP*(high-resolution algorithm) with Sony Sensor
Impressive 6,81” O-Infinity Display
Premal Oneness side-mounted fingerprint
Longer-lasting entertainment with 5000mAh battery, 18W quick charge
Free BT mini soundbar gift box
1 free screen replacement
From R7 999

Hisense Infinity H50 Zoom specs:

4G LTE
6,53” Infinity display
48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP quad rear camera; 16MP front camera
6GB RAM and 128GB storage
4020mAh battery
Octa-core 2.1GHz
All new 108MP*(High-resolution algorithm) with Sony Sensor
Pop-up camera
Free 10000mAh power bank
1 free screen replacement
From R5 499

Hisense Infinity H50 Lite specs:

4G LTE
6.55” Infinity display
48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP quad rear camera; 16MP front camera
4GB RAM and 64GB storage
5100mAh battery
Octa-core 2.1GHz
1x Screen replacement
Free earbuds
From R4 499

The Infinity H50 and H50 Zoom are available from Vodacom, MTN, Takealot, Hifi Corporation, Makro, Game and Edgars. Go check them out and I will too post photos of the smartphone once I get to review the same on my social media platforms!!!

Cheers!!!

Wednesday 17 March 2021

Faster, Better, Premium @OPPOSouthAfrica Prepares to Upgrade Connectivity Locally

Hi Friends,

Last year, global smartphone sales decreased by 5%, highlighting the complex impact that COVID-19 had on the general economy. As the world slowly acclimatises to the ongoing pandemic, smartphone sales are said to increase in Q1 of 2021. OPPO, which just last year launched in South Africa, has already sold thousands of handsets as of February 2021, and it shows no signs of slowing down, even during a pandemic.

Opulence by OPPO

OPPO which recently passed Huawei as the leading smartphone brand in China continues to converge between world-class technology that offers premium functionality at affordable rates. Coming to South Africa, OPPO saw the opportunity to leverage a unique ecosystem of a fast-developing country to further amplify its technological infrastructure.

“Our devices are developed to be tangible, changeable and powerful no matter the user or situation. Our A15 and A72 series are just the cusps of what we plan to offer locals in South Africa,” says Liam Faurie, Head of Go-to-market and Operations for OPPO South Africa.

As one of the global leaders in smartphone design and manufacturing, OPPO has placed a firm emphasis on developing technology that creates digital opulency. Whether it's the photography AI that specifically targets light and distortion when capturing images for studio-quality results or improving infrastructure to enable 5G connectivity, OPPO is dedicated to re-engineering the smartphone experience.

Faster, Better, Premium @OPPOSouthAfrica Prepares to Upgrade Connectivity Locally

Premium, please

Since 2012, premium smartphone options have only increased and so have its price points. With smart devices built to do more but cost less, the market both locally and internationally has become competitive. OPPO promises its next range set to launch sooner than one might think will redefine the elements of any great smartphone including increased charging speeds, smarter partnerships with Google and Qualcomm and a design that refracts colour while remaining scratch-resistant.

“March and the following months are set to be our grandest yet for South Africa, as we look to bring global excellence to shores of home. We’re excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to see how everyone interacts with our latest offerings designed to make life better,” concludes Faurie.

OPPO hints at big plans on the verge for the South Africa market, stating that citizens can expect a wider product range that brings world-class technology at just a tap.

About OPPO

OPPO has been a leading global technology brand since 2004, dedicated to providing products that seamlessly combine art and innovative technology.

OPPO is on a mission to building a multiple-access smart device ecosystem for the era of intelligent connectivity. The smartphone devices have simply been a gateway for OPPO to deliver a diverse portfolio of smart and frontier technologies in hardware, software and system. In 2019, OPPO launched a $7 Billion US Dollar three-year investment plan in R&D to develop core technologies furthering design through technology.

Today, OPPO was ranked as the number five smartphone brand globally. OPPO brings the aesthetics of technology to global consumers through the ColorOS system Experience and Internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+.

OPPO’s business covers 40 countries with over six research institutes and five R&D centres across the world, from San Francisco to Shenzhen. OPPO also opened an International Design Centre headquartered in London, driving cutting edge technology that will shape the future not only for smartphones but for intelligent connectivity.

Cheers!!!

Tuesday 16 March 2021

Make Travel Easier and More Enriching With Your Smartphone @HuaweiZA #HuaweiPsmart2021

Hi Friends,

In this day and age, smartphones have become almost permanent extensions of our lives. The reason most people keep their phones so close is not just purely entertainment value but because of the fact that our phones are very useful, especially when on the go. From things like navigation apps, translations, photography and making reservations, our phones have radically changed the way we travel. And the HUAWEI P Smart 2021 will prove invaluable to you when planning your next trip.

Capture beautiful memories

As much as going on a holiday is about being present and limiting screen time, this doesn’t mean you have to stow your phone away for the entire trip; how else are you going to capture beautiful sunsets? Especially because the HUAWEI P Smart 2021 is equipped with a quad AI camera that includes a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth camera. Together, these cameras, and their impressive resolutions, will capture even the smallest details to the widest landscapes.

Make Travel Easier and More Enriching With Your Smartphone @HuaweiZA #HuaweiPsmart2021

Also, safari selfies are a thing on Instagram, and we all know it’s bad manners to deprive followers of an Instaworthy out-in-the wild selfie. The phone’s front-facing camera, which delivers crystal-clear selfies, and the automatically activated circular flash will ensure you look sharp and vivid even in low-light environments. So, go ahead and snap away and don’t forget to post on Instagram (because without a safari picture, were you even there?).

Stay on track

Being on vacation is mostly about rest, but exploring your new space can also be fun. The last thing you want to do is for your smartphone to run out of battery, especially if you don’t know your way around. How else are you going to find your way back to your Airbnb? With the phone’s 5000mAh, AI power-saving, eight power reduction solutions and 22.5W SuperCharge, which allows you to charge your battery in no time, you can rest assured that you won’t be needing to remember where the yellow brick road is, as your phone’s battery will still be powered up.

Yes, to plenty of storage space!

Whether you’re planning a road trip playlist, or planning Saturday movie night, you won’t need to worry about how much music and how many videos to upload, as storage on the HUAWEI P Smart 2021 is not a problem. The 4GB RAM effectively allows you to run multiple apps simultaneously and switch between them fluidly, while the 128GB ROM brings you large storage for all your favourite photos, videos, games and music.

While vacations are all about relaxation, it may be hard to put the HUAWEI P Smart 2021 down but at least you won’t feel too guilty about it because you will have amazing pictures and videos to reflect on when you’re back to working from home.

The HUAWEI P Smart 2021 is available on contract with this great deal at operators including Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C starting from R279 for post-paid contracts. You can also purchase it from the Huawei online store.

Cheers!!!

Go Proudly Local At The Vibrant New African Lane @RosebankMall #RosebankMall

Hi Friends,

‘Going local’ is so much more than trendy and woke – especially at the renowned Rosebank Art & Craft Market where a brand new African Lane campaign has been launched to highlight the best and brightest local arts and crafts in town, at ‘I think I’ll get two at that price’ pricing, with memorable encounters with the talented vendors whose passion for their work and for people adds charm to the whole shopping experience.

African Lane brings the Rosebank Art & Craft Market into the Rosebank Mall from Fridays to Sundays, launching on 12 March and running for eight weeks, located on level 2 in the CNA, Lacoste, and Le Creuset walkways. The market will feature 57 of the 114 traders per week on a rotational basis to ensure compliance with Covid protocols and equal opportunities for all.

Go Proudly Local At The Vibrant New African Lane @RosebankMall #RosebankMall

Mel Jeffries, Marketing Manager of Rosebank Mall, says the Rosebank Art & Craft Market is an important and vibrant hub in the Rosebank community. “As with all markets, it was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and the vendors struggled, but the indomitable African spirit is in full force at African Lane – and their stunning work is gracing their stalls for everyone, locals and guests, to find something special and unique to gift or keep, to use or gaze at, but essentially to enjoy.”

African Lane is a ‘Support Small Business’ concept, offering a rich diversity of authentic and proudly African products at affordable local prices, by artists and traders from several African countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Congo, Cameroon, Malawi, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

“The range of art and crafts is both beautiful and eclectic, and includes a wide range of ornaments, beadwork, handbags, décor items, paintings, animal skins, and a variety of gifting items, each showcasing the talent and creativity of their crafters,” says Jeffries.

Most artists in Africa come down from their families; from generation to generation, from the grandfather to the father to the son, passing on the inspiration for their art. Most of the art in Africa is also related to the culture, tradition and the region where the artist is from, making their art unique according to their specific influences.

Jeffries adds that the African Lane experience at the Rosebank Art & Craft Market offers the ideal opportunity for Gautengers and guests to the area to discover new-found colour-rich treasures, to stroll the walkways and be inspired, to admire the imagination and skill that goes into each intriguing product, and to shop with a conscience, knowing that supporting African Lane is building sustainable livelihoods for many households. “There are many reasons to visit African Lane,” she says, “but the best one is that it’s always an uplifting and rewarding experience.”

Cheers!!!

Wednesday 10 March 2021

Movies @MontecasinoZA Brings Back the Magic of the Big Screen #MonteMovies #ZamundaRoyalsZA

Hi Friends,

This past weekend, Montecasino held two exclusive movie media screenings, showing that one can still enjoy the thrilling cinema experience whilst adhering to strict safety rules and shifting the negative perception of taking up out of home activities during these times, to a positive outlook.

Movies @MontecasinoZA Brings Back the Magic of the Big Screen #MonteMovies #ZamundaRoyalsZA

Aashish Rai Jain and Family

On Saturday, 6 March, guests were to Amazon’s Original Movie Coming 2 America, celebrating the local talent featured in the international hit and on Sunday, 7 March, guests were delighted to relive their childhood classic with Tom & Jerry in popcorn and pyjamas themed screening.

Sian Goliath and Family

The thought of taking the family or a date out to the movies can be challenging during these unusual times, but Movies@ Montecasino is changing all that; reminding the public how much fun and safe it is when watching the latest movie releases on the big screen.

Lerato Hoffele and Partner

The mandatory protocols being implemented, from social distanced seating to regularly sanitized theatres, Movies@ Montecasino is ensuring that all guests get to watch every thrilling blockbuster with peace of mind, just as they would in their homes.

Pearl and Austyne Umeh

With ten state-of-the theatres screening the latest that both Hollywood and Bollywood has to offer, you can be assured that your family’s safety is the biggest priority.

Zanna Katoka and Billy Mika

Visit Movies@ Montecasino for the full movie lineup and ticket bookings and follow them on Facebook or Twitter to be the first to know about other happenings on the complex.

I have been going to Montecasino for the last 7 years of staying in Johannesburg - I have seen movies for free, for R19, for R39 and sometimes for as high as R120 or more (3D movies in Il Grande) but I have always enjoyed the experience here. The rewards cardholders get a lot of benefits and me being on the Gold status (the first one) gets some discount which is good enough to keep the cost of visiting the theatre really low and you get to experience a lot more from shopping to food to games under a single roof of Montecasino. I am grateful to the team for the invite and for bringing my family together for a fun movie day.

Cheers!!!