@SamsungSA Changes The Way #Hotels Interact With Guests #eBoard #SmartKey

Hi Friends,

 

In his 2018 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged South Africans to “open their homes and their hearts to the world”[i]. He also indicated that “our prosperity as a nation depends on our ability to take full advantage of rapid technological change.” Technology in tourism is fast becoming a vital aspect of South Africa’s future.

Mike van Lier, Director of Consumer Electronics for Samsung South Africa, says, “How technology can be integrated into hospitality has been considered and developed by Samsung; we offer a complete solution for hotels. From self-check-in to optimized building management, the future of travel in South Africa looks to be revolutionary.”

Here’s what travellers can expect from Smart Hospitality:

Connected Guest ExperiencesSome hotel chains already have Smart Key apps that are integrated into Smartphones which allows guests to receive check-in information and unlock their doors using their mobile device. In-room control enables guests to remotely control the air conditioning, lights, and curtains in their room – this also has energy-saving benefits for the hotel operator. Not to forget the all-important in-room entertainment system. Guests can check their hotel accounts via the smart Hotel TV solution and avoid the queues at the lobby reception by using an express check out function and receive their invoices via email.

Shopping and Information
Most consumers are accustomed to digital displays within retail areas by now. Hotels can now offer guests a similar experience through interactive information available at a touch of a button on their Hotel TV remote control which already includes menus for food and a plethora of in-house hotel experiences.

Business Travellers
Samsung’s business solutions are vast and apart from connectivity, many businesses use hotels for brainstorming and meeting activities. The Samsung E-board with touch-screen display or the new Flip, with the digital flip-board capability and integrated connectivity, are just two tools that greatly enhance businesses collaborative communication.

“It’s not just guests who benefit from the seamless service offered by technology; Samsung has solutions for optimized hotel operations, smart building management, as well as staff communication through wearables and mobile devices,” concludes van Lier.

Travellers will be in full control of their hotel experience, whether it’s turning off lights, changing the air conditioning temperature or checking in and out at a convenient time. One thing is for sure, the butler most certainly won’t be doing any of it.

[i] https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sona2018-read-the-full-text-of-cyril-ramaphosas-address-here/

 

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24 Interesting Facts About #Television Around the #World @SamsungSA #QLEDTV

Hi Friends,

With the brisk winter weather upon us, people will be huddled up in front of their televisions to spend a cozy night indoors. To start off TV season, here are 24 interesting facts about television from around the world.

1. A recent Samsung survey found that it isn’t reality TV or soaps that make us most likely to tune in, but documentaries1, with 41% claiming it is their favourite TV genre.

2. Based on the above, it is probably no surprise that Blue Planet II is currently the most-watched show of 2017, peaking with 14.1 million viewers2.

3. In Australia, the iconic State of the Origin rugby match between Queensland and New South Wales drew in the most viewers of 2017 to date with 4.1 million people3.

4. Whilst in China, it’s an internet-based “rap reality” show pulling in the viewers. The Rap of China showcase young and feisty contestants hoping for their big break into the world of hip-hop, with more than 2.5 billion views to date4.

5. Back in the UK, Only Fools & Horses was voted the most popular sitcom of all time in Samsung’s poll.

6. Strictly Come Dancing beat off some stiff competition when it came to the best reality or talent show.

7. When it comes to those in front of the camera, the USA is home to some of the best-paid stars of television. According to Forbes, Dr Phil is currently the highest-paid presenter in the world earning a reported $79 million (R1, 1 billion).

8. Sofia Vergara is reportedly the highest-paid television actress at $41.5 million (R582.2 million).

9. And, Kim Kardashian’s business empire means she is the highest-paid reality star with a reported fortune of $51 million (R715.5 million).

10. Behind the camera, Netflix hit The Crown is the most expensive of all time, costing $130 million (R1.8 billion) to produce5.

11. In South Africa this year, MultiChoice added subscribers to its growing base, bringing the combined closing base (digital terrestrial television and satellite) to 11.9 million households6.

12. According to a MyBroadband survey of 1,587 IT professionals and tech-savvy individuals in South Africa, 73.85% of respondents said they were an online pirate, while 51.17% of respondents said they subscribed to a media streaming service7.

13. This survey also showed that Netflix was by far the most popular streaming service in the country, with 84.85% of users signed up for a Netflix package.

14. Of those in this survey who did not subscribe to a streaming service, their primary reasons were: All my media needs are taken care of thanks to piracy – 42.27%; I can’t afford it – 38.08%; and my internet connection at home is too slow – 37.53%.

15. Of the respondents in this survey who did subscribe to a streaming service, 31.65% said they also subscribed to DStv.

16. American TV show M*A*S*H takes the crown for the most-watched episode ever, with 103 million viewers tuning in for the final ever installment7.

17. Samsung’s recent survey also shows we’re watching more television than ever, with a fifth of us claiming to watch more TV now than we did five years ago thanks to on-demand technology and viewer’s appetite for binge-watching.

18. Game of Thrones was voted in the survey as being the most-binge-able show of all8.

19. Game of Thrones also hit the top spot when it came to the most hotly anticipated TV show return.

20. Size matters; Samsung research shows that 40 inches were the average TV screen size globally in 2016.

21. 25% of TVs sold in 2016 had a 50-inch screen.

22. 90% claim they would like a screen that is 60 inches big. And here I can proudly say that I am already using a 65" inch curved Samsung UHD TV.

23. To date, Samsung has sold 427 million televisions around the world.

24. Which all makes for a lot of telly watching! Approximately eight years in our lifetime!9.

Sources:
1. Samsung survey conducted amongst 2 000 adults in the UK by OnePoll, November 2017
2. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/blue-planet-2-most-watched-tv-show-david-attenborough-a8042171.html
3. http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/state-of-origin-game-three-most-watched-show-of-2017-20170713-gxab63.html
4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-china-blog-41236746
5. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-crown-netflix-most-expensive-show-ever-matt-smith-a7392911.html
6. https://techcentral.co.za/dstv-grows-subscribers-margins-squeezed/75222/
7. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/228037-how-many-south-african-netflix-subscribers-also-have-dstv.html
8. http://uk.businessinsider.com/most-watched-episodes-2016-9
9. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4186598/How-time-spend-activities-lifetime.html
10. http://www.brcsa.org.za/april-2018-top-tv-programs/

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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!

@SonyXperiaZA Get You Up Close & Personal With @OnesimusMuzik @TelkomZA Near You

Hi Friends, 

 

Sony Mobile and Telkom are excited to announce that Onesimus fans will now get the opportunity to meet the man behind the mic at a series of dedicated signing sessions in and around Johannesburg from May to June 2018. The sessions have been planned to celebrate the partnership between Sony Mobile, Telkom, and Onesimus and the exclusive deal available on the Xperia XA2 Ultra, Dual Sim Smartphone.

The African celebrated music artist Onesimus will be available at the following venues in Johannesburg and Pretoria, to reinforce his commitment to Sony Mobile and Telkom.

26 May – Telkom, Menlyn Mall, 12h00 to 14h00
9 June – Telkom, Festival Mall, 12h00 to 14h00
30 June – Telkom, Moponya Mall, 12h00 to 14h00

“This relationship with Sony Mobile and Telkom means so much to me as a growing artist in South Africa. As a music artist and songwriter, it is important for me to share what I do on social media – which is why I am particularly impressed by the Xperia XA2 Ultra dual camera for selfies. There are two selfie camera’s, which makes it great for taking selfies with my fans.” says Onesimus

Purchase an XA2 Ultra Dual Sim from Telkom for R339 per month for 24 months on the FreeMe 1GB deal and receive a free made for Xperia cover as well as three Onesimus soundtracks ‘I Need You’, ‘Freedom’ and ‘Tchuku Tchuku’, available for download through Xperia Lounge.

To follow all updates keep an eye out on Sony Mobile’s Facebook page and Twitter page

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@SiemensAfrica Introduces #iCitizen: The Day in The Life of The #DigitalNomad @FluxTrends

Hi Friends,

Dion Chang captivated his audience last night at his talk on the iCitizen: The day in the life of the digital nomad. Siemens customers are no strangers to the innovation and ground-breaking technologies that the company invests to ensure a seamless life created effortlessly with the extraordinary features.

Consumers only had to follow the trends and announcements at EuroCucina this year to know just how competitive the digital consumer-centric space really is, regardless of industry and product. Some of the highlights included the Siemens Home Connect making it possible for consumers to view the contents of their fridge or setting the oven temperature while sitting at work or perhaps getting caught up in the grocery store.

Dion Chang talking on the topic of the iCitizen

“The talk highlights how flexible we should be as employers, consumers, and brands in today’s digital world. From human digital identification chips to nomadic employees, the world is rapidly changing. The facts will either scare you or excite you, either way, these changes are happening now and it is our choice on how susceptible we are to embrace this new age”, says Dion Chang.

Enrico Hoffmann, Managing Director of BSH South Africa supported this and says that “Siemens has always taken technology advancement very seriously. One only has to look at the string of benefits that the products offer to understand that this brand is focussed on connecting the consumer with a world of possibilities.”

As always, Dion gave guests some food for thought, challenged opinions and made everyone realize that the technological advancements that we may regard as far-fetched Sci-Fi is in actual-fact on our doorstep.

Dion Chang and Enrico Hoffmann

More about Dion Chang
Chang is known for rattling traditional cages in a world struggling to adapt to a new world order, he uses a global perspective to gauge the zeitgeist and track ahead-of-the-curve trends to identify shifting business templates. With 20 years’ experience in the magazine industry as a journalist and media spokesperson, he is able to provide insights into the ever-changing relationship between brands, consumers and the communication channels that bind them. He specializes as a disruption management consultant and is passionate about embedding a culture of innovation into corporate operating systems. He has a deep affiliation for youth trends and subcultures, their impact, and influence on our new world order, as well as innovative ideas for greater good. Chang is also part of Flux Trends specializes in understanding consumer mindset and identifying unexpected business opportunities within shifting trends, ensuring that global trends have relevance when translated for African, and South African businesses.

More about Siemens
Siemens Home Appliances is the brand that provides its customers with a captivating product experience - a brand for the unexpected and exhilarating new opportunities in life. This brand contributes to the metropolitan lifestyle with architectural aesthetics and timeless design. In terms of technology, the brand’s focus on connectivity and flexibility has enabled them to become the worldwide market leader in innovation. For more information about how Siemens can help you to bring recipes to life through innovation and technology, feel free to visit their website; https://www.siemens.com/za/en/home.html.

More about BSH  

With annual sales of around €13.1 billion in 2016 and more than 58 000 employees, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH is one of the global leaders in the home appliance sector. BSH manufactures at around 40 factories, operates over 80 companies and has a presence in around 50 countries. The BSH Brand Experience Centre in Johannesburg is located at 30 Archimedes Street, Kramerville, Sandton, 2090. They are open to the public from Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:00 and Saturdays, 09:00 to 12:30. For more information about the BSH Home Appliance group, you can visit https://www.bsh-group.com/

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Gear Up for #Adventure With @TrekBikes #EmondaALR4 #CheckpointSL6 #SouthAfrica

Hi Friends,

They say that life is a journey and that you should enjoy the ride. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as knowing your ride will take you exactly where you want to go, in such a way that you wish the journey would never end. As a world leader in mountain bike technology, Trek constantly assesses its product offering, adapting and expanding ranges to rise to the expectations of adrenalin junkies and adventure seekers all over the world.

Two exciting new range additions are Trek gravel bikes and touring bikes.
Gravel bikes can be ridden almost anywhere, both on the road and off it. Gravel bikes are for those days when you know you want to hit the wide-open spaces, but you’re not quite sure where they’ll take you. Trek touring bikes expand your horizons exponentially. Adventure touring bikes are built to stand up to the rigors of the traveling through cities, mountains, deserts … any direction your wanderlust pulls you in! Trek touring bikes give you the freedom to explore more.

Level with the gravel on your new Trek Checkpoint!
Trek’s all-new Checkpoint gravel bike is guaranteed to put the fun back into your journey! This bike is designed exclusively for the adventure-minded gravel rider, incorporating a new geometry which is paired with quality specs that will hold up for long, rugged miles on pavement, dirt and the most treacherous gravel roads.

The bike that checks all the boxes
In South Africa, Checkpoint is being released in both carbon and aluminum models to cater for every rider’s needs. The Checkpoint SL6 is built from Trek’s premium 500 Series OCLV Carbon, while the ALR 4 features Trek’s lightweight 300 Series Alpha Aluminium, contributing to the bike’s uber-quick ride feel.

Trek Bikes Checkpoint SL 6

The flagship Checkpoint SL 6 boasts a full Shimano Ultegra 2 x 11 drivetrain, Bontrager’s Paradigm Comp Disc wheels paired with Shimano RT800 Ice-Tech FREEZA rotors, and finned brake pads for lightweight durability and extra stopping power. The ALR 4 will cater for entry-level riders and features Shimano’s Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain and a wide-range 11-34 cassette. Both models come equipped with 700 x 35c Schwalbe gravel tires, tubeless-ready Bontrager wheels, and flat-mount disc brakes. One of Checkpoint’s most exciting developments is its unique, gravel-specific geometry. The new dimensions offer comfort for the long haul and on rough terrain but remain aggressive enough to provide the speed and responsive ride-feel most gravel riders crave.

Checkpoint features a nearly identical reach to that of Trek’s Boone cyclocross bike, but with a slightly taller stack, and lower bottom bracket height. Chainstay length and wheelbase are the same. The lower bottom bracket provides the additional stability riders look for on long grinds while maintaining a tight wheelbase, long reach, and relatively low stack height which keeps Checkpoint fast and maneuverable.

Tech you can trust
The Checkpoint SL 6 features the same Rear IsoSpeed decoupler used on Domane and Boone. IsoSpeed minimizes pesky, fatiguing vibrations from even the most uneven riding surfaces, ensuring comfort that goes the distance. The SL models also include a carbon seat mast cap, Trek’s Carbon Armour to protect the frame from debris and facilitate easy conversion to a 1x or electronic drivetrain. All models feature 12 mm front and rear thru axles and Control Freak internal cable routing for easy cleanly organized cables that are protected from the mud and dirt that will inevitably feature on the Checkpoint rider’s journey.

Play it your way
The customization is a breeze with Checkpoint. Stranglehold dropouts let the rider adjust the bike’s geometry and gearing based on the requirements of the day’s ride. For example, the longest setting increases the bike’s stability for longer rides or bike packing, while shortening the wheelbase provides snappier, more responsive handling for gravel racing. The dropouts also facilitate quick, no-fuss conversion to single speed.

While the stock 35 mm Schwalbe tyres hit the sweet-spot for most riders, fitting other widths quickly changes Checkpoint’s identity. The rider hitting crushed limestone trails to link pavement will love firm and fast-rolling 28 mm slicks, while the dedicated dirt road explorer can run 45 mm knobbles to tackle the rockiest routes. So what’s your pleasure? The choice is yours!

Trek Bikes Emonda ALR 4

Mounts to make the most of the ride
The checkpoint is covered in mounts for even more functional versatility. Mounts on the seat tube and down tube allow riders to fit 3 bottles in the main triangle (sizes 56 cm and larger), or position two bottles low while leaving room for a frame bag. There’s also space for an additional bottle underneath the down tube. Lowrider fork mounts will take a rack such as Trek’s 720 fork rack, as just one example. Rear rack mounts provide the option to haul even more cargo, and hidden fender mounts keep the ride clean in even the worst weather. SL models include a top tube mount to quickly attach an easy-to-reach bag for ride essentials.

Time to make tracks on your Trek 920 touring bike!
The new Trek 920 touring bike opens up a world of experiences you never dreamed existed. It’s a get-up-and-go-anywhere bike, built with drop-bars and 29er mountain bike wheels for balance and performance on any surface you’re set to encounter along the way. The 920 comes with front and rear racks for a ridiculous amount of carrying capacity, so all you must do is select a spot on your map and GO!

Room to roam … go big; don’t go home!
There’s no need to be intimidated by the road ahead. When the pavement ends, the 920 is just getting started. This rugged adventure tourer sports an off-road drivetrain, opening up endless journey options. And don’t let a bit of gravel stop you either; the 920 is equipped to handle whatever lies on or off the beaten track, getting its precious cargo there safely!

All the pros you’ll need for your trip
We’re talking versatile geometry with drop bars, wide gearing range, and rack and fender compatibility give this bike do-anything attitude. Super-agile, the 920’s strong Alpha Aluminium frame is quick on the pavement, tough on the trail, and compatible with our DuoTrap S fitness-tracking sensor. Steadfast stopping power and weatherproof disc brakes give you heart-stopping peace of mind in all conditions.

Go on. Test-ride a new Trek, today!
Trek’s entrance into the dedicated gravel and touring bike markets is set up for a show-stopping success in South Africa. Isn’t it time you seized the day and owned the road? For additional information on Checkpoint, 920 or Trek retailers, visit https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/. Join the conversations on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrekBikesZA/ or Twitter: https://twitter.com/trekbikes and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trekbikes/.

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