A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Jun 2018 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Friends, 

June is the time when winters are trying to take over South Africa in its full form. I like this month as this is the birthday month of my mother and subsequent month it's my birthday and then it's my brother and his daughter in August, September sees my daughter and my dad's birthday. It's a long continuous celebration of the birthdays in our family. 

1. 5 Years of www.TheLifesWay.com #TheLifesWay #Birthday #Blogpost #5YearsofTheLifesWay - https://www.thelifesway.com/2018/06/5-years-of-wwwthelifeswaycom_19.html - Last year I completed 5 years on my blog and wrote this blog post thinking about what I got in the previous year. I am very happy with the progress the blog has made with all the efforts put into the same. 

2. 10 Things You Never Knew About @Marvel Studio's @TheBlackPanther #WakandaForever - https://www.thelifesway.com/2018/06/10-things-you-never-knew-about-marvel.html - Black Panther was the talk of the town world over last year and I shared some of the 10 things from the movie and production side. Black Panther is much awaited in the next seasons. 

3. 1 Day To www.TheLifesWay.com 5th Birthday Celebrations #5YearsofTheLifesWay #27Dec2017 #AllTheBest - https://www.thelifesway.com/2018/06/1-day-to-wwwthelifeswaycom-5th-birthday.html - Finally I was able to finish all the pending posts which have to be written before 27 Dec was only finished by 18th June 2018. Whatever you think but I had to specifically make myself complete these pending blog posts. It took me a lot of time and thinking to finish these posts. 

Aashish Rai Jain in Cape Town 2019 Trip with Family

4. How Good is the @HuaweiZA #P20Pro #SmartphoneCamera? Watch the TV ad to find out #OOO - https://www.thelifesway.com/2018/06/how-good-is-huaweiza-p20pro.html - Huawei P20 Pro is my day to day smartphone since Sep 2018 now and I am totally in love with the same. My wife now is demanding of the same so I am giving her mines with a new battery replacement scheme going on at Huawei Service Centres for R199. 

5. Badplaas @ForeverResortSA Boasts With New Hydro and Spa @ForeverBadplaas #ForeverResort - https://www.thelifesway.com/2018/06/badplaas-foreverresortsa-boasts-with.html - Forever Resorts run many relaxing and holiday homes around the country and last year when they launched a new Hydro SPA in Badplaas, they invited me with family for a night to the event. I extended it to 2 nights by paying for my family and really enjoyed my stay at the resort. 

This year June 2019, I always look forward to seeing the Disney on Ice festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, and many other new movie premiers and new product launches. June will also see me complete 12 years in my organization and what a wonderful experience it has been! Thank You!!!

Cheers!!!

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

THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA #Movie @WarnerBros_sa #LaLlorona @LaLlorona #Contest

Hi Friends, 

La Llorona. The Weeping Woman. A horrifying apparition, caught between Heaven and Hell, trapped in a terrible fate sealed by her own hand. The mere mention of her name has struck terror around the world for generations. 

In life, she drowned her children in a jealous rage, throwing herself in the churning river after them as she wept in pain. 

Now her tears are eternal. They are lethal, and those who hear her death call in the night are doomed. La Llorona creeps in the shadows and preys on the children, desperate to replace her own. As the centuries have passed, her desire has grown more voracious…and her methods more terrifying. 

In 1970s Los Angeles, La Llorona is stalking the night—and the children. 

Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. Their only hope to survive La Llorona’s deadly wrath may be a disillusioned priest and the mysticism he practices to keep evil at bay, on the fringes where fear and faith collide. 

Beware of her chilling wail…she will stop at nothing to lure you into the gloom. 

Because there is no peace for her anguish. There is no mercy for her soul. 

And there is no escape from the curse of La Llorona. 

Copyright: © 2018 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC

Since May 3, 2019, this timeless Mexican legend comes to terrifying life in New Line Cinema’s “The Curse of La Llorona.” 

The film is produced by Emile Gladstone, Gary Dauberman (“IT” and “Annabelle” franchises) and James Wan (“The Conjuring” universe). Michael Chaves, who won Shriekfest’s Best Super Short Film in 2016 for “The Maiden,” makes his feature directorial debut. 

The film stars Linda Cardellini (Netflix’s “Bloodline,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,”); Raymond Cruz (TV’s “Major Crimes”); Patricia Velasquez (TV’s “The L Word,” “The Mummy” films); and Marisol Ramirez (TV’s “NCIS: Los Angeles”). The cast also includes Sean Patrick Thomas (the “Barbershop” films, “Halloween: Resurrection”), Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen (“Selfless”) and newcomer Roman Christou. 

Chaves directs from a screenplay by Mikki Daughtry & Tobias Iaconis. The behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Michael Burgess, production designer Melanie Jones, editor Peter Gvozdas and costume designer Megan Spatz. The music is by Joseph Bishara (the “Annabelle” and “Conjuring” films). 

New Line Cinema presents An Atomic Monster/Emile Gladstone Production, “The Curse of La Llorona.” 

I am sure you have time as Game of Thrones is going to end and New SA Government is also in place and Cricket World Cup will only start a little later in 2 week time, so go and check out this Horror, Thriller Entertainment Movie at its best. 

If you want to win some goodies, send out your tweets about your stories/versions/experiences of La Llorona or other local legends and ghost stories www.twitter.com/thelifesway and Warner Bros using hashtag #LaLloronaSA

Cheers!!!

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

Western Digital Strengthens its Presence with a More Diversified Offering for #SouthAfrica

Hi Friends, 

Western Digital Corporation, a global leader in data technology, is reaffirming its presence in South Africa with a more diversified portfolio of data storage devices. This allows local consumers to access a wide range of WD®- and SanDisk®-brand products.

Western Digital’s product line includes the SanDisk mobile storage solutions portfolio, with storage devices such as the iXpand™ flash drive, SanDisk Ultra™ Dual Drive m3.0, microSD™ and SD™ cards (SanDisk Extreme™ and SanDisk Extreme PRO™); SanDisk external SSDs; and WD internal SSDs. With after-sales service being a key driver locally, Western Digital will continue to assert its efforts in this regard.

Speaking on the diversification, Ghassan Azzi, Senior Sales Manager for Africa Western Digital said, “The amount of data that people generate is growing exponentially year on year, highlighting a shift in storage habits that is currently underway not just globally but also locally. Storing data is not just about unlimited space, but it is also about security. Western Digital offers secure, high-performance, high-capacity and high-quality storage solutions to cater to the growing needs and lifestyles of consumers in South Africa”. 

SanDisk Mobile Storage Solutions

iXpand – The iXpand flash drive is the ideal companion for your iPhone or iPad that enables you to free up space, back up your camera roll and even watch videos straight from the drive.1 The iXpand flash drives are equipped with a Lightning connector and a USB 3.0 connector so users can move files between iPhone, iPad, and Mac or PC computers. Users can also set the iXpand mobile app to automatically back up their iPhone or iPad camera roll anytime the product is connected.2 It comes in 32|64|128|256 GB capacities.*

Dual Drive – The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0 is for Android™ devices and enables the movement of content from your OTG-enabled Android smartphones to your computer.3 Quickly free up space on your Android smartphone or tablet so you can take more pictures and videos. It comes in 16 |32|64|128|256 GB capacities.*

400GB micro SD card – The SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card is perfect for recording and watching Full HD video, with room for hours of video.4 Ideal for Android-based smartphones and tablets, this card’s A1 rating means that you can load apps faster too.5 This card racks up transfer speeds of 100MB/s** and can move 1,200 photos per minute.6With a capacity of up to 400GB*, you can store even more hours of Full HD video on the card without worrying about running out of room for the videos, photos, music, movies and other files you want to shoot, save and share.

SanDisk external SSDs

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD – This ruggedized portable SSD delivers high-speed transfers of up to 550MB/s** making it perfect for saving and editing hi-res photos and videos. With an IP55 rating and a solid-state core, it also stands up to rain, spills, dust and drops.7 It comes in 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities.*

WD Internal SSDs

WD internal SSDs – A wide range of Western Digital internal SSDs which bolster your PC with upgraded speed and reliability.

WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD

The WD BLACK™ SN750 NVMe™ SSD delivers top-tier performance for gaming and hardware enthusiasts who are looking to build or upgrade their PC. The WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD rivals some of the best performings drives on the market to help give gamers that competitive edge.

Product Highlights

• · Revolutionary 64-layer 3D NAND Technology.
• · Read speeds up to 3470 MB/s** (500GB and 1TB models) for improved load times
• · A sleek design to customize your gaming rig
• · An exclusive WD Black SSD dashboard with gaming mode

WD Green™ SSD - The WD Green SSDs are meant for a quintessential level of performance. These can be best suited for day to day functionality and can reach read and write speeds of up to 540 MB per sec and 405 MB per sec respectively while using ultra-low power draw mode.**

WD Blue™ SSD – It is the best option for those who are looking for a performance that excels in SATA standards and reaches read and write speeds of up to 545 MB per sec and 525 MB per sec respectively.**

Beyond Surveillance

12TB WD Purple Hard Drive

WD Purple drives have been engineered specifically for the extreme demands of high temperature, 24/7 surveillance systems. With a supported workload rate of up to 180 TB/yr8 and support for up to 64 cameras, WD Purple drives are optimized for surveillance systems. It is engineered for quality video playback when you need it most.

256GB WD Purple microSD Card

WD Purple™ microSD™ cards range from 32GB to 256GB* for both motion-triggered and continuous recording, as well as a variety of camera, resolution, and recording implementations. Weather-resistant WD Purple™ microSD cards endure temperatures from -25°C to 85°C to help capture uninterrupted surveillance footage through extreme weather conditions and climates.

14TB Ultrastar Hard Drive

This has up to 14TB* capacity in a standard 3.5-inch form factor. Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) technology works seamlessly in capacity enterprise environments.

WD external SSDs

My Passport™ Wireless SSD: The My Passport Wireless SSD is an all in one portable drive that helps preserve photos and videos captured on your cameras and drones. The one-touch copy button lets you back up photos and videos with the built-in SD™ card reader without a laptop. It comes in 250 GB|500 GB|1 TB|2 TB capacities.*

MY PASSPORT SSD

My Passport SSD: The My Passport SSD is portable storage with blazing-fast transfers. Password protection with hardware encryption helps keep your content secure. Easy to use, it’s shock-resistant, compact storage in a cool, durable design. It comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities.*

WD hard drives

My Passport - My Passport portable drive is trusted to store the massive amounts of photos, videos, and music you love. Available in an array of vibrant, fun colors, the sleek style fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, so you can easily take your treasured content everywhere you go. It comes in 1TB, 2TB, 3TB and 4TB capacities.*

WD internal hard drive

WD Purple – WD Purple drives have been engineered specifically for the extreme demands of high temperature, 24/7 surveillance systems. Built for 24/7, always-on, high-definition security systems. With a supported workload rate of up to 180 TB/yr7 and support for up to 64 cameras, WD Purple drives are optimized for surveillance systems.

WD Red™ - With drives up to 10TB*, WD Red drives offer a wide array of solutions for customers looking to build a high performing NAS storage solution. Built for single-bay to 8-bay NAS systems, WD Red drives pack the power to store your precious data in one powerhouse unit.

WD Blue - Boost your PC storage with WD Blue drives, the brand designed just for desktop and all-in-one PCs with a variety of storage capacities.

Mobile SSD 

G-DRIVE mobile SSD

The ruggedized G-DRIVE mobile SSD features transfer speeds up to 560MB/s** and a backward compatible USB-C™ port to deliver high-performance storage.

Cheers!!!

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

Be As Human As Possible - Jodene Shaer @JodeneShaer @MadexExpo #TheOriginalMarketingExpo

Hi Friends, 

Social video content is continuing to explode, especially vertical video, which is created to be viewed in portrait mode, where the image is taller than it is wide. (This is because people mostly hold their smartphones vertically to scroll and tap through stories.) 

“If as a brand you have not yet embraced social video to communicate with your customers, do it now,” says Jodene Shaer, co-owner of the social media company, Chat Factory, and speaker at this year’s Madex 2019, #TheOriginalMarketingExpo. 

“Video content is becoming a vital part of the algorithms across the networks. At the same time, it is also turning out to be increasingly difficult to get away with a last-minute social media campaign or the posting of images and a stolen quote and expecting large engagement,” she points out. “The social networks have started to shift more emphasis and heavier visibility onto video, and within the near future it is going to be the only media that will stand you a chance to reach your audience at all.” 

Although social networks, as well as fantastic apps for creativity and editing, are available to all, even the best software can make a story fall flat. The reason for this is that consumers can spot a fake faster than a socialite can point out a counterfeit luxury handbag. 

“To attract consumers’ attention and get them to truly engage with and trust your brand, you need to be genuine. Luckily, this is another plus for using social video: if done right, video can clearly communicate your authenticity,” highlights Shaer. 

Keep it real 

Perfection does not make us human. Perfection and zero faults are what we look for in robotics and computer programs. Traits such as empathy, passion, humor and frailty, these make us human. Ironically, it’s often through showing imperfections that trust is created amongst consumers, as opposed to a super polished and (very expensive) edited ad campaign video. 

It’s the video that speaks to someone’s humanity that is the one that will be the most shared. Building trust online is tough, which is why connecting on a personal level is important. 

Opportunely, this is another bonus for social video communication. In the world of social networks, everyone has a chance to succeed. Social video as a medium level the playing field for large corporations, small businesses and everyone in between. Small businesses can for example target the same audience as big brands. Also, consumers are savvy and can quickly differentiate between real and advert, which means that the ‘real’ leads to sales as much, if not more, than the blatant ad. It’s a matter of who did it best and not who had the biggest budget. 

In this context, if video killed the radio star, then it can also be foreseen that the social network storefront – be it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or LinkedIn – is quickly killing the display window of a brand’s website, with more and more consumers first either checking out, or being lured in by a brand’s social media presence. 

Of particular advantage to the business, is that social networks allow brands to know their customer is ‘walking through the door’. According to TechCrunch, one in five Instagram Stories shared by a brand receive a direct reply. 

The opening line 

“When trying to figure out where to start with video content, take the gentler route and turn to Instagram Stories and the growing Facebook Stories platforms. Playing around with short videos and filters allows for short bursts of creative video content. Remember, there is no expectation of the perfect video, thanks to the demand of authentic storytelling and the consumer’s call for behind-the-scenes content and real-life brand experiences,” says Shaer. 

Perhaps you’d like to promote an event, introduce your team, demo a product or answer a frequently asked question? To begin with, always be yourself, be confident and speak naturally, and own your usual surroundings and imperfections – don’t stage it! Also, design your templates to match your brand voice and personality – know your type, so to say. Perhaps you’d even like to add a sticker, caption, voiceover or soundtrack to the mix. 

Most importantly though, make the switch to social video today, social networks move fast! 

To hear more words of wisdom from Jodene, as well as the more than 50 on-point topics under discussion within the two Madex seminar theatres - The Fundamentals and The Marketing Academy - register to attend Madex 2019 by visiting www.madex.co.za. For more information on this year’s incredible range of speakers who will gather at Madex to share their insights into the world of marketing., visit https://www.madex.co.za/speaker-profile.php

Madex 2019 takes place on 05 and 06 June 2019 at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The entrance cost is R50, payable online, or R100 on-site at the show, giving you access to all of this content, our interactive exhibition floor, giveaways, competitions, the Colour-in Wall, the New Product Display, and more. 

Madex 2019 is co-located with Africa’s premier promotional product expo, Markex. This by-invite-only expo celebrates its 32nd edition in 2019 and showcases the best and latest within the highly targeted promotional product space. 

Join the Madex WhatsApp broadcast list to receive the latest in show news, by following these quick and easy steps https://www.madex.co.za/whatsapp.php. You can also download the Madex app from App Store or Google Play to have all the show updates and highlights at your fingertips.

Cheers!!!

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

Is Your Car Battery Giving You Troubles? Checkout #BatteryCentre #Contest & #Giveaway!

Hi Friends, 

The battery is an essential part of the car’s life as oxygen is part of human life. I have faced the problem of pushing the car to get it started via friction but these days cars don’t work on that principle. New cars need all the items to be checked properly before they can even start. In India, I used to drive a car which could be pushed to get it going in case of emergencies but when I started driving Fiat 500 here, the same didn’t hold true on the same. I was on my way to the office when I faced this problem of the car not getting started and somehow used the slope of the parking to push the car to start. I didn’t stop the same till I reached the Astrotech Conference Centre in Parktown for a half day conference. I knew from the start that by the time I will finish at 1pm I won’t be able to start the car again. My biggest fear came true but somehow I had one of my friends with me dropping me in the parking who helped me push and directly I took it to car hire manager to replace the battery. I didn’t know where to buy the battery from and as the car was rental, everything was covered by the agency.

Moving some years later to some days back, when I have bought my own car and as I went to a birthday party on Sunday night in Parkview, everything was fine but as I tried to start the car, it didn’t work out. It didn’t strike me that a car battery will be the problem because it didn’t show any sign of losing out on power earlier. Batteries are like a sweet little monster which grown heavily when you least expect the same. I was thinking that my car is still only 2 years old, how can the battery be gone? Anyhow, AA – Road Assistance was referred to me by my friends and restaurant owners who asked if the car is new, they will gladly assist. Being Sunday night I was a little skeptical but when I gave them the details, they came in around 1 hour and I could get into my car using jump start and reached home at 1120pm. Next day morning, I had to request AA – Road Assistance again to get to the nearest Battery Centre shop in Fourways Crossing. I had called them to inquire about the availability of the battery.

As I reached the venue, I could find a clear parking spot and the person guided me to a battery changing station. He explained to me about the various batteries while checking the battery power left and soon he told me that it’s a dead battery and needs to be replaced. He told me the various options for my car and I chose to get the good powerful Energizer battery to go with my Honda car. He checked the brand new batteries from the shop’s store which was pre-charged to the limits. There was though a hitch as the person was not aware of the voucher print out I showed him and told that it’s only valid on local batteries and not international ones. But as we told him that there is nowhere written on the same, he contacted his manager over the phone and soon got approvals within seconds. I was walking out with a brand new battery and without paying even a single cent on the battery from the Fourways Battery Centre. My car is again ready to take on the road for at least 2 years because the warranty covers the same till that time. I am so grateful to Battery Centre for putting the soul into my car just like Iron Man has Arc Reactor in his chest.  

Guys, If you want to win vouchers like me to get your car batteries replaced free of charge at Battery Centre branch anywhere in South Africa, follow my social media handles on twitter @thelifesway and follow Battery Centre on Facebook and tell me of the time when you faced problems with your battery or show me the current condition of your battery and 1 voucher will be in your inbox once I take out 3 winners on 12^th May! Go for it!

Cheers!!!

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

#TheLifesWayReviews Bose: Dead / Alive @altbalaji #ALTBalajiOriginal #BoseDeadOrAlive

Hi Friends,

The inclusion of Web TV series into the mainstream media is creating a lot of content which was not possible earlier for the approvals and how it will be perceived by the viewers and how the TRP will govern the advertisements? Now every person watches the same on their smartphone apps or screens using the monthly or yearly OTT payment mechanisms and watching what you want to watch without any wait and as per your interests and without any advertisements too. 

Subhash Chandra Bose was the most fearsome personality of Indian Freedom struggle and he is the most searched person on Google for conspiracy theory relating to his death. The Balaji Telefilms brought the TV serial using Rajkummar Rao as Bose and it's based on the book names India's Biggest Cover-up by Anuj Dhar. Rajkummar's acting skills needs no introduction and he has done a tremendous job to live the life and legacy of Netaji in this TV series. Naveen Kasturia has played an interesting character always in the game of catch and release of Netaji. 

This TV serial is divided into 9 episodes around 20 min each and each one is interesting to watch as you want to know what actually happened to Subhash Chandra Bose and the serial provides some answers to the life and works of the person in command. This TV serial shows the mysterious life and the decisions taken by Netaji and how he thought is the best way to fight the East India Company? He was the creator of the Indian National Army and he went to various countries gathering support to fight against the company. 

It's all about sacrificing self for the bigger objective and staying true to yourself. You will definitely not want to miss this series as its fast-paced and always keeps you on the edge of your seats as to what will happen next? How this catch me if you can and find me if you can habit helped Netaji? Did Netaji survive the plane crash or he died in the same? Do check out to know the answers!

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

#TheLifesWayReviews @SamsungMobileSA #GalaxyNote8 Phablet #Smartphone #DoBiggerThings #WithGalaxy

Hi Friends, 

Samsung Note 8 is a Dream Come True for me as I bought the same after I was left with my ages old HTC M8 and it was too slow for my liking and usage. I ordered the smartphone from Amazon.in in India and soon got the same delivered from them. I received Rs 8k Amazon vouchers back and I used Rs 6k GV I received from my employer for completing 10 years in their organization. In India, you need to operate the phone for around 15-30 min on local Indian network providers before you can use it with any SIM card internationally. I asked my mom to be the first user and she totally loved the smartphone as she kept her SIM in Note 8 till she reached Johannesburg, South Africa.

Spen was what I thought I would use the most along with the best camera smartphone in 2017-2018 and I immediately fell in love with both of them. After using the smartphone for more than a year, I have observed several changes in the smartphone which I am going to list here in this blog post -

1. Con - Spen is not writing where it has to on the screen, there is always a gap between the actual and on-screen representation with time. I am not sure of why this happened but my overall consumption of Spen has been less than 24 hours since Jan 2018. This is a feel-good feature which you think you will use it more and more but sometimes you forget about it completely.

2. Con - The zoom camera lens doesn't focus and gives some kind of audio like that comes in DSLR camera when it tries to auto-focus leading the pictures to come out blurred or not at all. This is one of my biggest problems which has started recently last 5-6 months.

3. Con - The software upgrades that we receive after the launch of a new smartphone in the series degrades the quality of your device in terms of photographs etc. I am not sure if that's done with intention or old hardware is not able to take the upgrade but I have seen this will all brands in all smartphones. I sincerely believe that you shall not upgrade to the new software every month or whenever it is launched and shall keep the phone on the original software. It's a win-lose situation, you are missing on certain things and gaining some things.

4. Pros - The new Android Pie made several good changes in the smartphone with interface looking more feature rich and certain features which were in S10 coming to Note 8 too. AR emoji is now on my smartphone too and Photo Ratio 3:4/9:16/1:1/Full are now available on Note 8 camera.

5. Pros - The speed of multitasking and touchscreen response is still great in Note 8 but I have not played super games on the same and also I have kept it light since I received the same.

6. Pros - The battery life is still great and lasts me more than a day on a single charge. If I am using social media and playing video's then it will last me working hours for a single day.

7. Pros - Low light camera performance is too good in Note 8 in auto mode too. I have used several other smartphones but this one takes awesome videos in low light conditions. Check out the Cape Town Sunset video from Signal Hill on my Youtube channel has taken with Samsung Note 8.

8. Pros - The wireless charging is easy to use but the speed of charging is slow as compared to charging with wired wall supercharger provided in the package. I am using the wireless charger that used to come with Samsung S8+ during the launch of the smartphone.

9. Pros - The AKG earphones are one of the best and I loaned mines to one of my friend in Mar 2019 and he said he will only return them to me in July 2019. It's an expensive earphone with cable and works great with clear audio and the same is provided in S8/S9/Note8/Note9 and related smartphones packages.

10. Pros - The 12MP rear camera is awesome and takes awesome pictures in full light and low light conditions. I simply adore the photos taken using the Samsung camera and all are available on my Instagram.com/araijain and www.photoyatra.blogspot.in I have reduced the number of pictures from 4000 to 1300 on Instagram but all of them are available in Photoyatra blog. I still can't find watermarking my photos with my own unique #TheLifesWay out of the camera but this feature shall be made available in the new smartphones asap.

11. Pros - The 3.5mm earphone jack is still there so that you can continue to use your expensive headphones will the end of their life. I love my Bose and Sennheiser earphones and headphones.

12. Pros -  The edges panels can be controlled the way you like it to control calls, music and whatever you do most but the problem is that no tempered glass comes to protect the same. Only a sheet of plastic protects the same along with your mobile cover. Luckily I have taken a book kind of case to protect it from all sides and I have not used it without the cover since the first day. The edge lighting is too cool when you put it on.

13. Pros - Bixby works on this smartphone and if you like giving instructions to do stuff, it can be trained to follow your voice and accent. I have a strong Indian accent but it really works great on my Note 8 and you can earn different levels if you use more and more of Bixby.

14. Pros - AOD (Always On Display) can be customized to match your screensaver or wallpaper and there are thousands of them available in the Samsung Android Store.

15. Pros - Samsung Members network is awesome and you can learn a lot about Samsung applications, contests, members and connect with the whole world.

16. Pros - Samsung Pay works like charm in Note 8 and with just a tap you will be able to make payment and your Iris can be scanned to validate the payment first. I am able to pay now using the FNB debit/cheque/credit card too.

17. Pros - Samsung Gear connects nicely with Samsung Note 8 and whosoever in your network is using any of the Gear/Icon products, his health can be tracked and you can challenge them for fun activities.

18. Pros - Floating Camera button is just like the Apple iPhone or iPad control center button but with this one you can click photos. You can drag it anywhere on the top of any of your apps and it comes very handy during taking selfies when your hands are too far and in different angles.

19. Pros - AR emoji is now part of Samsung Note 8 and good for kids to play with and create some family moments.

20. Pros - The display on Note 8 is super AMOLED screen - text and photos look awesome on this smartphone. Youtube videos in full resolution (720p - 1080p upwards) brings an immersive effect on the smartphone for those who love watching videos on the go. The audio is a little bit less when you are traveling or outside in a noisy environment so you need to use headphones or earphones to listen properly.

Overall, Samsung Note 8 is still a capable phablet smartphone and takes care of all my needs. I am totally in love with my Spen other than the one problem I am facing and still take 100s of photos every week with Note 8 camera and share them on my IG story and posts. I love the speed with which you can launch any app and now I have started watching Netflix on this device which I was not doing earlier and the battery will be tested now. All these photographs are taken by me during various months and events.

The cameras are too good on the new devices S10 Plus but I am hoping when Note 10 comes and if I can trade-in I will definitely upgrade myself to the same. I might lose some money on the deal but it will be worth the upgrade but I have never seen any trade-in option on any of the smartphones in South Africa but recently there are some in the market. Let's see what happens in my life in 2019-2020!

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

#TheLifesWayReviews - Beyond All Boundaries @NetflixSA TV Series @TheCricketFilm #CricketWorldCup2011

Hi Friends, 

Beyond All Boundaries is a 2013 documentary film on Netflix Channel which is 97 minutes long and directed by Sushrut Jain. The film revolves around 3 people from different parts of life and how they are affected by the 2011 World Cup Victory of Indian Cricket Team in India. Kunal Nayyar narrated the whole documentary who got his fame from The Big Bang Theory tv series.

The film starts before the 2011 World Cup in the life of Sudhir Gautam who is considered to be the biggest fan of God of Cricket - Sachin Tendulkar. He tells about his story of how he met Sachin and how he provides him with the passes for all the matches in and around India. It's his journey from his remote village in Bihar to the location of WC Matches on a bicycle with no money in his pockets. He sacrificed his life to watch cricket and how the world around him loves or hates him for what he has achieved in his life. It's definitely a struggle which you will see as he fights between his principles and career aspirations from family. Will he be there holding the World Cup Trophy 2011 as it was Sachin's only dream while he played?

The second story is about an 8-year-old boy Prithvi Shaw who is considered to be the child prodigy in Cricket and much talented to the likes of Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin himself gifted him a bat as he continues to break records with his dedication and commitment towards the game. He comes under a lot of pressure from his Father who is a single parent is fully committed to Prithvi success in Cricket. He sometimes becomes very much demanding and doesn't consider the child as a child. The film shows how Prithvi goes around playing and winning the hearts of a local politician too who sponsors him a flat and other amenities to focus on his game. Will Prithvi Shaw continue to build on his strengths while remain focussed on the task ahead? 

The third story is about the 17-year-old girl named Akshaya Surve who is an aspiring Under-18 bowler to play before the selection committee. The girl comes from a poor family with only surviving mother and family is caught between the tensions of the uncles and grand-mother to leave the house. They can't leave the house and emotions are getting under the skin of the young Akshaya. She finds her only vent at the Sivaji cricket ground for 3 hours daily where she is enrolled to play under a lady coach for which she sacrifices her class 12 exams as initially, they are unable to pay electricity bills so she can't study in the night and then for the U-18 cricket selections. The struggles she faces in her day to day while keeping her smiles and childlike hopefulness in herself is awesome to watch. Will she survive the ankle injury she had 6 months ago and it comes to surface just days before the selection day? 

Beyond All Boundaries - The Netflix documentary is awesome to watch if you love cricket and how it drives the Indian population? People follow it like a religion and can do or die for the game. It's a movie made with a lot of passion and should be watched with a lot of enthusiasm too. I totally loved the documentary as it reminded me of dancing on the streets of Wembley High Road, London United Kingdom with thousands of countrymen and NRIs celebrating the success of Indian Cricket Team. The overall 2011 world cup has brought so many memories match per match as I got nostalgic while we wait and watch the results. 

If you don't have Netflix membership, enroll for a month free trial just like myself and then you can take on any of the three packages as per your requirements. Netflix gives you the option to download too on Wifi connection which you can watch on the go later or while traveling making it a great option. 

Cheers!!!

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

#TheLifesWayReviews - Delhi Crime @NetflixSA TV Series #Crime #Drama

Hi Friends, 

Delhi Crime is a Netflix TV series launched in March 2019 consisting of 7 super charged episodes based on the Nirbhaya Delhi Gang Rape Case of 2012. The TV series stars Shefali Shah in her one of the best performance as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vartika Chaturvedi.

Delhi Crime starts on a unfortunate winter night of 16th December 2012 and the series of events that happens before and after Police comes to know about the victims and culprits. The seven episodes spans over the next 5 days where Police chases the clues to find the culprits while fighting the timelines. The Delhi Police is under extreme pressure from all sides of the government and beureaucracy and how DCP Vartika takes it in her hands to nab the culprits from different parts of the country while maintaining the legal guidelines. 

Delhi Crime is not an easy watch as you will feel so angry and depressed about the state of affairs in India and what happened to the girl that night. The thrill of finding even the small clues leading to the arrest of all the cultprits is what this TV series is all about. The series is written and directed by Richie Mehta and what a wonderful direction to span the story on the case files from the incident. 

The emotional rich performances by Rajesh Tailang, Jaya Bhattacharya, Adil Hussain and Rasika Dugal really brings you as if you are there with the police trying to find the culprits and feeling the pressure from the society and the goverment. This is one TV series that can make you think about what you are teaching your kids. 

Shefali Shah gives her best and really fights between her human side and the Police duty side of things which you will feel too. Delhi Crime is a must watch if you want to know more about the Nirbhaya Gang Rape case and how police within the next few days tries to find the 6 culprits from the initial reports given by the boy victim. Delhi Crime is going to return with a new run and chase Crime story in the next season while the police team remains the same.

If you don't have Netflix membership, enroll for a month free trial and then you can take on any of the three packages as per your requirements. I am also on a trial package for 1 month and trying to watch as much as I can. Netflix gives you option to download too on Wifi connection which you can watch on the go later or while travelling making it a great option. 

Cheers!!!

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

#TheLifesWayReviews - Cricket Fever:Mumbai Indians @mipaltan @NetflixSA TV Series

Hi Friends, 

Cricket Fever: Mumbai Indians is a Netflix TV series was launched in Mar 2019 and Season 1 consists of 8 episodes. Cricket Fever will bring you all the Indian Premier League action behind the different teams as they start preparing for the IPL seasons every year. I hope there will be 8 seasons to showcase all the IPL teams in the near future.

Cricket Fever takes you on the 2018 IPL journey in India and team which it focusses on is Mumbai Indians. Right from choosing the players and setting the budgets to the actual coming up of the team together to win matches is what this serial is all about. It also gives you a view from the Owners point of view as Akash Ambani takes the top post of Team Manager under the leadership of his mom Nita Ambani (Reliance Industries) for this season.

The episodes also take you on the journey of several Mumbai Indians players and how they reached MI teams in 2018 IPL team. There are a lot of factors which makes and breaks the teams and the biggest among them is the Communication between the team. Head Coach of Mumbai Indians Team - Mahela Jayawardene is caught between meeting the expectations set by Team Owners - Akash and Neeta Ambani and 25 Selected Players to win the season's biggest prize or rather say retaining the IPL Trophy they won last year in 2017 IPL season.

Sachin Tendulkar is the God of Cricket and he supports his local team i.e. Mumbai Indians and Wankhede Stadium which is the home ground of Mumbai Indians Team. The journey to reach Wankhede is not an easy one and it takes a lot of hard work and good luck to get selected amongst the local and international's best to be among the playing 11 in any of the matches of IPL.

The playing team without any injuries and with proper rest is a chess game which selectors and owners and coaches and captain and senior players need to decide on. The coming together as a team rather than focussing on getting red and purple caps is a topmost priority too. Individualism is to be overcome by the Team unison.

I really loved watching 8 episodes as the MI team journey progress through the IPL season 2018 till they get eliminated to reach in Top 4. I could not stop watching back to back and finished the same in just a span of 2 days. It's really a good production with real cricket stars and owners and no actors. Go check it out if you love the most valuable IPL franchise worth more than USD 100 Million.

If you don't have Netflix connection, then you can try it for a first month worth R169 for free and later can take any package from the 3 available in South Africa. 

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

@SamsungMobileSA Studio #GalaxyS10Studio #GalaxyS10 @GatewayUmhlanga @SandtonCity @Canal_walk @TheMallOfAfrica

Hi Friends, 

Samsung Mobiles in South Africa has been an activation powerhouse after the launch of its latest smartphones in various shopping malls around the country. It's getting bigger and better every year as their smartphones are growing better and bigger too. I have always been a participant of these activations as a general public since Samsung Galaxy S5 where I got a steel water bottle printed with my name way back in 2014 or so at Sandton City. 

For Galaxy S6/S7/S8, I didn't get a chance to attend these activations and deprived myself of awesome goodies given away. 

Keisha with DJ Fresh at Sandton City

Last year when they launched Samsung Galaxy S9, I was there and again got myself a cool plastic water bottle by participating in their activations and activities. They also give away a lot of earphones, speakers and even the latest smartphones. Later, at S9 event I won myself by taking a guided tour and answering the questions asked by putting my hand first to win myself Samsung Uflex wireless earphones. 

Aashish Rai Jain with Grant Hinds

This year, with the launch of S10, they made it even bigger with the prize being R10000 cash but unfortunately, I was not able to find time to participate in the guided tours. The list was always full for the whole day as the stakes were very high. I have seen people celebrating their wins and R10000 is not a small amount at all. It's like a full month's salary for many. Kudos to Samsung for bringing those smiles on many lucky ones. 

These were the experience zones this time for Samsung Galaxy S10, S10e and S10Plus. 

• Experience 1: See the Difference - The difference between the 3 phones and camera features, OIS stabilization in Videos
• Experience 2: Power Share Experience - You can charge your devices using reverse wireless charging
• Experience 3: Gaming Experience - Fortnight championship to win S10
• Experience 4: Dance Experience - AR Emoji takes a new level to follow your dance steps
• Experience 5: Ultra-Wide Angle Experience - More than 172 degrees of the area captured

Samsung Scoop Speakers

This year my only satisfaction was to get a Samsung Scoop Speakers by getting myself enrolled in Samsung Pay with FNB Credit/Cheque Card and paying R10 for the same. It's a great speaker and I will review the same too later. I really loved the design of the speaker and shared some photos on my Instagram channel too. 

Aashish Rai Jain with Samsung Uflex Earphones 

This year Samsung's New brand ambassador Cassper Nyovest also performed on one of the days in Sandton City Mall. The activation in gaming has all the top gamers around the country working on all the 2 weekends full days at all the malls. I am sure activation this year is one of the biggest ever in the history of Samsung South Africa.  Heartiest Congratulations to the Samsung for spending so much for the benefit of end consumers like myself and others in this Rainbow Nation! 

Cheers!!!

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

@HonorAfrica Launches Exceptionally Designed #Smartphone #Honor10Lite 24MP AI-Powered #SelfieCamera

Hi Friends, 

HONOR, the leading smartphone brand belonging to the Huawei Group, launched the HONOR 10 Lite, the brand’s latest flagship smartphone in South Africa, off the back of what has been a hugely successful year for HONOR on a global scale.

Although new to the South African market, HONOR is no stranger to popularity on an international scale. Being at the forefront of technology and innovation, Huawei is well positioned to pioneer an innovative brand such as HONOR in the South African market. In the last 12 months alone, HONOR has increased its market share in the key regions such as the United Arab Emirates (378%), and hold a top two position in Russia. The HONOR 10 Lite is equipped with powerful hardware at an unbelievable price and is set to take the lead over its competitors.

Inspired by the HONOR 10, the HONOR 10 Lite is set to bring together the best of today’s technology and set a new standard for smartphone design, with the stylish dewdrop notch on the 6.21” FHD screen and a body with vibrant gradient hues, and 24MP AI-Powered selfie camera and 13MP + 2MP dual rear cameras. Further, the device features a 64MB internal storage.

Not only does the HONOR 10 Lite look good, but it boasts high-end hardware with the most modern chipsets and cameras that can rival most modern smartphones, providing users with an extraordinary, stylish mobile experience.

The key features of the HONOR 10 Lite include:

• 24MP AI-Powered selfie camera and 13MP + 2MP dual rear cameras
• 6.21” FHD Screen with dewdrop notch and bezel-less display
• 3D curved edge for better grip
• New Kirin 710 chipset with EMUI 9.0
• 64GB Internal Storage
• Long lasting 3,400 mAh battery
• GPU Turbo 2.0

An Aesthetic Treat

The HONOR 10 Lite boasts a stunning design complete with bezel-less displays and vibrant colors. Created with 8 layers of shimmering material, the HONOR 10 Lite shines in four shades (Sky Blue, Shiny Red, Sapphire Blue, and Midnight Black) of gradient effects. The colors to launch in South Africa include Sky Blue and Sapphire Blue.

While the former two have a gradual fade from light to dark and a luminescent progression effect, the latter two displays a glossy texture with a chic reflective look. To further add to its guise, the HONOR 10 Lite is constructed with a dewdrop notch that increases the screen-body ratio, allowing for a far greater viewing experience. The HONOR 10 Lite’s four-sided curved 3D design gives it more rounded corners and a greater overall grip.

Professional photos in your pocket

Equipped with the power of AI together with high-powered camera hardware, the HONOR 10 Lite allows users to take professional photography shots that can be snapped with a single tap. Up front, the 24MP camera comes with a wide f/2.0, and increased resolution, creating the most beautiful of selfies. The onboard AI also recognizes up to 8 different scenarios, which takes the guesswork out of finding the best settings for the perfect selfie. The camera also packs studio-like effects, for those finishing touches.

On the rear, the HONOR 10 Lite comes with a dual lens setup of 13MP and 2MP, with f/1.8 and f/2.4 aperture. Pairing it up with the AI, and AIS, professional photos can be taken with ease, even under the most limited light scenarios.

Power under the hood

The HONOR 10 Lite is equipped with the new Kirin 710, one of the most powerful chipsets in the market, which works with the flagship level Cortex-A73 core to provide smoother, seamless performance. In terms of storage, the HONOR comes with both 32GB and 64GB, offering users even more space in which to store their files.

The HONOR 10 Lite is also suitable for gaming, thanks to the GPU Turbo 2.0, which is seen as the future of graphics processing acceleration technology. With GPU Turbo 2.0, users are promised a better gaming experience, with a 36% reduction in input latency, and a much smoother performance overall.

The HONOR 10 Lite is also powered by a massive 3,400mAh battery, ensuring extended usage time between charges.

A true ‘Smart’-phone 

While the new EMUI 9.0 ensures that the system is completely optimized for the hardware while also boosting performance, it ensures that Artificial Intelligence is more accessible with HiVision, a travel, translation and shopping assistant. The AI-enabled mobile communication technology also increases the quality of calls, even in the noisiest of environments, while the AI technology ensures that users will not get disconnected thanks to the new Elevator Mode.

Raymond Liu, CEO Honor South Africa comments: “On the back of a fantastic year in our Middle Eastern market, we are delighted to launch the HONOR 10 Lite to the South African market, where consumers are looking for class-leading features and innovative experiences at a respectable cost.

“We as the HONOR brand regard the South African market as a key pillar to building on our global success, and we envisage that once South African consumers see what HONOR can do for their lives, we will most definitely be a force to be reckoned with in this competitive market.”

The HONOR 10 Lite will be available in South Africa from the 5 April 2019 in Vodacom stores at a retail price of R4, 599, with contract packages starting from R249 PM X 24. 

For more information, please visit https://www.hiHONOR.com/

About HONOR

HONOR is a leading smartphone brand belonging to the Huawei Group. In line with its slogan, “Honor My World”, the brand was created to meet the needs of digital natives through internet-optimized products that offer superior user experiences, inspire action, foster creativity and empower the young to achieve their dreams. In doing this, HONOR has set itself apart by showcasing its own bravery to do things differently and to take the steps needed to usher in the latest technologies and innovations for its customers.

Cheers!!!

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