Xiaomi 17T officially launches in South Africa – The Telephoto Master arrives with Leica-powered storytelling capabilities

Hi Guys, 

Xiaomi officially announces the launch of the all-new Xiaomi 17T in South Africa, a smartphone designed for creators, storytellers, and users who demand flagship-level photography, performance, and battery life in one premium device.

Co-engineered with Leica and introduced as “The Telephoto Master,” Xiaomi 17T pushes mobile photography to a new level by combining professional-grade imaging capabilities with cutting-edge Xiaomi innovation. More than just a smartphone, Xiaomi 17T is a storytelling tool built to capture South African expression, identity, creativity, and culture with exceptional detail and clarity.

Available from 09 June 2026, early bird deals from Vodacom stores nationwide, Xiaomi 17T will retail from only R799 per month over 36 months. As part of the launch offering, customers who purchase the device will also receive a FREE Xiaomi Smart Humidifier 2 while stocks last.

A new era of Leica mobile photography

Xiaomi 17T features a powerful Leica co-engineered triple-camera system designed to help users capture everything from portraits and everyday moments to distant landscapes and cinematic video.

At the heart of the device is a 50MP Leica main camera featuring a Light Fusion 800 image sensor and Leica optical lens technology, delivering improved light capture, richer detail, and stunning low-light photography.

The camera system also includes:

• 50MP Leica telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom

• Up to 120x AI Ultra Zoom

• 12MP ultra-wide camera

• Leica Live Moment feature for authentic street-style photography

• 8K video recording support

• Advanced AI photography enhancements powered by Xiaomi HyperAI

Inspired by professional Leica aesthetics, Xiaomi 17T preserves natural light, emotion, and detail while helping users create content with cinematic depth and clarity.

Premium design meets immersive eye-care display

Crafted with elegance and comfort in mind, the new Xiaomi 17T combines a refined premium finish with a sleek ergonomic design available in Opal White and Black colour options.

The device features a stunning 6.59-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with:

• 1.5K resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• 3840Hz PWM dimming

• HDR10+ support

• TÜV Rheinland eye-care certifications

• Xiaomi Vision Care 2 technology

Whether users are gaming, streaming, editing content, or browsing social media, the device delivers a smooth and immersive viewing experience while reducing eye fatigue during extended use.

Flagship-level endurance and performance

Powering Xiaomi 17T is the latest MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor built on an advanced 4nm process for faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and enhanced gaming performance.

Combined with Xiaomi HyperOS and Xiaomi HyperAI, users can expect intelligent multitasking, faster app responsiveness, and a more connected smart ecosystem experience.

Additional performance highlights include:

• 12GB RAM + 512GB storage

• 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery

• 67W HyperCharge support

• Dolby Atmos dual stereo speakers

• IP68 water and dust resistance

• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity

The massive 6500mAh battery is engineered to comfortably power users through demanding daily tasks, content creation, gaming, and entertainment while maintaining a slim and premium form factor.

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Samsung Opens Orders for its most versatile Galaxy foldable line-up yet

Hi Guys, 

Samsung Electronics South Africa has officially opened pre-orders for its latest Galaxy Z series, introducing a new generation of foldables designed to fit more lifestyles, personalities and ways of getting things done than ever before.

Pre-orders for the eighth generation of the Galaxy Z series are open from 22 July to 12 August 2026. With the arrival of the new Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung is expanding the Galaxy foldable experience with a line-up that offers something for everyone, from those who want to discover more on a larger screen, to power users who demand Samsung’s ultimate in productivity, and those who see their smartphone as an extension of their personality.

The newest addition to the line-up, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, brings Samsung’s highest standard of performance and innovation to its most advanced foldable design yet. With an expansive 8-inch main display[1], advanced camera capabilities and long-lasting performance[2], it is built for users who want a powerful workspace they can take anywhere, in Samsung’s slimmest Z Fold design to date.

For those looking for a foldable experience that moves naturally from everyday interactions to deeper immersion, Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a reimagined form factor designed for everything from quick moments on the cover screen to reading, viewing and gaming on the expansive main display. Meanwhile, Galaxy Z Flip8 continues to redefine what a smartphone can be. Built for self-expression and quick, intuitive interactions, its flexible form factor and reimagined FlexWindow bring information, creativity and Galaxy AI closer to everyday moments.

Together, the new line-up reinforces Samsung’s vision that there is no single way to experience a foldable. Whether users want maximum productivity, deeper immersion or a device that reflects their individuality, there is now a Galaxy foldable for everyone.

For added peace of mind, customers can also enjoy comprehensive protection through Samsung Care+[3], with professional repairs for accidental damage, extended warranty coverage and expert support. Customers who purchase a new Galaxy foldable on Samsung.com and enrol in a monthly Samsung Care+ plan can save up to 25% on their monthly premiums[4].

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z8 series are now open until 12 August 2026 at the following recommended retail prices[5]:

• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra 1TB – R60,999
• Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra 512GB – R50,999
• Galaxy Z Fold8 512GB – R45,999
• Galaxy Z Fold8 256GB – R40,999
• Galaxy Z Flip8 256GB – R26,999

Customers who pre-order can also receive free accessories worth up to R1,500[6], 12 months of free Samsung SOS+ access[7], and six months of Google AI Pro at no additional cost, valued at over R2,500[8].

The future of foldables is not one-size-fits-all. Pre-order the new Galaxy Z8 series and find the foldable that fits the way you live, work, create and express yourself.

[1] Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra's Cover Screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

[2] Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

[3] Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the visiting country/region's local customer services centre in advance for Samsung Care+ availability.

[4] Terms and Conditions Apply.

[5] Recommended retail prices only. Prices may vary per retailer.

[6] Terms and Conditions Apply.

[7] Terms and Conditions Apply.

[8] Terms and Conditions Apply. Redeem via Google.

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How Good is the @HuaweiZA #P20Pro #SmartphoneCamera? Watch the TV ad to find out #OOO

Hi Friends,

What do you do when you want to prove the true capabilities of a revolutionary smartphone camera? A smartphone that has the world’s first Leica triple camera with the highest total pixel count on a modern smartphone. A camera that gives a professional photography experience in the form of an intuitive and easy-to-use smartphone. A camera that gives exquisite detail in every image – up to 300 percent more detail than 12MP sensors.

The answer? You shoot the smartphone camera’s entire TV ad with the device, of course!

With the launch of the new Huawei P20 series, the team at Huawei South Africa really wanted to highlight what the Huawei P20 was capable of. So they worked with some local Instagrammers and the team at SoCoMunity, a niche Content Creation, and Instagram agency, to push this smartphone camera to its limits.

Commenting on the concept of shooting the advertisement solely on the Huawei P20 Pro, Craig Howes, a travel photographer, and filmmaker, says “Our team at SoCoMunity loved the challenge this project presented, as it’s something we’ve always wanted to do. I thought it was possible, but I didn’t think the end result would look this good. The phone has incredible resolution and some really impressive functions. Most people can’t believe the ad is 100% shot on a phone.”

Shawn Ogulu, photographer, cinematographer, and social media influencer, who is the campaign manager at SoCoMunity, was also impressed by the capabilities of the Huawei P20 Pro. “When Huawei approached us with this project, we followed our usual process by researching the best way to go from concept to reality, which includes looking at how others have done similar projects. From that research, we noticed that a lot of other so-called “shot-on-smartphone” ads were only achieved by using aids such as attaching DSLR lenses to the smartphone. We looked at also going that route, but once we received the devices from Huawei, we were pleasantly surprised to see that we could actually shoot the commercial using nothing but the phone and some handheld stabilizers. We were amazed at some of the results. We initially thought that we would only be able to shoot about half of the ad on the Huawei P20 Pro because we thought the phone just wasn't as capable as a dedicated camera. However, the phone’s capabilities proved us wrong!”

One of the well-known Instagrammers who was asked to put the Huawei P20 Pro through its paces was Natassja Zuidmeer. She describes photography as being her creative outlet for the everyday routine of life. For Natassja, the real beauty of photography is being able to capture emotions and memories in each shot. Natassja’s stand-out feature of the Huawei P20 Pro was its portrait mode “I love taking portrait photography and this is the first phone that I have seen that adds such an incredible depth of field to my pictures. The portrait mode also offers different lighting modes that you can play around with.”

Natassja also fell in love with the size of the screen of the Huawei P20 Pro and its exceptional screen resolution; along with its sleek, slim feel; 128GB storage capacity; and extraordinary picture quality. Both Natassja and Shawn note that the phone’s battery life was better than any other phone they have used before. With HUAWEI SuperCharge, the Huawei P20 Pro 4,000 mAh battery can fast-charge extremely quickly. Shawn says, “For me, battery life is just as important as a camera because I use my phone for a number of things that require a lot of power to run. My phone is what I use to keep track of current projects and control various photographic equipment while in the field.”

Ofentse Mwase; an avid filmmaker specializing in music videos, commercials, movies, and TV dramas; was also asked to push the Huawei P20 Pro to its limits. His favorite hobby is shooting landscape photos all around the world, exposing the beauty that every corner of the globe has to offer. “I was amazed by the processing power of the phone. Also, the depth effect on the camera is precise and accurate so you can create shots with bokehlicious – soft, out-of-focus – backgrounds on both the wide angle and the long lens shots. In addition, you can control the amount of bokeh you want on each shot after you’ve taken it, and even re focus the shot.”

Natassja concludes, “The Huawei P20 device has really taken smartphone photography to the next level. If you want an everyday substitute to your DSLR, the Huawei P20 Pro is definitely a device to consider.”

To see the amazing capabilities of the Huawei P20 series for yourself, have a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr9zQlE6CTY

Follow these hashtags for more information #SeeMooore #HuaweiP20Pro

Cheers!!!

Contact me at editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on paid/sponsored campaigns. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

14 Days To www.TheLifesWay.com 5th Birthday Celebrations #5YearsofTheLifesWay #27Dec2017 #Nokia #HTC #CameraSmartphone

Hi Friends,

--1400 POST--

My Journey with photography started way back when I was only 5-6 years old with Pentax film camera. Then it migrated to Kodak film camera and was limited as the film was costly to buy and process and 1 film only used to do 36 photos max. It was only with the invention of the digital camera, you could click thousands of images and print only the limited ones. And with the introduction of a camera in mobile phones, it further took turns as the prints were only limited and social media sharing took its place. 

My first smartphone camera was Nokia 7650 which my brother bought from Singapore and gifted me. It was an awesome phone and took good pictures. I used it for a while and it was stolen from my Jacket's pocket in my cousin's marriage ceremony. I really felt lost and bad as then I had to wait for more than a year or so before switching back to a camera phone. 

Second camera phone was Motorola ROKR E1 with which I took thousands of pictures using its 0.3MP camera and continued from Feb 2006 till the time I gave it for change of ear speaker and the guy took away certain parts and phone could not be repaired ever in 2007 as the chipset was burnt etc etc. The phone had amazing dancing lights on the sides and used to blink whenever you get a call. I got my job placement notification only from the lights as the phone was in silent mode and went to interview at 1030pm just because of Motorola Rokr E1 flashing lights. So grateful to Motorola for making this device and my brother for buying me this one from Singapore.

My biggest camera came when 3.2MP was launched by Nokia in N73 Music Edition smartphone which was gifted to me by my brother-in-law before my marriage in 2008. I really loved it and used it until 2010 when I migrated to the first android phone with full touch screen and keyboard in Google G1 made by HTC. There must be thousands of photographs I have taken using Nokia N73 as I passed the phone to my wife before going to London. Google G1 was the smartphone where I initiated my twitter handle @araijain long back when Twitter came into the picture and now today my tweet count on the channel has reached around 175k.

In London, I was using Google G1 and when I came back to India, my brother again gifter me Google Nexus One which I still have my backup phone for emails. It doesn't work that fast but it can receive calls and send SMS. This one worked till 2013 when it's power on-off button met its lifetime and I could not switch it ON which I took care using an app on android play store. I have won hundreds of Twitter contests on this smartphone and think of the quality of this smartphone -  the battery is still fine and phone still works great. What an amazing technology by HTC on Google Nexus One.

As I was planning to come to Johannesburg in 2013, I was in love with Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and HTC ONE M7 and I had a choice to buy either. I decided to go with HTC ONE M7 because of its Beats Audio setup and when I used my BOSE earphones on both of them, the difference was clear and I decided to go with HTC M7 and again thousands of my twitter, facebook photos are taken by this smartphone. The battery bloated within a year and I raised a complaint here in Johannesburg within repair center and they gave me a brand new HTC ONE M7 on the second day without any charges. I felt great with the services and fell in love with HTC all over again.

HTC South Africa came in contact with me via my blog and gifted me their review device HTC ONE M8 on my birthday on 22 July 2015 which is still my primary smartphone in 2018 but I am only using the same to do tweets and facebook etc and not to take photos as much as I used to do earlier as the smartphone has gone very very slow and 8GB-16GB smartphone are total waste in this new digital and online world.

So, in the end, my camera smartphone journey is totally based on Nokia and HTC smartphones till date and most of the photographs you see on my Instagram pages are using Review units if mentioned and if not mentioned then it will be using the Panasonic FZ5 or Nikon DSLR from my previous post and rest all are using HTC M7 and M8 smartphones. Looking forward to getting the best in the range smartphone now in 2018!

13 Days                                                                                                                             15 Days

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on paid/sponsored campaigns. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! Check my influence and book me via https://webfluential.com/TheLifesWay

@Canon_SA Disabled Golf Open 2017 #CapeTown Brings Diverse Field of Entries @SADGA101

Hi Guys, 

The countdown to the 19th edition of the prestigious Canon South Africa Disabled Golf Open has begun. In less than a month, some of the world’s top golfers with disabilities will convene for the tournament at King David Mowbray Golf Club in Cape Town from the 15th to the 17th of May.

The Canon South Africa Disabled Golf Open offers a platform for disabled golfers to pit their skills against some of the best in the world in a credible competition that has at its heart the goal to inspire and unite players with varying disabilities, and acknowledge their achievements.

This year’s event boasts the most diverse field of entries since the inception of the competition by the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA) 19 years ago. Over 80 local and international golfers have confirmed their participation in the 2017 Canon South Africa Disabled Golf Open. Amongst the South Africans playing in the tournament are Byron Calvert, Herman Van Wyk, Ben Van Zyl, Rupert Fortmann and Reinard Schuhknecht.

Manuel De Los Santos

Travelling to South Africa to compete are Bob MacDermott (Canada); Martin Williams (Wales); Shaun Bakker (United Kingdom); George Mecs (France), Cian Arthurs (Ireland) and Manuel De Los Santos amongst others. De Los Santos, a regular competitor in Canon South Africa’s annual insert name of tournament, hails from the Dominican Republic and since losing his leg in a vehicle accident in 2003, has won many international events for disabled golfers in Europe. In 2007, he became the first amputee to play in the French Golf Grand prix alongside high level able bodied Amateur golfers. These very talented golfers will convene for the Canon South Africa Disabled Golf Open at King David Mowbray Golf Club in Cape Town from the 15th to the 17th of May.

South Africans have historically dominated the tournament, with Ben van Zyl winning the event from 1998 to 2003; Pieter Jansen in 2004; Nico Wentzel in 2008; Iglin Grobblaar in 2009 and 2010; and Daniel Slabbert from 2011 to 2013, and again in 2015.

Hosted annually by SADGA and now sponsored by Canon South Africa, the tournament attracts the world’s top golfers with disabilities. In 2016, 30% of the field boasted single figure handicaps and more than half of the competitors have handicaps of 18 or lower.

The maximum handicap for men and ladies is 36. Disabled golfers with handicaps of 18 and under will play 54 holes, medal stroke play while those with handicaps of between 19 and 36 will play 54 holes stableford. The overall Champion Golfer will be the player achieving the lowest cumulative gross score over the 54 holes. Deaf golfers with handicaps of 9 and under will play 54 holes medal stroke play while those with handicaps of 10 and over will play 54 holes stableford. The overall Deaf Champion Golfer will be the player achieving the lowest cumulative gross score over the 54 holes in the deaf division.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous enthusiasm with which golfers from around the world have entered this year’s tournament. Competition will indeed be stiff, with some of the world’s very best golfers with disabilities competing. The field is extremely diverse, with players of all ages from around the world. We have competitors as young as 13 competing this year,” says Reinard Schuhknecht, Brand Ambassador for the 2017 Canon South African Disabled Golf Open and widely considered one of South Africa’s best disabled golfers.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

@HuaweiZA #P9 Debuts In #London @Leica_Camera Dual-Camera #Smartphone

Hi Guys,

Huawei Consumer Business Group unveiled the new P9, the world’s first Leica dual-camera smartphone. Created in partnership with Leica Camera AG, the flagship Huawei P9 offers users industry-leading imaging innovations in an aesthetically-stunning smartphone design. Huawei’s new B3 Talkband wearable wristband also made its global debut.

Guests at Huawei’s lavish launch event in London’s Battersea Evolution, which included BBC Global News CEO Jim Egan, Vogue China Publisher Anita Chang, Condé Nast Chairman and Chief Executive Jonathan Newhouse, and Huawei UK Board Members Sir Andrew Cahn and Dame Helen Alexander, witnessed an exciting trailer for the new television commercial. It revealed glimpses of exclusive behind the scenes footage showcasing the coming together of two global stars in Shanghai and Hollywood; symbolizing the intersection of color and black and white, brought together through the partnership between Huawei and Leica. The trailer stars Henry Cavill, Global Brand Ambassador for Huawei, and actress Scarlett Johansson. Cavill was joined at the P9 launch by top photographers including Mary McCartney and David Guttenfelder. 

“Huawei is excited to give P9 users the best smartphone photography experience by leveraging the unrivalled capabilities of Leica, the leader in the world of imaging for more than 100 years,” said Richard Yu, CEO, Huawei Consumer Business Group. “Consumers around the world use their smartphones to take billions of pictures each year, making photography critical to user experience. P9 users can now capture images with unmatched clarity, richness and authenticity, with a delightfully-designed and powerful smartphone that looks and feels incredible.”

Reinventing smartphone photography

Integrating the design values and engineering excellence of Leica and Huawei in a smartphone photography system co-engineered by the two companies, the P9 brings together best-in-class hardware and software, from optical lens, to sensors, to image processing algorithms, empowering users to capture the highest-quality pictures.

Key to the P9’s superlative imaging capabilities is a dual-camera design that fully unleashes the power of Leica’s optical lenses, renowned for precision and attention to detail, and subject to the industry’s most stringent quality screening requirements. The RGB camera on the P9 specializes in capturing color, while the monochrome camera is outstanding at acquiring picture detail. The two rear cameras of the P9 work in tandem to enable users to create images of superior detail, depth and color. The P9 truly excels in low-light conditions, as the dual-camera design guarantees more light and detail can be captured. 

Each picture taken by the P9 carries the unique emotional resonance and timelessness that are the hallmarks of Leica, as users may choose between three Leica film modes: Standard, Vivid Colors and Smooth Colors, depending on their personal preferences. With meticulous calibration of the P9’s camera parameters, each film mode faithfully renders the authentic color and style of Leica. By selecting the monochrome mode, P9 users can use their devices as a true monochrome camera to capture powerful and evocative black and white images of superior quality.

Deploying Huawei’s Hybrid Focus technology, the P9 captures images with superior speed, accuracy and stability. The P9 supports camera focusing based on three methodologies – laser, depth calculation and contrast – and automatically select the one that yields the best result in any given environment. 

The wide-aperture photography feature on the P9 allows users to experiment with innovative visual effects to create unique images and content. The P9 makes it easy to adjust the camera aperture to create bokeh and other depth-of-field effects, while keeping the main object in sharp focus.

“Leica and Huawei share an uncompromising commitment to imaging excellence, and our partnership will put outstanding photography into the hands of more consumers around the world,” said Oliver Kaltner, CEO, Leica. “We are deepening our collaboration to give users a more optimal smartphone photography experience.”

Taking Industrial Design to a Higher Level

The P9 is a masterpiece of state-of the-art industrial design, with the same minimalist design DNA as earlier products in Huawei’s acclaimed flagship P-series of premium smartphones. Each P9 device is a perfect construct of superior-grade 2.5D glass and an aerospace-class aluminum, with diamond-cut edges rounded out by carefully balanced curvatures. 

The 64GB version of the P9 comes in a stunning and unique Haze Gold finishing, setting new industry standards in industrial design, with the use of techniques including brushed hairlines and metal polishing at micron-level precision to create a translucent metal surface. Additionally, the Ceramic White version of the P9 is smoother than the painted bodywork of premium cars, reflecting and refracting light to present different shades of awe-inspiring colors as ambient conditions change. 

Power and Performance

The P9 is equipped with the power, connectivity and speed that today’s high-end smartphone user expects from Huawei. With a 5.2-inch 1080p display, the P9 is powered by the new Kirin 955 2.5GHz 64-bit ARM-based processor for class-leading mobile performance. The 3000mAh high-density battery offers P9 users outstanding mobility and battery life.

Huawei is also unveiling P9 Plus, featuring a 5.5-inch Press Touch display and a larger 3400mAh battery. The P9 Plus also offers dual-IC Rapid Charge, giving users 6 hours of talk time after a 10-minute charge.

Leveraging Huawei’s industry leading capabilities in telecommunications, the P9 and P9 Plus offer unrivaled new features including a virtual-triple-antenna architecture, designed for users who need robust and seamless connectivity to cellular and Wi-Fi networks, to fully harness the power of the mobile Internet no matter where they are in the world. 

The P9 and P9 Plus also protect users’ privacy and information security with Huawei’s world-leading biometric fingerprint recognition technology. The enhanced fingerprint sensor allows users to personalize and safeguard their devices by significantly lowering the possibility of fraudulent or accidental device access, while also ensuring users can quickly and securely access their smartphone.

For more information, please visit: http://consumer.Huawei.com/

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@SamsungSA #Gear360 Creates Merry-Go-Round Experience #SouthAfrica

Hi Guys,

Samsung Electronics South Africa has officially launched the Samsung Gear 360, a 360-degree camera that enables consumers to easily create, view and share their favourite experiences through video and still image content. The Gear 360 is designed for travel, social gatherings and every activity in between to provide an all-encompassing visual experience. The new camera leverages the best of the Samsung Galaxy experience, allowing users to become the creators of their own virtual reality content to be enjoyed through Gear VR.

“Samsung continues to push the boundaries of the mobile experience, extending it beyond basic smartphone functionality,” said Craige Fleischer, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “On the heels of last year’s Gear VR release, the Gear 360 continues to push the limits on immersive content – providing a visual experience that makes capturing and sharing life’s moments even easier.”

Compact Design with High Performance for Every Activity 

The Gear 360 is a premium device equipped with dual fisheye lenses, which both have 15 megapixel image sensors, offering users the ability to capture high-resolution (3840x1920) 360-degree videos that also supports 30 megapixel still images. Users are also able to shoot 180-degree wide angle videos and images utilising only one side of the camera lens. Built for any time of day, Gear 360 offers Bright Lens F2.0, which creates high resolution images even in low-light conditions, where users can create full panoramic videos.

With a light and compact, spherical shaped design, Gear 360 maximizes portability to film on the go or for indoors. Gear 360 features a user-friendly tripod and is also compatible with a wider selection of accessories and mounts currently available in the market.

The Galaxy Experience 

“Samsung is not afraid to revolutionize the dynamics of hardware, software and service delivery to create devices that are designed to improve how consumers connect, share, organize and get more out of life. If there was ever a time to capture the essence and beauty of what every day experiences have to offer, now would be the time. And what better way to do it with a camera that allows you to capture these lasting memories,” continued Fleischer.

Synced with a Samsung smartphone, Gear 360 users are able to preview content in real time when recording. In addition, the Gear 360 can automatically display filmed content for users to view and save on a smartphone or to upload and share on social channels, including Google Street View. For a real 360 viewing experience, users can simply watch self-created content through Gear VR. All these features will be available through a dedicated mobile application that can be downloaded from Galaxy Apps, Google Play and PC software for more in-depth editing capabilities at launch of the Gear 360 locally. 

Gear 360 is compatible with select Samsung smartphones, including the newly released Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6. 

Gear 360 will be available in Q2 2016 in South Arica. 

For more information, visit www.samsungmobilepress.com or news.samsung.com/galaxy.

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Book me for your Brand's Influence at https://webfluential.com/TheLifesWay

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7 Tips For #Snapping Better #Pictures With Your #Smartphone #HTCOneLifeSA

Hi Guys, 

Smartphones have democratized photography, giving everyone the opportunity to unlock their creativity. Though it’s easy to snap a picture, it takes some technical suss and imagination to create a photograph that will get your friends on Facebook and Instagram talking. 

The good news, however, is that nearly anyone can learn how to take great snaps, provided they learn some basic disciplines and practice them until they become second nature. And with camera technology in smartphones improving all the time, these devices help you to capture meaningful moments and beautiful images wherever you are. After all, the best camera is the one with you, which is most likely to be your phone. It's getting so difficult to carry the DSLRs these days when you have 13-16MPs capacity camera sitting right in your pockets. 

Here are some general tips from HTC for using your smartphone camera to capture better photos: 

1. Pay attention to your background

Don’t get so caught up in focusing on your subject that you pay no attention to the background. For example, you don’t want to include the pavement rubbish bins when you’re taking a photo of your friend. Rather move closer or ask the person you’re photographing to step to the side to exclude the unwanted detail from the frame. 

2. Choose a perspective

Take your photographs from unusual perspectives to create interesting effects. Shoot upwards from a low angle to make things look large, or take your shot from a higher angle make things look smaller or to capture a larger area of detail

3. Zoom with your feet

Zooming with your camera phone results in pixelation and increases sensitivity to camera shake, resulting in blurred imagery. Rather get closer to your subject for the perfect close-up.

4. Avoid camera shake

To lessen camera shake, be as still as possible while shooting: take a deep breath in, hold, snap, breathe out.

5. Avoid using your flash

Using flash can give your photos a sterile, over-lit look, which can be especially harsh on faces. If you must use flash, why not cover it with some tracing paper to soften the effect?

6. Learn which apps and filters you love

Experiment with filters apps like Instagram to create a style that you like. When people see a pic with a particular filter, they’ll recognise your style. Pro tip: The VSCO app provides filters that are emulations of popular film cameras. There are hundreds of combinations you can create with the number of filters provided. 

7. Use apps to enhance your photos

Great photos are made in the editing process. Pro photographers almost always touch up their photos to get the exact look and effect they want. An app like Snapseed offers you basic editing tools and some cool filters to get you started. It also offers some features for heavy-duty editing once you’re more experienced.

I know everyone is master in their own art and style of photography they do and post on social media. Do share your comments and let's learn together and improve on our skills of mobile photography. 

Cheers!!!

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#BeBrilliant With The Latest @HTC One A9 #HTCOneLifeSA

Hi Guys,

HTC unveiled the latest addition to the award-winning HTC One family, the HTC One A9. Melding the best of HTC’s acclaimed design and innovation with the latest from Google’s Android, this is a stunning, no-compromise smartphone that stands out from the crowd. Built for people who want a better choice, the HTC One A9 is a smartphone that combines striking design on the outside with the newest features of Android 6.0 Marshmallow with HTC Sense on the inside to create an unrivaled smartphone experience.

“HTC is a smartphone pioneer, having delivered the first Android smartphone, the first Windows smartphone, the first 4G smartphone, and the first all-metal smartphone,” said Cher Wang, chairwoman and CEO, HTC. “Today we’re taking that heritage of innovation to the next level, unveiling a phone that stands apart in a market increasingly dominated by a company which controls every aspect of your phone. The HTC One A9 breaks from this trend by offering an incredible design, fantastic performance, cutting-edge software features and the freedom to take full control of your smartphone experience.”

Metalmorphics: A new standard of all-metal design excellence 

An evolution of the iconic HTC One family design, the HTC One A9 draws on the natural beauty around us, by using rich, striking colors and unique finishes – an approach called “metalmorphics.” New curves, refined edges, and precision-cut ridges on the power button flawlessly combine with the super-thin metal frame giving the phone a natural and lightweight feel. The elegant dual finish, available in a Carbon Gray, Opal Silver, Topaz Gold and Deep Garnet, is painstakingly brushed with hairline detail and bead-blasted before the sides are polished, giving additional depth and richness that is unique to the smartphone market. Finally, in a stunning fusion of metal and glass, a 5-inch, edge-to-edge, 2.5D Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4, Full HD AMOLED screen cascades into the metal frame, giving you brighter and more vivid colors for brilliant graphics and gaming, even in direct sunlight. 

Unleash your inner photographer 

Your best camera is the one you use whenever the moment strikes, so it should be able to capture stunning shots in any situation. The HTC One A9’s front and rear cameras, coupled with powerful yet simple editing tools, mean epic photos and videos are only a tap away. Its main 13MP rear camera features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which automatically minimises hand shake and corrects vibrations to give you a crystal-clear picture every time. Meanwhile, the front UltraPixel camera delivers the best self-portraits in any lighting condition, using HTC’s UltraPixel sensor to capture 300% more light than conventional smartphone cameras.

With the HTC One A9, no detail is too small. Offering an optional Pro mode to capture the perfect photo without being a photography expert, you can also save photos using RAW capture – a tool used by professional photographers – for an unmatched level of detail and post-shot editing flexibility. Or you can keep things simple with Photo Editor’s one-button enhancement feature, which automatically brightens colors and sharpens edges for unbelievably clear and crisp photos.

Sometimes a still photo just isn’t enough. With the HTC One A9’s Hyperlapse editing tool you can speed up your videos to 12 times as fast for a dramatic time-lapse effect, creating an immersive video that perfectly captures the moments that matter. Speed through your video or use capture mode to edit in slow motion, highlighting those unforgettable memories. Or use HTC Zoe to easily and automatically mix your best shots and videos into one professional-looking highlight reel that can be shared with friends and family to tell the story of any moment from every angle.

Awesome audio: music the way it’s supposed to sound 

Game changing audio has always been core to the HTC One family - the HTC One A9 delivers amazing sound quality, with HTC BoomSound™ integrated into the headset combined with Dolby Audio™ surround technology, delivering immersive, vibrant sound that matches a live experience in your headphones by taking high-resolution audio to the next level. With a built-in DAC that delivers audio at 24-bit, 192KHz quality – better than CD quality – it provides a richness and depth like you’ve never before heard from your music collection. A powerful high-output headphone amplifier, with double the output of other handsets, provides more power and dynamic range so you can hear every nuance of your favorite music, videos and games. Optional high-resolution audio certified HTC Pro Studio Earphones deliver both noise isolation and truly immersive sound.

Cutting-edge software: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

The first non-Nexus smartphone powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the HTC One A9 brings Google’s latest innovations and the simplicity of HTC Sense right out of the box. Combined with a multi-directional fingerprint scanner, Android Pay makes purchasing items as secure and as easy as “tap, pay, done.” Google’s Now on Tap feature also intuitively provides contextual information about whatever is on your screen – look up reviews for a movie from a text, hear a song mentioned in a blog post, or book seats at a restaurant from an email, all at the press of the home button.

With so many new features, the HTC One A9 has also been designed with all new power-saving capabilities to maximize battery life. Doze automatically turns off power hungry applications when your phone is left idle, such as when charging overnight, while App Standby knows when an app open in the background isn’t being used and shuts it down until you need it again. In addition, the phone’s new processor, AMOLED screen and support for the optional HTC Rapid Charger 2.0, for up to 75% faster charging are all optimized to maximize battery life throughout the day7. In real terms this means, for example, that you can play 12 hours of HD video on one charge.

Performance designed for the way YOU use your phone

Featuring the newest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 617 processor with integrated X8 LTE and 64-bit octa-core CPUs, the HTC One A9 is designed to deliver a perfect balance of powerful performance, fast connectivity and better battery life. With support for epic LTE wireless speeds through next-generation carrier aggregation technology, it delivers more high-definition streaming videos, more pulse-pounding high-resolution audio and more storage in the cloud to hold everything your heart desires. The phone is available in both 16 and 32GB configurations and features expandable memory, supporting up to 2TB in SD card storage, perfect for storing all your apps, games, photos, music and videos. 

To protect your smartphone, pair it with the HTC Dot View™ II case, available in Obsidian, Deep Garnet, Sea Coral and Turquoise Blue. Its retro-inspired dot matrix cover reveals instant notifications, weather updates, caller ID and more, even while closed, and simple gesture controls bring music, flashlight, radio and voice recording tools closer than ever. I am looking forward to see this phone in South Africa asap!

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 

Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!

Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 

Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in

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A Smartphone to “See the Great, Feel the Beat” @LGMobileSA #G4BeatSA

Hi Guys,

LG Mobile has acquired a reputation for being an industry pioneer, offering solid mobile electronic options to consumers across the market spectrum. The launch of their latest offering, the LG G4 Beat ‘accessible-premium’ device, is testament to this and gives a great competition to the market in it's segment. All the mobile manufactures this year are launching three range of devices - main, compact and premium or phablet types and so does LG with it's main G4, compact as G4 Beat and phablet as G4 Stylus coming soon too. 

LG took an emphatically human-centric approach by focusing on what many consumers actually look for in a smartphone; a great looking design, color rich display and a picture perfect camera for taking photos on the go. As a result the Korean manufacturer has delivered a device that is an every-day champion, creating what they believe is the critical success factor - a “Great Visual Experience”. 

LG G4 Beat is a stylish, high-performance, smartphone that takes inspiration from the premium design of the G4, positioned in the ‘mid-tier’ from a price point perspective, but emphatically premium as a package. The LG G4 Beat lives up to its positioning of “Uncompromised but Premium” 

The LG G4 Beat with its well-balanced specifications may arguably pass off as a high-end smartphone that I need to check on an actual review device once I get the same. Offering an 8-megapixel autofocus rear camera and 5-megapixel front camera, the G4 Beat has been designed to respond to the selfie phenomenon with the bespoke Gesture and Gesture Interval Shot features. It is powered by an octa-core, 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor paired with a 1.5GB RAM and includes an internal storage of 8GB and LG UX 4.0 – operating on Android Lollipop 5.1.1.

The 5.2 inch full HD in-cell zero gap touch display creates a slimmer look while maximising the display area and minimising bezel width. By bringing images closer to the screen, the in-cell touch displays offers improved sensitivity with faster touch recognition, better outdoor visibility and sharper images. 

Although more compact than its parent model, it has one of the most ergonomic shapes found on any phone on the market. The gently curved display with advanced metallic skin on the back is the most comfortable form of both viewing and holding a device, providing equal distance from all parts of the display to the eyes that allows no distortion. In order to maximize consumer value, LG Mobile will supply the G4 Beat with an additional ‘genuine leather’ back-cover in the box, through December 2015, further enhancing the premium positioning and the G4 Family DNA which is really cool by the way as this really enhances the look of the smartphone. 

Notable features reminiscent of the parent flagship includes Manual Mode which allows users take professional looking pictures by manually setting the white balance, shutter speed and ISO; Gesture Interval Shot; a Colour Spectrum Sensor and Laser Autofocus. I really loved this feature as it gives you access to all the setting on the screen and you can play with them to create your perfect shot without any post-processing of the photograph. The 2,300mAh removable battery also keeps the G4 Beat running through a full day of normal use. The LG G4 Beat will be available to local consumers in end August and I am really looking forward to get a review unit soon. 

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 
Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!
Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 
Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in 
Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Jul 2014

Hi Guys,

July is always special for me as it's my birthday month and last year I received my Samsung NX300 Mirrorless camera by virtue of winning #MissionSamsung Bloggers Community Challenge which gave me wild card entry into the finals of the same. 

1. Acquaintance of My Life! - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/07/acquaintance-of-my-life.html

This was my first attempt to make a poem parody and I was happy to write the same too. 

2. Launch Event - AUGUSTINEGold @ 26 June 2014 - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/07/launch-event-augustinegold-26-june-2014.html This was the first event party that I attended in Johannesburg from any other brands and I really liked the view from the top of Reef Hotel Elevate club.

3. South African Bloggers - Meet #MissionSamsung Community Challenge Winner - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/07/south-african-bloggers-meet.html This was the interview that got published on WeBlogForLove - Sandile Nene's esteemed blog and I really loved answering the questions. I am still looking for sponsors to my blog and can give then numerous tweets/mentions and posts for their gadgets or sponsorships.

4. Fly in the Rain - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/07/fly-in-rain.html Another attempt at the poem after which I don't think I have ever tried it again till now. 

5. Movie Review - The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman (2014) - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/07/movie-review-necessary-death-of-charlie.html Thought the film didn't do well on the box-office but I liked the movie a lot. It was an adventure journey in some part of Europe and I really enjoyed watching the movie. 

Life is full of surprises and your thinking  keeps on changing from time to time but the values which you adore/admire hardly changes. As I complete my 35 years of existence on this planet Earth, I have enjoyed myself and tried to enjoy every momemt as it came. I am hopeful and celebrate life as I start the next part of my journey with full vigor and enthusiasm. I love my friends, family and parents thought this first part, I have never told them so but in the next half I will do so a lot.

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews! Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay