Fujifilm’s Instax Pal Camera Makes Small Moments Feel Big #InstaxPal @Instax_ZA

Hi Guys,

The palm-sized camera takes photos at the moment, to be shared through the smartphone app or printed directly via Instax Link printers.

Fujifilm South Africa is introducing a new palm-sized Instax camera into the Instax range of cameras and printers. The Instax Pal is different, being the first Instax device specialising in only taking photos. With a weight of approx. 41g, this is a camera you can take anywhere and the one you want by your side when pulling out a smartphone will only spoil the moment.

With a sensor capable of capturing 4.9MP images, the Instax Pal comes with internal storage able to store 50 photos, while a microSD card can also be used. Images from the Instax Pal can be automatically transferred via Bluetooth to a smartphone using the free Instax Pal smartphone app, from where it can be shared to social media, complete with Instax frames.

Various ways to shoot

The Instax Pal features a variety of functions to facilitate different shooting situations. To start, the Standard mode allows a picture to be taken by pressing the shutter button at the back of the camera. This snaps regular pics or allows users to take advantage of the wide-angle lens to shoot selfies from an elevated position, using just one hand to capture a dynamic photo that incorporates more of the background.

The Remote mode connects the camera via Bluetooth to a smartphone installed with the Instax Pal app so that pictures can be checked on the smartphone as they are taken.

Finally, there’s the dynamic Interval mode that snaps photos continuously at a three-second interval, in sequences of 3, 6, 11 or 21. The app can then be used to create an Instax Animation that combines multiple images into a flipbook video. Friends can play this video by scanning the QR code printed on an Instax print.

Direct print to Instax printers

The Pal also connects to the Instax Link series of instant printers to print straight away, which allows the Pal to be used like other analogue cameras in the Instax range. Users can print on Instax Mini film (Instax Mini Link 2), Square film (Instax Square Link) or Wide film (Instax Link Wide).

Each Instax Pal camera comes with a Multifunction Ring Accessory that can be used as a safeguard strap to prevent accidentally dropping the Pal, or as a simplified viewfinder and a camera stand when shooting a group photo. There’s also a built-in speaker for customisable pre-shutter sounds, which can be recorded by users through the app.

The Instax Pal has a built-in lithium-ion battery that’s set to last for approximately 240 frames per charge. The battery is recharged via the USB Type-C terminal, with a cable included with the camera.

Release date and availability

The new Instax Pal’s release marks the 25th anniversary of Fujifilm’s instant photo system was launched in 1998. It will be coming to South Africa in five different colours - Lavender Blue, Powder Pink, Milky White, Gem Black and Pistachio Green.

For now, the Instax Pal’s local release date and retail price have not yet been confirmed, but fans should keep an eye on Instax’s local social media for updates.

I really love the way Instax keeps bringing this technology that's really nice and lovable to the core of it. For that, I will grant Instax and Fujifilm full marks. This Instax Pal is so cool and I am sure this thing is going to be hit once it reaches South African shores. 

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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New Year Resolutions - Week 30 Achievements & Failures in 2023 #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys,

This time on my birthday I was really happy and this is the first time in many years I have felt like that. This may be due to the divine blessing from Lord Shiva. This week was more about entertainment and watching a lot of movies and web series. I also attended some of the launch events as well. 

1. Entertainment - I started the week by watching the movie Oppenheimer which is okay in terms of its storyline but to show the guy has learned from the Hindu culture they should not do the scene of a sexual nature with the Bhagwad Gita as it's similar to showing a sex scene with Bible or other religious scripture in the hands of someone. I am sure if the same was done using the Quran or something of that sort the whole of Hollywood would have burnt in the fire. This scene has no impact and could have been showcased in another way as well. I am not sure why this picture is creating waves as this is just a biographical story of a man by the end of which you don't feel inspired at all. 

I also watched the Secret Invasion Season 1 on the Disney+ Streaming platform before my annual membership was finished. It stars Samuel L. Jackson and Emilia Clarke and the story will continue in the next season of the same as well. I think there are a lot of spin-offs of all the characters one by one be it Marvel or DC Comics world after the huge releases of Avengers etc. I don't find them interesting enough as they are not full-feature films which you look forward to. 

I also watched The Night Manager (Hindi) Episodes 5-7 without watching the first 4 episodes with my wife on Disney+ Hotstar as well. Because the Disney+ platform still doesn't have play speed control on their app it takes extra time and effort to watch the series at 1x speed. I can't waste my time as some series are shown so slowly to extend their episodes that it's always better to watch them at 1.5x speed. 

I also watched Rocky aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani movie and really loved the movie directed by Karan Johar. Thankfully Karan didn't put her several agenda angles and lectures in this movie as he did in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Though he did some old bollywood songs this time he did extended sets and dance sequences to go with it rather than the antakshari kind of sequences in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. I totally loved the story though the Dharmendra love story was on the top. Definitely worth watching. 

I also watched Satyaprem ki Katha movie which is a little serious with the message that a woman has to take a stand and then her family also needs to support her to at least get justice. One-time watch for sure. Then I went on to watch Kandahar movie which is totally action based starring Gerald Butler and Ali Fazal. You already know what kind of movies are these as they are oriented around a story of recuse or escape with all the action built around it. 

I also wasted time on a movie named One Friday Night starring Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman. This is a total waste movie and you should not watch it at all. There are plenty of things you can do by saving your time rather than watching this one. 

2. Launch Events - Samsung launched their new foldable Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 in their new avatars on 26 Jul 2023. I have been a fan of foldable from the start and for many years using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 in my day-to-day life. I also used Galaxy Z Flip4 on my Mauritius trip and all the photographs and reels are using the same phone. Currently, I am also using Galaxy Z Flip5 as my daily device and the camera quality and big cover screen are really great. I can also watch YouTube on the cover screen as well now with the new Flip5. I also played a lot of games at Cracker Zac in The Zone Rosebank where the event was held. I also did the goodies review on my YouTube channel as well. 

I also attended another event for Castrol New Can Design and 2 TikTok Influencers and this was the first event where there was Indian food for vegetarians. I really felt great to be attending the show and the goodies box I got from them now holds my fountain pens inks and other accessories. 

Other than these two tasks I don't think I did anything else for the whole week. Yes being a salary day, it was good to get your one pay cheque for which you wait for the whole month. I have to break this cycle and with Lord Shiva's grace, I will be able to do so very soon. May Lord Shiva bless us all! 

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
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Ride into History: Uber celebrates Heritage with discounted rides to South Africa’s Iconic sites and Museums @Uber_RSA

Hi Guys, 

As South Africa gears up for the much-anticipated Heritage Day, Uber is delighted to announce a special mobility activation that will allow South Africans and international visitors to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. From September 23rd to 30th, users will be able to enjoy discounted rides to some of the most iconic Heritage sites and museums in the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban.

September is a month of profound cultural significance, culminating in the nationwide celebration of Heritage Day on September 24th and Uber is thrilled to be a part of this celebration and to leverage the cultural momentum that surrounds it. During the activation period, everyone who would like to explore the history of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban will have the opportunity to enjoy discounted rides to some of these cities’ most iconic Heritage sites and museums:

• Johannesburg: Constitution Hill, South African National Museum Of Military History, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Mandela's House, Apartheid Museum.
• Pretoria: Union Buildings, Melrose House Museum, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum, Voortrekker Monument.
• Durban: Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre, The Durban Central Post Office, House of Chief Albert Luthuli, The Old Durban Railway Station, KwaMuhle Museum.
• Cape Town: Iziko Slave Lodge, Table Mountain, Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum, Robben Island.

"For over 10 years, local and international tourists have relied on Uber to enrich their sightseeing experience. We want to continue leveraging the power of our platform to connect them with South Africa’s history and culture. By making it easier and more affordable to visit these iconic sites, we hope to encourage exploration of the rich tapestry our country’s past and present has to offer,” said Kagiso Khaole, General Manager at Uber in Sub-Saharan Africa.

How does it work?

• Open the app.
• Enter the promotional code for the city you are in:
• a. Johannesburg and Pretoria: HERITAGE1
• b. Cape Town: HERITAGE2
• c. Durban: HERITAGE3
• Enter your destination among the selectable sites and museums in each city and enjoy two trips at 50% off.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h
Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!

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

Hi Guys, 

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

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

Faster-than-fast game-changing displays

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

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

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

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

Incredible Connection Partnership

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

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

Instore Promotion

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

About ROG

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

Links

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

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

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

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

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h
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Telkom VS Gaming is Ready to Set the Stage for its League Finals @ComicConAfrica #ComicConAfrica

Hi Guys, 

Telkom VS Gaming, the official gaming and connectivity partner of Comic Con Africa, is set to elevate the gaming experience where they will once again host the league finals between 22-25 September 2023.

Comic Con Africa promises an action-packed weekend where esports competitions, cosplay, artists, and gaming enthusiasts come together to celebrate pop culture and gaming.

Telkom remains committed to driving the local esports industry forward by providing improved spectator access, increased awareness, education, and a fun and rewarding environment for both professional and casual gaming enthusiasts. This year, Telkom will elevate the gaming experience for fans and participants alike in the gaming hall where attendees will witness the Telkom VS Gaming Masters, the Telkom VS Gaming Championships, eDiski and High School eSport League (HSEL) finals.

Throughout the year VS Gaming runs various online leagues for various gaming titles and those competing in this year’s finals stand to win their share of R615000. Fans can expect an exciting line-up of esports tournaments at Comic Con Africa 2023:

VS Gaming Masters Season 8 Finals

In 2022, the quest to find the VS Masters Final Champion took place over four days with the grand finals keeping fans at the edge of their seats as Nixuh was crowned the VS Masters Champions for 2022. The VS Gaming Masters Finals at Comic Con Africa will see a total of 40 players across eight teams, namely Bravado Gaming, Nibble, Royalty Esports, Goliath Gaming, VYBN Esports, Nixuh, GFX MuscleMen and KitsuneZA compete for this season's Masters champion.

VS Gaming Championship Season 3 Finals

The 2022 VS Gaming Championship Grand finals saw more challengers rising through the ranks with more attention being placed on the league. In a game of best of 7, White Rabbit Gaming went up against ACES where they claimed the title of Telkom VS Champions after three consecutive overtimes with a final score of 4-0 to White Rabbit Gaming. This year, the VS Gaming Championship finals will see eight teams, namely Water, Bird, White Rabbit Gaming, Monarch Realm, Unity Esports, Team Fusion, Reformed and Red for this season's Championship champion title.

eDiski Season 6 Finals

Previous qualifier events took place online and were open to the public to enter, however, this year will witness eight players go neck-and-neck to claim their spot in the grand finals to be crowned the eDiski champion. The finals will showcase the talents of the following eight individuals: Zaid, Cassim, Yvng Savage, NansTwoTeth, BOBO, Baller3456, Deevak2309, and Zaheero.

High School Esports League (CS:GO) Season 6 Finals

The first-ever season of the CS:GO High School Esports League saw Paul Roos Gymnasium team dominate the season from beginning to end. However, in 2022, gaming fans got to witness Parklands Collage go up against Rondebosch at Comic Con Africa, which saw Parklands being crowned the VS High School CS:GO champions. This year, the top 2 schools, Hoërskool Waterkloof and the returning champion Parklands College from the online portion of the season will contend for 1st and 2nd place to be crowned the next VS High School CS:GO champions.

High School Esports League (Rocket League) Season 3 Finals

The first season of the Rocket League High School esports league saw Curro Hazeldean take the title. Last year, Paul Roos dominated and was ultimately named the HSEL Rocket League Champions. During the Rocket League High School finals, the top 2 schools, Hoërskool Waterkloof and Hoërskool Oos-Moot from the online portion of the season will contend for 1st and 2nd place.

The VS Gaming leagues offer significant prize pools and showcase the best talent in South African esports. These tournaments will feature intense matches, skilled players, and thrilling gameplay that spectators won't want to miss. For those unable to attend the Finals action live at Comic Con Africa, you will not miss out as all the Telkom VS Gaming tournaments finals will be available to stream via the Telkom VS Gaming YouTube channel, giving viewers the experience and excitement to cheer for their favourite teams as they compete for victory.

Telkom VS Gaming remains committed to fostering a dynamic gaming community and providing an environment that brings gaming to life in new and exciting ways. The Telkom Next Gen Village at Comic Con Africa will be a hub of activity, offering fans the chance to interact with their favourite gamers, comic creators, cosplay icons, and even celebrities from films and series.

Mark your calendars for Telkom VS Gaming League Finals at this year’s Comic Con Africa and gather your friends and family for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a casual gamer, a hardcore enthusiast, or just love all things gaming and pop culture, the Telkom Next Gen Village has something exciting in store for everyone. For more information on the Telkom Next Gen Village at Comic Con Africa, visit Instagram or Twitter.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h
Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!