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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What Makes the HUAWEI nova 15 Max One of the Smartest Smartphone Buys of the Year?

Hi Guys, 

South Africans have become experts at doing mental maths. Every trip to the petrol station comes with a moment of disbelief. The grocery bill somehow climbs higher despite the trolley looking suspiciously similar to last month's. Electricity, insurance, school fees, data, subscriptions. It often feels as though the cost of simply getting through the month keeps finding new ways to increase.

As South Africans become more selective about their technology purchases, devices such as the HUAWEI nova 15 Max are helping to redefine what value in a smartphone really means. Starting at R7 999, the smartphone combines an 8500mAh battery, durable construction, advanced photography features and a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, challenging the assumption that consumers need to spend more to get more from their devices.

As a result, consumers are becoming increasingly selective about where they spend their money. They're asking tougher questions, comparing options more carefully and looking beyond flashy marketing promises to understand what they're really getting for their hard-earned rand.

Smartphones are no exception.

The era of paying more for less

Over the past few years, smartphone prices have steadily climbed. Rising component costs, larger memory configurations and increasingly sophisticated technology have all contributed to pushing prices upwards.

Yet for many consumers, the experience hasn't always improved at the same pace.

Nobody buys a smartphone because it has a particular chip or memory specification. They buy it because they want a device that lasts all day, takes great photos, survives everyday life and helps them stay connected.

The challenge for manufacturers is finding ways to deliver those experiences without forcing consumers into premium price brackets.

The features people actually care about

Ask most smartphone users what frustrates them and the answers are surprisingly consistent. Battery life runs out too quickly. Phones are expensive to repair after a drop. Cameras perform brilliantly in perfect lighting but struggle when life happens after sunset. Screens can be difficult to see outdoors.

These aren't glamorous problems, but they are the problems people experience every day.

That's why practical innovation is becoming increasingly important. Rather than chasing specifications for their own sake, many consumers are prioritising features that make a noticeable difference to their daily lives.

Why battery life has become a value feature

As smartphones have become our cameras, GPS devices, entertainment hubs and communication centres, battery performance has become more important than ever. A larger battery doesn't just mean longer usage. It means fewer charging stops, less reliance on power banks, and more confidence when travelling, working remotely, or spending long days away from home.

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max is a good example of this. Equipped with an 8500mAh HUAWEI Super Battery, it is designed to keep pace with modern lifestyles. Real-world testing shows it can support up to 23 hours of continuous video playback, while reverse charging allows the device to share power with compatible Huawei products when needed.

Getting more without spending more

The conversation around smartphone value is increasingly moving beyond price alone. Consumers still want excellent cameras, durable construction and immersive entertainment experiences. They simply want those features delivered in a way that feels accessible.

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max reflects that changing mindset. Its 50MP Ultra Vision Camera uses Huawei's advanced RYYB colour filter array to improve light intake by 40%, helping users capture brighter and more detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. AI Best Expression helps refine group photos, while the Extra-durable Body combines SGS Premium Performance Mark 5-Star Drop Resistance certification with IP65 dust and water resistance.

The device also features a 6.84-inch OLED Eye Comfort Display with up to 4000 nits of dynamic peak brightness, making it easier to enjoy content indoors and outdoors alike.

These are the kinds of features that directly influence everyday ownership rather than simply looking impressive on a specification sheet.

Value isn't just about the price tag

South Africans have become skilled at spotting the difference between something that is expensive and something that is valuable. Those are not always the same thing. The HUAWEI nova 15 Max arrives at a time when many consumers are actively reconsidering what value means.

Starting at R7 999, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max combines one of the largest batteries in its category, advanced photography capabilities, durable construction and immersive entertainment features in a package designed around real-world use.

Customers also receive a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1 499 at selected retailers.

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The Next Era of #Smartphone Innovation is About to Unfold #SamsungUnpacked @SamsungMobileSA

Hi Friends, 

At last August’s Unpacked event, I (TM Roh) shared my strategy to bring more empowering mobile technology to as many people as possible, especially at a time when they needed it most. Now, around one year later, our world is slowly but surely preparing to reopen in many ways. We’re all yearning for freedom and the possibilities that this new world has to offer thanks to advancements in technology that are set to make our world bigger than it ever was.

This past year, new technologies continued to reshape the way we live. Our collaboration with trusted industry partners allowed us to drive seamless experiences that offer more personalization and versatility than ever. As we enter this new era of agile transformation, I believe that open ecosystems are the only way to accelerate innovation and give people more freedom to create their own experiences that are best for their lifestyles.

Samsung Electronics is poised and ready to unveil visionary, purposeful mobile technology for a better world. In a few weeks, we will unleash our latest and greatest Galaxy Z series to reshape the smartphone category and completely reimagine your experiences.

Life Opens Up with Galaxy

Today, the world needs flexible technologies that give people room to explore. At Samsung, people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly listening to you to ensure that any new device and experience we create really bring meaningful innovations. We want to enrich everyone’s life, not just the lives of a select few. From epic cameras and vivid, immersive viewing experiences to long-lasting batteries and strong security, we’re focusing on what really matters to you.

As we explore new ways to empower you, we often venture into uncharted territory. That’s how we ended up creating a brand-new category with the launch of the Galaxy Fold. And we didn’t stop there. We kept improving the category with our second generation of foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold2 and the Galaxy Z Flip, with more screens and more of the features you now know and love. I’m excited to say our third generation of foldable devices will open up amazing new multitasking capabilities and enhanced durability for even more people around the world.

TM Roh

Samsung is Bringing More People into the Fold

This will be especially important as the world leapfrogs into new frontiers of connectivity that demand open ecosystems and reliable mobile experiences. At Samsung, “open” and “secure” are never mutually exclusive. In fact, our collaborations with trusted industry leaders like Google and Microsoft are why we are able to deliver mobile technology that is secure and optimized for today’s rapidly evolving and interconnected world. We constantly work with key partners to create cutting-edge security solutions that keep your devices and data safe every step of the way. This allows us to give you even more control over your apps, data and privacy, so you can curate your own experience — with total peace of mind.

Collaboration enables us to build mobile experiences that make your life easier and better. It fueled the development of a new unified wearable platform, which we built jointly with Google. On top of your favourite Galaxy apps like Samsung Health and SmartThings, there will be so many others in the new Google Play Store. Furthermore, our One UI Watch user interface is deeply integrated with our other Galaxy devices and provides consistent connectivity between your Galaxy Watch and Galaxy smartphone.

We are also working with Google to enrich our foldable ecosystems with popular apps and services. For our third generation of Galaxy Z phones, we have lined up even more partner apps that make the most of the versatile fold-out format. From hands-free optimized video calling with Google Duo and watching videos in Flex mode on YouTube to multitasking in Microsoft Teams, our foldable ecosystem will offer a wealth of seamless and optimized experiences.

A New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation Is Here

The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold combines the very best that smartphones and tablets offer and delivers completely new ways of working, connecting and creating, while the upcoming Z Flip exhibits an even more refined style, armed with more durable, stronger materials. I firmly believe these devices will answer the call for the versatile mobile technology we need as we navigate the open road ahead.

We are out to set new heights and open up a whole new world of exciting experiences for even more people. I hope you’ll join us as we debut our next Galaxy Z family and share some foldable surprises — including the first-ever S Pen designed specifically for foldable phones. Instead of unveiling a new Galaxy Note this time around, we will further broaden beloved Note features to more Samsung Galaxy devices. In the meantime, mark your calendars and tune in to our Unpacked event on August 11 to see what unfolds.

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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#TheLifesWay on @GoogleMaps #MyYearInReview 2020 @GoogleAfrica #LocalGuides #LetsGuide

Hi Friends, 

We all are so heavily invested in Google's ecosystem that sometimes we also start contributing towards the same knowingly and unknowingly to appreciate the benefits everyone derives from the various platforms they run. I too started my journey as a Local Guides which is a voluntary program for contributing to Google Maps around the world and I am representing Johannesburg, South Africa from the start. 

If I see where I was in 2019 to the place where I am now on Google Maps Local Guides journey it's absolutely amazing. This year I started contributing to the Local Guide Community platform too and reached several milestones there too. I reached Level 9 Contributor level this year from last year's Level 8. Overall I made 5793 contributions as a whole on the platform and successfully contributed for 27 weeks in a row. That's an awesome achievement by someone who is not regular on any platforms whatsoever. 

I got more than 3 Million views on the photos published this year but overall in 2020, I have crossed 26 Million photo views which were just over 1.4 Million in 2019. That's around 25 Million photo views in a single year on all the 10550 photos uploaded since I have joined the program. 

I also got 5813 views on the reviews published this year with an overall tally crossing 186000 views in 2020 for reviewing 204 establishments around the city and country. I wanted to take the same to 500 reviews but felt lazy and was focussing more on the Youtube channel also. 

The biggest feeling is to stay in the Top 1% contributor in Johannesburg, South Africa month after month for the whole year and I am looking forward to reaching the Top Level 10 contributor by 2022 and be part of the Connect Live Program in 2021 if luck favours me and Google sees my contribution in South Africa. 

I am a big fan of the Google Android Ecosystem and started my smartphone journey with Google G1 and then Nexus One smartphone but now I really want to use the latest Pixel 5 device as my day to day smartphone. I will continue to contribute to Google Maps and create more lists, write more posts on Connect Local Guides platforms, review more establishments and restaurants towards reaching a place where I shall feel satisfied with myself. Thanks to Google for making us part of them and giving us a platform where we are contributing to our city and country and building a local community too. 

This I am doing from a feeling of love and respect point of view for the Google ecosystem and I am sure, you will also want to become part of this amazing program called Local Guides! So don't forget to login into Google Maps and start contributing from wherever you are in this world! #LetsGuide #LocalGuides

@TheLifesWay contributions as of 15th December 2020

Cheers!!!

Support me if you like reading this blog post by buying me a cup of tea or coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheLifesWay Contact at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate and promote your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for giveaways, product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #9YearsofTheLifesWay. Namaste!

#TheLifesWay on @Youtube #MyYearInReview 2020 @GoogleAfrica #Youtuber

 Hi Friends, 

2020 saw an increase on Youtube as I thought of moving from writing blog posts to video creations but this process is still in the making but overall I got these amazing results from the Youtube email which I received as a content creator on the platform - 

• 235 minutes of new content 
• Gained 576 subscribers
• Gained 315,249 new views
• Viewers spent 159,785 minutes watching my videos in 2020
• Received 46 Comments
• Shared my videos 536 times
• My 75 videos received 6,192 likes in 2020

Let's continue to create new content on a daily basis and I have a lot of historical technology which I want to showcase on my channel. Surely, once I start receiving the new gadgets before their launch I can schedule my videos to go live on the same day of the launch event just after the completion of the launch event. Let's see what happens but this is going to be my goal in 2021. 

I am sure I will be able to make my own fan following in 2021 and also learn a lot of SEO optimization as currently, it's not the case on my channel. I want to complete 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of video watch time to cross the monetization threshold in 2021. I need your support and I hope to do so by creating some of viral videos which can be shared again and again. 

On this journey, I am going to make mistakes and learn from you guys, but keep appreciating my efforts and give me the power to entertain you on the go. I am still in the finding myself phase where I am not sure of which language to create content in and what to focus more on - travel or technology or launch events. This year was awesome for me based on this Youtube performance email and looking forward to creating something unique in my own voice which will be liked by you all in 2021. Have a great holiday and festive season! Take care and wear the mask to keep you safe and others too!

Cheers!!!

Support me if you like reading this blog post by buying me a cup of tea or coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheLifesWay Contact at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate and promote your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for giveaways, product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #9YearsofTheLifesWay. Namaste!

The Digital Dash for Africa #AfricaCom2019 @Connects_Africa #ConnectingAfrica

Hi Friends, 

Africa’s vast, untapped human potential is on the verge of incredible technological leaps forward with the rapid spread of digital technologies across the continent, along with the growing accessibly of NextGen technology.

Major obstacles facing the continent, include the structural challenges required to develop Africa’s digital ecosystem, along with the importance of building a skills base. This topic, among many that have the power to truly propel Africa into owning its digital future, will be up for discussion at AfricaCom happening 12 – 14 November in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Connectivity is the backbone of all economic opportunities and hence, Africa’s ‘thrival’ (beyond sustainability and survival to a thriving digitally enhanced continent). The connectivity track and exhibition Hall also explore and showcase what is required for the enablers of this desired thrival, the telcos, to become fully digital. 

Assisting in this evolution will be an entire plethora of emerging technologies. What these are and how they can help secure a digital future for all, will be unpacked in a dedicated panel discussion on Wednesday 13 November that will cover:

• How can we maximize the transformative impact of innovative technologies on lives and businesses in Africa?
• Seeing short-term practical benefits from new technology rollouts
• How can we effectively scale these technologies to solve society’s challenges?
• What are the key barriers to increased technology adoption? Who is best placed to overcome them?

The confirmed moderator for this session is Terryanne Chebet, General Manager, Metropol TV who will be joined by the Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT & Innovation, Republic of Rwanda; Isabel dos Santos, Chair, UNITEL; Carole Wamuyu Wainaina, Chief Operating Officer, Africa50; Juliet Ehimuan, Country Director, Google Nigeria and Charlene Verzmoter, Head of Philanthropy, Microsoft.

The growth of digital will facilitate profound advancement for Africa on a number of levels.  Perhaps the most impactful, aside from how it will enhance education and thus tomorrow’s businesses, will be the changing of the current business landscape. Enterprise Digital Transformation will, therefore, be a key theme at this year’s AfricaTech Centre Stage, a new show feature.

Sessions to look out for include:

• Technology is fundamentally reshaping the way we do business: What should enterprise leaders expect in 2 years, 5 years, 10 years and 20 years, and how should they respond?
• How is Artificial Intelligence transforming African business and how can it be used to elevate African economies?
• Improving mining safety and retaining competitive advantage: utilizing IoT to power Africa's largest industry
• Cybersecurity and data privacy: Don’t let rapid digital transformation and technology adoption become a double-edged sword!

Also sharing their knowledge will be some of the brightest women in world telecoms and technology, who will discuss industry trends, such as best practices of accessing global markets, opportunities and gaps on the continent, and an engaging Fireside Chat discussing what goes into deciding to invest in an idea.

The Women in Tech track will also turn over key issues for women in the industry ranging from the need for diversity in AI, to challenging the “bro-culture” coined by KRS Software’s CEO Lorraine Steyn, on the challenges women face in breaking into the industry, staying in it or returning to it, as well as making the industry more attractive for women, as well as how to attract top women talent to the industry through offering remote and flexible working conditions. 

Speaking up and speaking out, is a power-packed line-up of dynamic women such as:

Matsi Modise (Furaha Solutions), Baratang Miya (GirlHype and Uhuru Spaces), Carol Bouwer (CB Productions), Hannah Subayi (South Suez Capital), Tanya Van Lill (SAVCA), Anelisa Tuswa (ETV), Lebogang Miya (Mari), Lethabo Motsoaledi (Voyc.ai), Siyabonga Tiwana (Skywalk Innovations), Nomso Kana (SEDA), Emma Wade-Smith OBE (HM Trade Commissioner for Africa), Marilyn Radebe (Black IT Forum), Elisabeth Medou Badang (Orange), Lorraine Steyn (Khanyisa Real Systems), Louise de Beer (Leadhome), Kutlwano Mofolo (Tech Savvy Kids), Eugina Jordan, (Parallel Wireless), Cassandra Enyan (Google), Shivani Pillay (Uber) and Deseré Orrill (Ole!Connect).

Other highlights to factor in when visiting AfricaCom are:

• IoT World Africa
• AI Summit Cape Town
• FinTech Africa
• LeadersIn Summit
• Connecting Africa
• Headliners - are free to attend and the full line-up is available here.

More than 15,000 visitors will be building relationships and setting up deals at AfricaCom in 2019, along with tracking the line-up of heavyweight speakers and industry experts who will be sharing their knowledge and opportunities. 

AfricaCom 2019 is only days away, and registration is open for delegates and media who are ready to stay on trend with cutting edge insights from the industry leaders who make things happen on the continent. Diarise now, the talks and presentations you can’t afford to miss out on and get ready to take your place at AfricaCom 2019 at the CTICC from 12 – 14 November 2019.

Cheers!!!

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

@SamsungMobileSA Works With @Google App Partners & @Android #Developers For #GalaxyFold

Hi Friends, 

Samsung is unfolding the future with a first-of-its-kind mobile device: The Galaxy Fold. It marks the beginning of a new era in mobile technology, and Samsung has been working alongside partners and the Android developer community to design a new and complete foldable user experience. Efforts to design this software experience for the Galaxy Fold began at the framework level in April 2018. As part of this process, Samsung developed a whole new UX and collaborated closely with Google to provide integrated OS support from Android.

“We didn’t just build new category-defining hardware, we worked with major partners to design and deliver a brand-new mobile experience and foster an ecosystem that gives users access to the best applications and services,” said Justin Hume, Director: Integrated Mobility at Samsung South Africa. “This is software innovation that incorporates both an immersive UX and a new UI perspective to provide a seamless experience.”

Since the introduction of the Infinity Flex Display at SDC 2018, Samsung and Google set up test labs in cities across the globe – from Seoul to Mountain View to Beijing – to work with and encourage partners and developers to test and verify that their apps and services are optimized for the Galaxy Fold and the Android ecosystem. Alongside this effort, Google introduced changes in Android 10 to offer improved resisable activity, multi-resume functionality and an updated Android Emulator to help support multiple-display type switching – opening the door to future foldable device optimization. Now, select applications that Android users know and love have been updated to deliver an immersive, foldable experience on the Galaxy Fold.

“Together with ecosystem partners like Samsung, we have the opportunity to deliver an entirely new user experience that could transform the way we use our smartphones. We enjoyed working closely with the Samsung team and the Android developer community to ensure the users of the Galaxy Fold have the best experiences with their favourite apps and services,” said Sagar Kamdar, Director of Product Management for Android at Google.

Hundreds of apps have been optimised for the Galaxy Fold, including services from leading partners like Amazon Prime Video, App in the Air, Facebook, iHeartMedia, Microsoft, Spotify, Twitter, VSCO and more*.

“We are excited to work with Samsung to bring Prime members their favorite shows, movies, and live sports on the Galaxy Fold,” said BA Winston, Global Head of Digital Video Playback and Technology at Amazon Prime Video. “Bringing the Prime Video app to the Galaxy Fold will give customers a new way to experience Amazon Originals like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with Multi Window and Multi Resume.”

“App in the Air makes the travel process seamless and efficient, and by partnering with the Samsung Galaxy Fold we are demonstrating our commitment to expanding this technology through cutting-edge mediums, reaching our shared audiences of innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs,” said Bayram Annakov, CEO, App in the Air. “Our collaboration with Samsung is helping to build a more expansive ecosystem of services for our dedicated users – and we’re thrilled to begin this partnership with such an esteemed brand.”

“We’re excited to expand our long-standing partnership with Samsung by supporting their work to develop innovative experiences for consumers,” said Marc Shedroff, Vice President, Business Development, Facebook. “The new Samsung Galaxy Fold has the potential to usher in a new era of design, and it will be exciting to see what new use cases a foldable experience will unlock for users.”

“As the latest example of our continued commitment to joint-innovation with Samsung, we are excited to be a Galaxy Fold launch partner,” said Michele Laven, President of Strategic Partnerships Group for iHeartMedia. “With the multi-active window feature, iHeartRadio users will now be able to seamlessly navigate through their listening experience without having to ever switch between apps. This also aligns with our goal of providing a frictionless audio playback experience for your favorite live radio stations, podcasts, and custom Artist Radio stations.”

“Office 365 is built to help people maximize their time while creating their best work – no matter where they are or which device they’re using,” said Jon Tinter, CVP of Business Development, Microsoft. “We’re excited to extend the Office experience to the Samsung Galaxy Fold, and help people transform their personal productivity.”

“We are proud to continue our Samsung partnership with the new Galaxy Fold,” said Sten Garmark,

VP of Consumer Products, Spotify. “The Fold will take mobile productivity to new heights and enable a more seamless Spotify listening experience for our users. Simply open the preloaded Spotify app to connect and listen across the Samsung ecosystem. Finding your favorite Spotify playlist favorites like Discover Weekly, or Podcasts such as Jemele Hill’s Unbothered, just got even easier!”

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Samsung and expand the Twitter experience to the Samsung Galaxy Fold. We are looking forward to seeing how people on Twitter engage with this foldable experience and its evolution over time,” said Brent Horowitz, Vice President, Global Product Partnerships at Twitter.

“Our mission at VSCO is to help everyone fall in love with their own creativity and to build tools and spaces to help achieve this. We’re excited to continue our collaboration with Samsung to build deeper, more expansive experiences for creators everywhere,” said Bryan Mason, Chief Business Officer at VSCO.

With features like seamless App Continuity and Multi-Active Window, you can browse, watch, connect and multitask like never before. With Galaxy Fold, you can switch seamlessly from the cover display to the main display and you can run multiple apps simultaneously, on the Galaxy Fold’s 7.3-inch main display, revolutionizing the way you work and play on the go. These top applications and services and many more are now available in the Android ecosystem for the Galaxy Fold in the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store.

Cheers!!!

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

#Chromebook in Your Classroom To Become Content Creator @AcerAfrica #AcerforEducation

Hi Friends,

After allaying its critics, Chromebook has been labelled by educators as the essential classroom tool. In a recent study by Acer - European Schoolnet Educational Netbook Pilot of 2010, 74% of European based teachers who participated in the study believed that netbooks in classrooms will allow students personalised learning, and 89% of all teachers believe that netbooks will add value to improving computer literacy.

According to Peter Lacey, Education Lead for Acer Africa, the question is not if the Chromebook will enter South African classrooms, but when and how. Selborne Primary School based in East London decided to partner with Acer to introduce the Google Chromebook as part of their classroom learnings early in 2013. Through the Acer Premier Partner Program, Acer Africa has managed to successfully provide technology solutions to over 120 schools across its network. The success, according to Lacey lies in the fully customized solutions that Google and its platforms provide.

After comparing several solutions, the school’s governing body decided that the Google platform will be the best vehicle to move the school into the next phase of its technology journey. Sarah Friend, Grade Seven teacher at Selborne explains that, “ease of use is probably the stand out feature for me. This allows each pupil to use the device according to their unique learning ability.” According to Lacey this is what makes the Chromebook unique to any other netbook. “The Chromebook supports the learning material of a school’s current curriculum while allowing a pupil to expand this learning with additional online tools via the safe and secure Device Management System (DMS) and it’s always up to date.” The robust build of the device and selection of applications allows both educator and pupil to get the most out of the learning process. A recent study supports this claim reporting that more than 60% of students have indicated that their learning experience is enhanced by the Google Chromebook. “As an IT administrator of the school, I can manage our Chromebooks, the learning material and other Chrome devices, from a cloud-based Admin console or DMS,” says Friend.

“Since its introduction to the South African market, late in 2013, the Chromebook has had a clear and lasting value add in the local education sector,” says Alister Payne, MD of Google Cloud Solutions. Payne refers to the advancements of technology in the classroom as Tequity, or Tech Equity. “Bringing tech into the learning environment creates an enhanced learning experience.” According to Payne, Tequity reaches further than only the physical accessibility of devices, but the convenience of accessing information via a device as well as the simplicity thereof. Lacey elaborates on this point by conveying that technology should never be introduced to a classroom to replace educators, but rather to aid the facilitator to support pupils during the exploration and curation process. “This is the future of learning,” says Lacey. “Students become content creators rather than content consumers.” With a plethora of applications and collaborative tools at their disposal, each student consumes learning material according to their capabilities, making it a lasting experience. “There are different apps for everything from dissecting a grasshopper to taking a tour through ancient Egypt. Google Chromebook is an essential and interactive tool for the 20th century learner” says Lacey. By making this paradigm shift more emphasis is placed on exploring and comprehending content rather, than following a graded curriculum based outcome.

Another feature that is unique to Google Chromebook is the mobility. Students are able to work on group projects whether they are in the same room or not. Additionally, teachers are also able to evaluate how individuals contributed to group projects. Via the Google Classroom Assignment application, teachers schedule assignments on any subject and are able to track its project. Peter Lacey, Education Lead for Acer Africa add that this in turn creates a paperless classroom, creating a greener learning environment.

Although the adoption of the Chromebook in local classroom cannot be disputed, there are still a fair amount of concerns. These concerns are echoed in the Acer - European Schoolnet Educational Netbook Pilot where the three main objections to the Chromebook was the lack of support, distracted learners and limited access to internet. Even though the first two concerns have been discredited in the last five years, the latter is still a valid objection in our local environment.

The integration of Chromebooks in the Selborne classrooms have dissipated original fears which included the lack of support, distracted learners and limited access to internet. “The five year project has seen Acer invest in the Google Ecosystem Support Base in South Africa, and in this time learners have showed increased engagement,” says Lacey. “Although access to internet remains a concern in rural areas, urban areas are well serviced, and the current number of adopted schools will continue to increase.” Lacey concludes by saying that with government’s commitment to further reduce data costs the country is on the cusp of a connectivity explosion which will filter through to schools and allow for easier access to e-learning.

 

Cheers!!!

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

Product Review - @Solo_NewYork Ludlow Tablet Sling @Gammatek #EverydaySolo

Hi Friends,

Solo New York makes some quality products, and another product which I got to review and keep is this fantastic Ludlow Tablet Sling shoulder bag for my day to day use. This bag also offers unique features and indeed have made my life easy as I can carry my camera and mobile phones during any event or regular travel. Many thanks to Gammatek for bringing them to South Africa.

The product is of top quality right from the style to the colour of the material. This one comes in Black and Grey colour and has a little leather touch at the bottom front of the bag. The front side contains 2 pockets - first small one on the top side of the bag which has a soft interior side to keep your sunglasses etc. and second bigger one to keep your visiting cards, loyalty cards, pens, smartphone and charging cables etc. The zips on both these pockets are good quality and will last you long. This bag really increases your style and fashion quotient up a notch.

The central part of the bag is to keep your tablet or iPad secure with two portions separated by padded compartment and the front portion to keep your notebook or water bottle or sunglasses or headphones or whatever you want to put it. I used the same to keep my small sized Canon 100D DSLR camera which is easily fitted into this limited space bag. The only thing I observed in this bag is that it's not a backpack to accommodate everything you throw at it, so the purpose for this bag has to be separate. Keep that in mind, and it will help you organise your essentials.

Solo Ludlow Tablet Sling bag can efficiently serve you for a quick meeting with some client where you need to show him something on your iPad or MacBook or 10-11" notebooks. It can only be used to keep something small as the width of the bag is limited, and zips won't get closed easily then. I have taken this bag on a weekend trip to keep my mobile phones, passports and other documents along with a water bottle and it served me perfectly. On another occasion, I kept my Canon 100D DSLR and a prime lens, and it fitted perfectly in this bag. Now today I tried using it with Acer Swift 3 laptop but its boundaries passed the zippers, and it could not be closed. I am sure it will work well with 10" tablets with keyboard attachments.

The Solo bag is locally available at Gammatek and also at takealot.com and other online retailers. There are some pictures on my Instagram page for you to check out regarding the bag. Go check out some of the fantastic backpacks and covers from Gammatek and Solo New York. I really loved this bag for my day to day usage, and I am sure because of its build quality it will last me for at least 2-3 years. 

Cheers!!!

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

Product Review - @Solo_NewYork Everyday Max Backpack @Gammatek #EverydaySolo

Hi Friends,

There is always a market for backpacks and laptop bags as they don't last that long whatever age group you belong to. I can still remember, I have changed backpacks every 6-8 months during my engineering that is nearly every semester and during school time every year. Also during MBA studies, I used a messenger bag which my brother bought from Singapore and gifted me. It's in dying or throwaway condition but I have still kept it with me since 11 years after MBA to keep my educational documents secure. 

I was introduced to this amazing new product from Solo New York via Gammatek South Africa which I was totally unaware of. I got this bag for 2 weeks to use it and I only used it on my weekend trip to Badplass, Forever Resorts. The best part of taking this bag was the conversion to duffle bag if not used as a laptop bag or even with a laptop, the same can be used as a weekender bag. 

The first thing, after being unheard of this Solo New York Brand which amazed me was the quality of the construction and the amazing details to make this backpack look amazingly beautiful. From the zips to the handles of the zips, everything was picture perfect and colour combination was something that will inspire you to carry it all along. There are some pictures on my Instagram page for you to check out regarding the bag.

Some of the features of Solo Everyday Max Backpack are -

• Fully padded 17.3" laptop compartment
• Internal iPad/tablet pocket
• Separate Shoe compartment at the bottom of the bag in an upright position keeps shoes and socks separate
• Large size zippered pockets to keep your extra stuff on the go!
• Duffle bag zip for opening the bag for easy access to clothes and stuff during weekend travel or otherwise 

The backpack is big being 17.3" laptop bag but the padding is enough to support the weight of the same. I bought a 17" laptop bag from Targus last year but I could feel the difference in the quality on Solo New York once as compared to Targus one. My last backpack was from Google for its employees and it lasted around 8 years (from Singapore to Switzerland to London to South Africa) and it didn't have any brand. Solo Everyday Max Backpack will serve you well too and is available in South Africa. I had to let it go before I could fall in love with it and couldn't live without it but this is one bag where I could place my money without any analysis or experimentation.

The empty bag only weighs 1 kilogram and that saves you with at least 6 kgs to make it your cabin baggage while you travel overseas or local. It can carry your 1 pair of full clothes without any towels but with all your electronics for an overnight trip or general travel as a laptop bag. The bag design is upmarket with charcoal grey and blue combination with the yellow stint at the zippers. The bag is surrounded by handles on three sides to carry it as per your choice and has internal compartments to keep your toiletries separate. The front pocket can easily keep your passport or mouse and charge cables etc.

The only con I could find is that if you are lost in your own world while travelling someone can easily open your duffle bag zipper compartment and take out your expensive Bose headphones or Kindle etc.

I really loved the backpack and will check out more from Solo New York and Gammatek website and buy one someday when I need to travel overseas. You can check them out too!

Cheers!!!

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

My Life #MyGoogleZA Way @GoogleAfrica #Apps #SearchEngine

Hi Guys, 

Google as I understood is something that brought the world closer to me and my awareness suddenly grew multi-fold to make me what I am today. Search Engine kept breaking all the fundamentalist attitude I had towards life. It broke all those shackles of superstitious I grew up with and challenged them in my brain to amend the same. 

Google Doodle - South Africa Freedom Day 2016

Gmail (by invite only) brought my friends and MBA assignments closer to work on the same as well as built-in-chat function which saved a lot of time. Orkut has testimonials written over by my close friends to showcase how wonderful I am or it was the Google technology behind that? 

YouTube made me realize that I no longer need to go outside my home to find a teacher to learn photography or playing guitar but can work out on my own using the videos people shared from around the world. Now I have access to all the libraries of knowledge and even Geniuses in the areas can be my teachers without any payments to be made or admissions to be taken in universities. 

Google G1 brought “Android” in my pockets and along with the same my wandering in search of addresses was resolved with Google Maps slowly building itself with camera fitted cars going around the town worldwide to give me Street view. It helped me greatly on vacations as I could see beforehand where I am getting to. Not only I could see the city but also the beautiful planet with Google Earth. 

I kept saving my words and thoughts on the Google Drive and today I can still see all the shared planning files I had for my marriage 8 years ago with my wife.

That’s my and TheLife'sWay Blogger journey too with #MyGoogleZA and I hope yours will be exciting too!

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 

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

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Precautions to keep Data Safe in case of Stolen Mobile #HTCOneLifeSA

Hi Guys, 

Smartphones are easily stolen or lost, which means that it’s important to take the appropriate steps to improve the security of your device and data. Here are some tips on how you can keep your information safe from prying eyes if your smartphone ends up in a stranger’s hands:

1. Set a screen lock 

A screen lock is designed to help to protect your personal information and prevent others from using your mobile device without your express permission. Most modern smartphone platforms make it easy for you to put a password in place that prevents unauthorized people from accessing your device when the screen is locked. This is the first step towards security. 

2. Consider installing a security application

Many mobile apps are available to enhance the security of mobile devices. These security-related apps are often available for free or at a low price and can provide the capability to remotely lock, locate, or wipe your device.

3. Back up your data 

You probably keep valuable information on your smartphone, including photos, videos, and contacts, so backing up your data in case your smartphone is lost, damaged, or stolen is a good practice.

4. Set a SIM PIN

Many devices support the use of a personal identification number (PIN) to lock your SIM card. Setting the SIM PIN may help to prevent people from accessing your cellular voice or mobile data services without authorization. That will help prevent a thief running up your phone bill after he or she has stolen it. This was the biggest problem I faced when he started calling and sending my friends and family random text messages which were vulgar and rude. 

What to do if your device is lost or stolen

• Report the loss to your mobile network as soon as possible: If your device is lost or stolen, immediately notify your provider so that they can suspend service to your device.
• Remotely locate, lock, or wipe your device using a security app: If you have installed a security app you may be able to use it to remotely locate, lock, or wipe your device.
• Report phone theft to the police - If your phone has been stolen, you must report the theft of your device to your local police department. This is a legal requirement of the Regulation of Interception of Communication and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act 2002, better known as RICA. You will probably also need a police case number if you planning to claim from insurance.

Take precautions to keep the mobile away from the display while driving on the highway or in town at robots. It's important as we don't remember anything these days as we have a habit to keep the device as our personal assistant with calendar, meetings, apps, mobile numbers and important goals. Also, always look behind on the seats you were sitting before leaving any location whether it's office, movie theater, restaurants or any other place you visit for the first time to keep a tab on your phone. 

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 
Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!
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