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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ASUS South Africa Launches the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM Gaming Monitor in South Africa @ASUS_za

Hi Guys, 

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) South Africa announced that the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM gaming monitor is now available in South Africa. The 27" QHD ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM features a blazing 240 Hz refresh rate, rapid 0.03ms (GTG) response time and better heat management for immersive gaming

• 27" QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate for competitive gaming with exceptional OLED visuals
• This display features 17% higher peak brightness than previous ROG OLEDs, thanks to improved cooling
• A highly efficient custom fanless heatsink silently manages heat and complements intelligent voltage optimization to reduce the risk of burn-in
• An optional uniform brightness setting ensures consistent luminance levels, and DisplayWidget Center software helps users easily tweak system settings

Faster-than-fast game-changing displays

The ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM is the first ROG 1440p OLED gaming monitor with a superfast 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms response time. It comes with an anti-glare micro-texture coating to reduce reflections for a better viewing experience in all lighting conditions, and it offers 1,000 nits peak brightness.

The thermal design of the cooling system has been greatly improved to help reduce burn-in. It has a custom heatsink and a new internal layout to improve cooling. Internal airflow has been optimized and the top air vents are larger for improved heat dissipation. Heat is dissipated more evenly across the rear of the monitor. The average temperature is 5% lower compared to other 27-inch OLED gaming monitors, yet this panel has 17% higher peak brightness than the previous ROG OLED display.

Intelligent voltage optimization ensures consistent luminance for each pixel by controlling the amount of voltage applied to it. ROG worked closely with the panel maker to determine the correlation between OLED brightness, voltage level, and operational temperature. A smart algorithm coded for the panel optimizes voltage based on temperature changes to ensure consistent brightness across the panel.

The ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM also comes with Uniform Brightness, which keeps the illuminance level even when white windows change dramatically. Plus, the new DisplayWidget Center software makes it easy to use a mouse to change system functions and OLED settings via an intuitive interface.

Incredible Connection Partnership

ASUS South Africa has partnered with retail powerhouse Incredible Connection for the highly anticipated launch of this premium monitor. It will be available at Incredible Connection Sandton on the 30th of September 2023 and at Incredible Connection Canal Walk on the 7th of October. The monitor will retail for R34999.

There is an exclusive treat for our early adopters! When you seize the moment and place your order between September 18th and September 29th, 2023, you'll unlock an extraordinary R3,000 cashback. Cashback Don't let this golden chance slip away to enhance your tech arsenal with ASUS and Incredible Connection!

Instore Promotion

ASUS South Africa will host a Forza 5 Mini Tournament at Incredible Connection Sandton on the 30th of September 2023 and Incredible Connection Canal Walk on the 7th of October where the top speedster will race away with a thrilling R3000 prize pool. Registrations are open Sandton and Canal Walk and close.

About ROG

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand formed in 2006, from a passionate collective within the ASUS R&D division. Their shared vision is to elevate gaming experiences, making them more potent and attainable for all. From that day forward, our unwavering dedication has propelled us to craft extraordinary gaming and enthusiast experiences, consistently pushing the boundaries for players worldwide.

Links

ASUS Cashback: https://promotion.asus.com/en/za/back-to-school-2023

Forza Instore Tournament Sandton: https://www.mettlestate.com/forza-frenzy/eo7wf4

Forza Instore Tournament Canal Walk: https://www.mettlestate.com/forza-frenzy/d797wl

ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM gaming monitor product page: https://rog.asus.com/za/monitors/27-to-31-5-inches/rog-swift-oled-pg27aqdm/

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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How Galaxy Became the Ultimate Gamer’s Smartphone? @SamsungMobileSA #GalaxySseries

Hi Guys,

As the gaming world gathers at the Game Developers Conference to celebrate and discuss the latest and best innovations, learn more about Galaxy’s vision for creating the best mobile gaming smartphone on the market.

Since the days of the first Galaxy S, mobile gaming has transformed beyond recognition. The most popular games all used to be basic tap-and-swipe titles, but now mobile gaming offers so much more. As the mobile gaming market grows at 1.7 times the rate of the rest of the gaming world, innovation is in high demand.

The line between mobile gaming and PC or console gaming is blurring, and Samsung engineers have been working to obliterate it entirely. With the Galaxy S23, Samsung aimed to set a new standard for what a premium mobile device can do.

Well, mission accomplished.

With improved hardware, software, processing and more, the newest Galaxy smartphone comprehensively advances every aspect of the device. Galaxy has even optimized the games themselves through open collaboration with developers. The result: a world-class gaming experience with performance elevated in every area.

Creating the Ultimate Gamer’s Smartphone

At the heart of the Galaxy S23 series is the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. As the most powerful chipset ever in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, it’s what gives gamers an edge they won’t find on other smartphones. It makes graphics smoother, with more stable frame rates. And it’s more power-efficient compared to previous models.

That’s increasingly important as mobile games become more demanding. Graphics on mobile titles are getting closer to what’s possible at home. Processors have more 3D rendering challenges. More textures and objects in a scene, plus higher frame rates and increasing resolutions.

The Galaxy S23 handles all this with ease. Samsung worked closely with Qualcomm to optimize the chipset for Galaxy. When development began, the priority was to ensure early GPU compatibility, reliability and optimized performance.

The result is a GPU about 41% faster and designed to keep up with the demands of power users. The new CPU structure also boosts the processing abilities of the Galaxy S23 series by about 30% compared to the Galaxy S22 series.

Supporting all this is a key innovation empowering our gaming mission: Galaxy’s vapor cooling chamber. An overheated chipset may have to limit resources to protect both the user and the device. This causes game performance downgrades such as framerate drops. The vapor cooling chamber made larger on the Galaxy S23 Ultra and brought to the S23+ and S23 models, reinforces gaming performance as it dissipates heat.

All these advancements help address one of the latest gaming challenges – cross-platform gaming. This is when mobile, console and desktop versions of a game need to share data across devices. This results in higher CPU and GPU loads than conventional games, which is a lot to handle. Good resource management is critical, as is the intelligence to balance performance and power.

Making the Future of Gaming More Mobile

To excel at handling increasingly demanding workloads, a smartphone needs excellent hardware and software — and precise optimization to get the most out of both.

The Galaxy S23 delivers the fastest mobile graphics of any Galaxy device. But more importantly, it can now sustain intense gaming performance for longer periods of time than on previous the S series. This was one of the biggest gaps between static and mobile gaming, and Galaxy is closing it.

Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy is also designed to support new technologies such as ray tracing. Capable of handling light source effects such as shadows and reflection, the Galaxy S23 series could serve as the first platform for game developers to apply ray tracing effects on mainstream mobile games. But Samsung is not just ahead of the industry now. Engineers are already working on more future-ready advancements so Galaxy smartphones can handle even more complex effects.

While plenty of smartphones can play games well on the go, Galaxy is striving for something extraordinary. Something like the Galaxy S23 series. Or as we like to think of it, the ultimate gamer’s smartphone — that’s only going to keep getting better.

To dive deeper into Galaxy’s future-ready gaming innovations, including ray tracing, read the latest from developers here.

*Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish

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Enjoy The Journey With 5 Second Rule SA Travel Edition! @Solarpopgoplay #5SecondRule

Hi Friends, 

Small enough to throw into a backpack, fun enough to amuse both adults and kids on a car journey, and perfect to take on holiday, 5 Second Rule SA Travel Edition is packed with entertainment.

“The travel edition is a very handy and compact mini version of the 5 Second Rule. Throw it into your backpack or into your hand luggage because it can be played anywhere, anytime. Coupled with this is its South African flavour, making it more relevant and adding to the fun. We predict that the travel version will become a staple in the board game drawer because it’s so portable,” explains Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop—distributor of 5 Second Rule SA Travel Edition.

More about the game

Can you name 3 of the “big five”? Can you do it with the pressure of 5 seconds twisting down a mini timer and with other players staring you down? 5 Second Rule SA Travel Edition is a game of speed, quick thinking, and lots of laughs.

Ideal for all ages from eight to ninety-eight, it requires players to say whatever comes to mind, even if the answers are ridiculous. The game is a global phenomenon; it was featured on the Ellen show, and now there is a South African version created specifically for us. The version was created right here on home turf by a group of gaming enthusiasts who stretched their thinking right out of the box. What we have now is a stack of cards with some outstanding questions on them.

How to Play

The game concept is simple, everyone can grasp the rules easily. It hinges on people’s quick thinking and general knowledge. One player reads the question card, another flips the mini timer and the player whose turn it is has five seconds to answer the question. Every question asks the player to list three things—3 genres of music, sports where jumping is involved, and supermodels. Simple enough, but somewhat difficult under the crunch of five seconds.

“Unlike Trivial Pursuit, where players need to know facts, this game is about getting your brain working quickly with your mouth to spit out the words within the pressure cooker timeframe. There is no strict right answer and even if some of the answers are silly, you might still be awarded the point. It depends upon the group of people and the mood,” says Galliford.

The game throws some other curveballs to keep play interesting, such as cards you can play to skip a question or have someone else answer. Players also decide on how many rounds to play, which ensures that every game is different.

The variations in play make the game thrilling. You can take it seriously and be very competitive about winning, or you can play for laughs. The more players, the funnier the game becomes, with more people spouting nonsense and silliness at every turn.

While the game is for two players and up, it lends itself to playing in groups, which adds to the hilarity. It’s the perfect game to take along on a camping weekend, on a train journey, to the beach, on a hike, or to your favourite getaway spot.

The game offers immense play value, so it’s ideal as a gift, great to keep in the car, and perfect as holiday entertainment.

Available from Takealot, Hamley’s, and Toy Kingdom. RRP: from R199.99.

For more information go to:

https://www.solarpop.co.za/5-Second-Rule-Collection/5-Second-Rule-South-Africa-Travel-Edition.html

https://www.unplugyourself.co.za/

@Solarpopgoplay

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@Carry1st and @Nasty_CSA Partner with CallofDuty®:Mobile on Campaign in South Africa #CODMobileSA

Hi Friends, 

With the recently deployed dedicated server for Call of Duty®: Mobile in South Africa bringing gamers across the region accelerated ping speeds, local games publisher Carry1st and music superstar Nasty C have partnered with Call of Duty: Mobile to celebrate.

“We’re excited to partner with Call of Duty: Mobile to highlight the hugely-popular gaming experience to both players that already love the game and new recruits experiencing it for the first time!” says Carry1st CEO, Cordel Robbin-Coker.

The multi-award-winning South African artist, Nasty C, has answered the call of duty to lead the campaign across South Africa. An avid gamer and streamer, the rapper recently launched Ivyson Gaming - with an aim to provide better access to gaming lounges and experiences for South African gamers.

“I’ve been a gamer all my life and it’s amazing to partner with Carry1st and Call of Duty: Mobile to hype my favourite game in South Africa,” says Nasty C. “I’m excited to show off Call of Duty: Mobile to the next generation of players across the country!”

Fans of the game joined in the fun at Comic Con Africa from 22-25 September in Johannesburg. There, gamers got exciting Call of Duty: Mobile prizes and met characters from the game. Carry1st and Call of Duty: Mobile invite all fans to join in and put new game speeds to the test.

In partnership with African Cyber Gaming League (ACGL), Carry1st and Call of Duty: Mobile will host a Battle Royale tournament. Those at the top of the leaderboard will participate in a 5v5 private tournament for a chance to earn exclusive prizes.

All levels are welcome. Learn about the game, win spot prizes, and #AnswerTheCall along with your favourite gamers, including Call of Duty: Mobile ambassador Grant Hinds. And, just for visiting the Call of Duty: Mobile booth at Comic Con Africa, fans can earn a chance to win a VIP gaming experience with Nasty C, along with R5000 in CASH.

Download the game and experience it like never before! Call of Duty: Mobile is available for FREE on the Google Play Store and App Store. Download it here.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #10YearsofTheLifesWay. Support me if you want with USD 10 - https://www.patreon.com/TheLifesWay Namaste!

Change At the Editorial Helm for NAG @NAGcoza

Hi Friends, 

NAG publishers have been announced that Regardt van der Berg will be stepping in as editorial lead for New Age Gamer (NAG) Magazine. Regardt is an established content creator and gaming authority in his own right and brings a wealth of creativity and expertise to South Africa’s premier gaming and esports, sci-tech, entertainment and pop culture publication.

Len Nery, Publisher and Managing Director of Hashtag Full Circle, the parent company of NAG Magazine say, “Change at the editorial helm of a media company is never an easy transition to make, especially during these trying times we are all facing. But with Regardt in the NAG Editor’s chair, calm has been restored at the office. He brings with him years of experience in creating video and copy content focused on new technology, keenly consumed by NAG readers. So, I do believe he is a perfect fit and, as a result, look to the future with ardour.”

Regardt adds, “NAG has always been my second home, and I feel honoured to now be in the driving seat for the next chapter of South Africa’s longest-running gaming media house. These are big shoes to fill, but I’ve got the help and support of the incredible team behind the scenes that do all the real hard work. As I re-join NAG in an official capacity, I can’t help but feel like the proverbial band is coming back together.

Regardt van der Berg, Editor NAG

“Len Nery, Cheryl Basset and I were part of the original NAG team back in the early 2000s when cover CDs and print magazines were still the best way to get the latest software, news and reviews. It feels good to be back home, and I have some cool things from my travels to share with you, but all in good time. For now, we’re just going to keep doing what we do best; and that’s to bring you enjoyable content to read, view and scroll through while you pretend to be busy at work.”

Since its inception as a print publication 23 years ago, NAG Magazine has evolved with the times and the gaming trends it follows. Its loyal reader base now exclusively reads NAG online to stay up to date with the latest news in video games and geek media. NAG features an eclectic mix of content for anyone who is passionate about gaming and pop culture.

Visitors to the website can enter competitions, join NAG's social media communities and interact via Twitch. NAG also syndicates content to Times Live under the GamersLIVE banner and offers free press releases to their clients.

For more information, visit www.nag.co.za. You can also follow NAG on Facebook or on Twitter.

Cheers!!!

Contact Aashish Rai Jain at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate and promote your brand, services and products. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra #9YearsofTheLifesWay. Follow me on www.instagram.com/thelifesway for all travel-related photo posts and subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel too. Namaste! 

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#Streaming: The Gear, The Bandwidth And The Ultimate Platform @AcerAfrica @juliabishrobson

Hi Friends, 

Gaming is fast becoming commercially recognized and shaking off the archaic stereotype of being grunge and anti-social past time for the young adult. One of the key elements to be taken seriously as a gamer is to increase your online presence in ‘streaming’.

According to Julia Robson aka Bish, an Esports contender, and keynote speaker at this year’s Vodacom rAge event in Johannesburg, the need for gamers to share their gaming experience online is becoming prevalent. “Streaming allows any gamer to share and create content for their followers whether this is for Twitch.tv, YouTube, Facebook or Mixer,” says Bish. “These platforms create a space for gamers to share their live gameplay with an audience and interact with a community of other streamers and players.” If you are a ‘noob’ (new to the industry) you should not feel overwhelmed by streaming. Simply record and share on social platforms you are comfortable and familiar with and as your confidence grows as a gamer you can explore additional options.

Gamers have the option of live streaming or pre-recording sessions. Editing pre-recorded sessions allows the user to create edited videos or VOD (Video-On-Demand) which can be more user-friendly for their audience and the ‘noob, but it is not as authentic as a live stream. Bish uses her Predator gaming laptop to stream and recommends software called Wondershare Filmora which assists in uploading to various social platforms.

Picture Credit: Julia Bish Robson Twitter www.twitter.com/juliabishrobson

“It is important to grow with your channel, learn from others and find your niche.” Bish identifies her top influencers as Samplayze, HutchieOG, and Shazz, which she deems entertaining and reliable. As with all influencers on social networks, it is about creating content and knowing what your audience is looking for. “It may be easier for you to start to stream to friends and getting their thoughts and feedback first.”

In summary building, a streaming channel is a process and requires originality and dedication. With Twitch.tv gaining up to 15 million unique viewers per day and these viewers spending on average 95 minutes on the channel, the goal should be to eventually stream live from this channel and ultimately become an Esports star.

Bish shares her top tips for the starting your channel:

• Have fun and be original: It can be daunting to have a camera focused on you but soon it will become easy to interact and have fun with the audience. It is important to think about what would engage you as an individual and then populate that and make it unique to your channel
• Find your niche: Whether this is a summary of your play at the end of each stream, cosplaying during your stream or having quirky terms during your gameplay, think of ‘what you like’ and ‘what you are good at’.
• Security and Privacy: Never give away any personal details or sensitive information. It’s easy to get comfortable with the camera but always remember that content is streamed across the world and the same cautions apply as mainstream channels like Facebook and Instagram. Trolls and cyberbullies are not restricted to streaming and implementing NightBot as a chat moderator can assist with keeping unwanted attention at a minimum.
• Gear: A decent camera with a frame 1080p 60FPS or webcam with a minimum 720p will ensure the quality of your stream is decent. A stable fibre line of at least 10/10 mb with a stable upload and download speed. Other baseline requirements include i5 Intel processor, GTX 1060 graphics card and 16gb of DDR4 RAM. Anything over and above these specs will add to the viewer's pleasure.

Cheers!!!

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Five Key Features of a Superior #MobileGaming Experience @HuaweiZA #HuaweiNova5T

Hi Friends, 

Mobile gaming has come a long way in recent years, so how have today’s mobile gaming devices been able to close the gap with premium standalone units?

From the early days of playing Snake, it’s no secret that the arena of mobile gaming has evolved to an extent where it is now close on the heels of standalone gaming consoles. While the first few years of mobile gaming was characterized by crude monochrome dot matrix graphics and single-channel tones, today’s devices boast screens that even the most high-end TV sets would be envious of. Major gaming titles that were previously reserved for premium standalone consoles are now also available for mobile device download, highlighting a shift in the market.

Mobile devices require a certain amount of innovation to ensure a premium user gaming experience, including high processing power, significant RAM and internal memory, enhanced screen and speaker capabilities, as well as great battery life. Here are five key features that make for the ultimate mobile gaming device.

1. High-performance processor

For gaming in the mobile sector, users must consider the CPU and GPU of the device. The high processing power of an embedded chipset allows users to manage multiple tasks at the same time. In addition, an advanced chipset provides lag-free gameplay and overall greater user experience. Apart from this, users should consider clock speed and number of cores.

2. Impressive RAM and memory

Mobile games should be experienced with a device featuring at least 2GB RAM – the greater the RAM, the greater the experience. These days, large internal storage is advantageous when playing games featuring optimal graphics. These high-resolution games are most often around 1GB in size, so if you have a device that comprises at least 64GB of internal storage, then you needn’t be worried, and the phone should provide a smooth, lag-free experience.

3. Precise display and resolution

Although display resolution may impact GPU performance, the philosophy of ‘the greater the better’ does not apply in this instance. Users must remember that GPU capacity is related to display resolution, and if the GPU is not set up for top-notch graphics, it won’t provide the optimal user experience. For a premium gaming experience, users must look for a device that provides a resolution of at least 720p. Further, users should opt for at least a 5-point multi-touch screen to allow for easier control manipulation. In terms of screen size, mobile gamers prefer a larger display to truly enjoy a game’s dynamic and extensive interface. 

4. Immersive sound

We all love a good sound system that provides clear and crisp tones. In the gaming realm this allows the gamers to immerse themselves in the action, and, coupled with a high-end display, it allows them to be part of the game itself. With multiple gamers choosing to make use of the onboard speakers of the device itself instead of headphones, mobile devices must provide an extraordinary sound experience to truly satisfy hardcore gamers.

5. Sustained gaming

One of the most common annoyances for would-be mobile gamers is the fact that cellphone battery life can often interfere with gameplay. Mobile devices need to have extended battery life and speedy charging so that games are not interrupted.

The new HUAWEI nova 5T – The ideal device for mobile gaming

The new HUAWEI nova 5T is undoubtedly the optimal device for mobile gamers. It features the innovative and groundbreaking Kirin 980 Dual NPU AI chipset – the most powerful and intelligent chipset to date. Recognized as the world’s first 7nm mobile AI chipset, it is also the world’s first Cortex-A76 architecture chipset, the world’s first dual NPU design, and the world’s first chipset that supports LTE Cat.21. These all make for an exceptional gaming experience.

The HUAWEI nova 5T is equipped with a number of innovations such as Huawei’s latest EMUI 9.1 operating system, 8GB of RAM, and its premier GPU Turbo 3.0 (Huawei’s hardware-software integrated graphics processing acceleration technology). GPU Turbo greatly increases CPU and GPU processor performances and allows users to play more graphically-demanding games, boosting the average frame rate to the maximum level, and extending the battery life by reducing the SoC power consumption by 10%. These features culminate in a premium gaming experience, which is not only lag-free and fluid but is also a full-frame with reduced latency.

Currently, 25 games are supported by GPU Turbo 3.0, covering most of the popular games around the world, including Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, Vainglory, and Arena of Valour. The HUAWEI nova 5T also comes pre-installed with Google applications as well as Google Play Store, which means gamers will be spoilt for content choice.

In addition, its 6.26-inch Huawei Punch FullView display offers immersive viewing on a wafer-thin 7.87mm thick body that weighs a mere 174 grams. This mobile phone also packs Histen 6.0, Huawei's third-generation headset 3D audio technology, which supports 9.1 channels for an immersive 3D audio experience unlike ever before, taking gaming and entertainment to a whole new level.

HUAWEI’s nova 5T also won’t leave you stranded mid-game, as its 22.5W SuperCharge technology enables the device’s large 3750mAh battery to charge quickly, refueling to 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

The HUAWEI nova 5T comes in two creative color schemes – Crush Blue and Midsummer Purple. The smartphone is available on contract from the following service providers:

• Vodacom - R599 Smart XS+ Plan
• MTN - R599 MFMXS Plan
• Telkom - R599 FREEME 1GB Plan
• CELL C - R619 Pinnacle 2G Plan

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra! 

@rAgeExpo - Ramped up With A New Look And Feel And More Game Than Ever Before #comeandplay #rAgeExpo2019

Hi Friends, 

rAge has secured its spot as one of the most mind-blowing events to take place in Joburg each year. 2018 saw over 34 000 gamers and geeks swarm the TicketPro Dome, and this year visitors will once again cross the threshold to a three-day thrill-fest to get lost in the fantasy-inspired whirlwind of gaming, cosplay, geek culture, tech and gaming merch that is Planet rAge.

rAge 2019 has been ramped up another level with a brand-new look and feel, with the introduction of an awesome new logo, that rings in a new era of incredible for the event.

"The industry we're in is always updating things, pushing boundaries and doing something new. We've had the same look and feel for the rAge logo since we started out in 2003, so it was long overdue for a refresh!" Michael James, Senior Project Manager.

Tickets for the expo are on sale now and tickets to the NAG LAN, Southern Africa’s largest BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer/Console) LAN, will be on sale from 27 July via the rAge website, so keep your eyes peeled because they move like lightning.

The annual rAge expo, now in its 17th year, offers visitors a full weekend of gaming, technology, gadgets and geek lifestyle entertainment. Fantasy fanatics can literally immerse themselves in the culture, explore, touch and try out the latest gaming goods available, and escape reality completely.

New games to play, the latest gaming hardware to try out, esports play and spectating, locally developed games, show specials, competitions and giveaways – the weekend is going to be so jam-packed with things to do, play and see. Seriously, it’s going to blow your mind.

Check out www.rageexpo.co.za and come along to Planet rAge – You don’t want to miss this!

#rAgeExpo2019 #comeandplay #17yearsofawesome #agalaxyofgeek

EVENT DETAILS:

When is rAge? - Friday 27 September – 10h00-18h00

Saturday 28 September – 09h00-18h00

Sunday 29 September – 09h00-16h00

Where is rAge? - The TicketPro Dome, Johannesburg

How do I buy tickets to rAge 2019? - Online here or at Ticketpro outlets

Day Pass – R160 per person (ticket valid for entry for one day only)

Weekend Pass – R320 per person (ticket valid for entry for all three days)

Children under 6 are free

The following tickets are only available to purchase at the door:

Family Pass – R540 per family (ticket valid for one day for 2 adults + 2 children aged between 6 & 18)

Student Pass – R110 per person (ticket valid for Friday only upon presentation of valid student card)

How do I stay connected?

To stay up to date with all the rAge announcements and additional info, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or go to www.rageexpo.co.za.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

@Ubisoft Kicks Off A Revamped Tom Clancy's @R6esports With @PredatorGaming Sponsorship

Hi Friends, 

Ubisoft® announced its largest and most ambitious sponsorship ever for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Pro League and Majors, as it teams up with Acer’s Predator gaming brand through an exclusive partnership across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, from June 2019 to November 2020, kicking off this week with Rainbow Six Pro League Season X.

Deeply committed to esports over the past years, Acer’s Predator brand will become the official PC and monitor sponsor for Rainbow Six Pro League and Majors – starting with Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Pro League Season X and the recently announced Six Major Raleigh this summer – and provide a range of high-performance gaming hardware to support dedicated and highly-trained professional players while they are pushing their skills to the limit during Rainbow Six Pro League and Majors. Acer will equip pro teams with high-end Predator desktops, laptops, and monitors during warm-ups and official offline matches. Acer will support the games and esports enthusiasts as well with fully-equipped high-performance hands-on areas on site, where they’ll be the first to discover new Rainbow Six Siege content. 

This landmark partnership also includes co-branding and co-promotion, as well as an invitation for fans to join global giveaway contests, and a unique in-game challenge unlocking an exclusive Predator in-game item. Fans are also invited to watch the streams and follow Rainbow Six esports and Acer Predator on social media for the latest news, sweepstakes and competition highlights.

Rainbow Six Siege attracts and engages more than 45 million players worldwide, and its esports enthusiast community continues to grow by leaps and bounds. February’s Six Invitational saw another meaningful engagement progression, with a +31% increase in watched time over the week compared to the 2018 edition.

“Joining forces with Ubisoft adds an exciting new chapter in Acer’s initiative to promote and expand esports worldwide,” said Vincent Lin, Associate Vice President, Product Marketing and Planning, Acer Inc. “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six titles are legendary and we are thrilled to bring players to their competitive peak with Predator performance gaming PCs and monitors.”

“Both Acer and Ubisoft share a strong commitment to supporting esports professional teams and fanbase and we cannot wait to showcase the full extent of this partnership during our next events,” said Geoffroy Sardin, Senior Vice President Sales, and Marketing, Ubisoft EMEA. “Partnering with such a key esports and technology expert reinforces our confidence in the success, current, and future, of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six esports as it keeps on growing and maturing.”

In parallel with this new sponsorship, the Rainbow Six Pro League comes back with fresh adjustments:

• A revamped schedule including two play days per week for each of the four regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America,
• An update of the map pool to allow pro players to display their skills in the most competitive environment possible,
• The removal of the auto-relegation for more competitiveness within Rainbow Six esports program,
• An increased prize pool for the Pro League season, now reaching $626,000 (playoffs included),
• And much more…

Details of the changes coming to Rainbow Six Pro League Season X can be found here. 

For more information about Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six esports, please visit http://www.rainbow6.com/esports and follow us at https://twitter.com/R6esports. Fans can follow Predator on Facebook at @PredatorGaming (https://www.facebook.com/PredatorGaming/), Twitter at @PredatorGaming (https://twitter.com/predatorgaming), and Instagram at @PredatorGaming (https://www.instagram.com/predatorgaming/)

About Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

Alongside a thriving professional esports scene and a community of over 45 million registered players, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege puts players in the middle of a fast-paced, ever-evolving multiplayer experience grounded in the selection of unique Operators. Using the right mix of tactics and destruction, Rainbow Six teams engage their enemies in sieges, where both sides have exclusive skills and gadgets at their disposal. Defenders prepare by transforming the environments around them into modern strongholds, while attackers use recon drones to gain intel for carefully planning their assault. With access to dozens of Operators inspired by real-world counter-intelligence agents from around the globe, players can choose exactly how they want to approach each challenge they encounter. Through the constant addition of new Operators and maps that add to the depth of both strategy and combat, the unpredictability of each round of Rainbow Six Siege sets a new bar for intensity and competition in gaming.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher, and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, For Honor, Just Dance, Watch Dogs, Tom Clancy’s video game series including Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six and The Division. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets, and PCs. For the 2018-19 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,029 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com/.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer now is one of the world’s top ICT companies and has a presence in over 160 countries. As Acer looks into the future, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software, and services will fuse with one another to open up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. From service-oriented technologies to the Internet of Things to gaming and virtual reality, Acer’s 7,000+ employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!

#SouthAfrica Favourite #NAGLAN Raises The Bar @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2018

Hi Friends,

The much-anticipated NAG LAN is back at rAge this October, and tickets go on sale on Saturday 28 July 2018 at 09h00, both online and at Computicket outlets. As SA’s most popular LAN, tickets to the NAG LAN are expected to sell out mega fast, and this year – as promised – the organisers are delivering an even more impressive event and experience!

“For the first time ever, gamers will be able to pre-select their preferred experience in three dedicated LAN areas when purchasing their tickets. Two of the areas will be fully carpeted, one area will have padded chairs, and two areas will be quieter and more secluded from the noisy expo show floor, ensuring that the NAG LAN experience is more tailored to everyone’s individual tastes and levels of comfort,” says Michael James, Owner and Project Manager at rAge.

In addition to this, gamers will now be able to take forty winks at, next to or underneath their tables and will not be disturbed by security.

The more good news is that the changes to the NAG LAN also mean a bigger rAge show floor, making for a more interactive and spacious visitor experience, with more exhibitions and activities on offer this year.

The NAG LAN is Southern Africa’s largest BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer/Console) LAN event. Gamers from all over South Africa will travel to rAge with their gaming rigs, laptops and consoles, where they’ll then game for 52 solid hours! 2018 sees big name sponsors on board to ensure an impressive experience. Nutanix is sponsoring the servers, with Aruba supplying the switches and MWEB Fibre providing broadband connectivity.

“Not only is rAge a must-attend event in the calendar for gamers, but it also brings together a host of young talent who may well pursue a future in software development or IT. The sponsorship, and provision of the server architecture for the LAN, provides us with the perfect platform to showcase Nutanix as a next-generation platform for who we believe will be the future IT leaders of our digital economy,” states Paul Ruinaard, country manager Sub-Saharan Africa at Nutanix. “Furthermore, we have architected the NAG LAN platform to run virtualisation for a high-volume traffic environment, a step away from the bare-metal architecture they have used in the past. We are looking forward to seeing the benefits this yields for the gamers in a live environment.”

This year’s NAG LAN will prove to be an unforgettable experience for any gamer wanting to spend a weekend filled with meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones, as well as non-stop gaming 24/7.

Tickets cost R700 per person, which includes access to the expo all weekend, and will go on sale on Saturday 28 July at 09h00 at all Computicket outlets and online.

For more detailed information on the changes to the NAG LAN, as well as plans showing the new layouts and location of the three areas, go to the NAG website.

 

Cheers!!!

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