Hands-On with the #GalaxyFold: A Form Factor with a New User Experience @SamsungMobileSA

Hi Friends,

Samsung captured the imagination of the world with its recently released category-defining flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Fold. At IFA 2019, visitors had the unique opportunity to experience the Galaxy Fold for the very first time.

For those who were not able to experience this, the video above provides a look at what a hands-on experience of the Galaxy Fold looks like for users.

The Galaxy Fold’s unique design and foldable form factor, providing you with two options for screen size in one device, provides a brand-new user experience. When closed, you can comfortably access all your essential apps with just one hand. But when opened, the 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display offers a truly immersive viewing experience, allowing you to get lost in videos on a screen that’s so big, you won’t believe you can fit it in a pocket. From the camera to the gallery to the latest gaming apps, users can enjoy next-level experiences with their favourite content on the spacious screen of the main display just by opening up the device.

In order to facilitate maximum productivity and ease of use when switching between the Galaxy Fold’s two displays, Samsung developed two features especially: App Continuity and Multi-Active Window. With App Continuity, you can switch between using an app on the cover display and using it on the main display seamlessly. For example, you can check an email when the device is folded, and then, when you open the device to reply, a version of the email app that is optimised for the expansive screen will open, allowing you to comfortably view the full contents of the email. Following the uninterrupted screen transition, you can then reply to the email using the keyboard, which is optimised for placement near each of your hands.

Multi-Active Window allows you to take advantage of the increased screen real state of the main display, as you can open multiple apps simultaneously and easily use them at the same time thanks to an optimized UX for next-level multitasking. Whilst reading an email, you can easily drag and drop your Calendar as well as Google Maps from the device’s side panel into the Multi-Active Window to work in three windows simultaneously and coordinate a meeting quickly and efficiently. You can also easily adjust the dimensions of each app window so as to see more, or less, as you require.

Cheers!!!

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

Celebrating a Mom-in-Tech: Claire Carter @Lenovo_Africa Marketing Director for the MEA Region

Hi Friends, 

Claire Carter, Lenovo’s Marketing Director for MEA, chats about the business benefits of having more women in the tech industry and why Lenovo sees this as a priority.

1. When you started at Lenovo two years ago, you had spent nearly two decades in the FMCG industry, working for brands like KFC and Flora. From a gender balance perspective, what first struck you about the differences between working for a consumer technology company and an FMCG company?

CC: Tech is undoubtedly more of a male-dominated field, particularly in the Middle East region, which was very different from what I was used to in FMCG. But I moved to this industry because I wanted to be part of the digital revolution, as technology becomes more and more embedded in our everyday lives. It wasn’t an easy switch to make, but I was drawn to Lenovo particularly because of their focus on supporting women in their leadership journeys.

2. Only 25% of people working in the tech industry are female. What do you think is the reason for this?

CC: Certain fields have a gender-skewed legacy; for example, historically technology has been seen as a ‘male’ industry, just as areas like teaching have been regarded as ‘female’. It’s precisely this legacy that the Women in Lenovo @ Leadership (WILL) network are redressing by focusing on hiring, retaining, mentoring and promoting women. Thirty percent of Lenovo’s workforce is female, which is above the industry average.

3. Why do you think gender balance is crucial for companies, and specifically tech organizations?

CC: There have been many studies showing that gender-balanced teams perform far better than those that are dominated by just men or just women. Diversity in all forms – whether we’re talking about gender, or ethnicity, or age – is always beneficial for companies. Quite simply, diversity of approach delivers better results. For example, women generally go about their daily tasks differently to men and deal with people differently.

This gender balance is crucial for the tech industry, in particular, bearing in mind that 60 to 80 percent of consumer buying decisions are made by women. It’s important that we focus on the human aspect of our devices, i.e. what they can do to enhance your life, rather than just the technical specifications. Lenovo ensures that women are a part of our product focus panels right from the design phase.

Claire Carter_Lenovo Marketing Director, PC & Smart Devices Group, Middle East and Africa

4. What do you really love about your job and working at Lenovo?

CC: Leading a marketing team is not my only job; I am also a mom, and Lenovo helps me to be present and productive in both roles. I’m not judged on the number of hours I spend at my desk but rather evaluated on my outputs. I love our agile culture, which is leaps ahead of other companies. I have flexibility so I can pick the kids up from school in the middle of the day if I need to, and a team I can count on to keep things running smoothly while I’m out of the office. Lenovo empowers its people and in this way gets the best out of everyone.

5. What has been your personal experience with the Women in Lenovo Leadership’ (WILL) network?

CC: Lenovo established WILL back in 2007 as a global platform for local initiatives to support women in our company to succeed. To be honest, I didn’t realize how important it was for me personally to be part of a programme like this one until I started to become actively involved in WILL. You don’t know what a meaningful role you can play in paying it forward to other women until you get the opportunity to do so.

6. Are there any women working in the tech space who you admire and why?

CC: I’m a great fan of Sheryl Sandberg, the CEO of Facebook. In her TED talk, “Why we have too few women leaders”, she focuses on the gender battle of confidence versus competence.

Men are just better at selling themselves, while women inherently lack confidence, even though they possess the skills needed to do a job effectively. This notion really resonates with me, and it’s something I tackle through my work with WILL and also as a facilitator for Google’s I Am Remarkable initiative, which focuses on women empowerment.

7. What three tips would you offer another woman who wants to work in the tech industry?

CC: Firstly, make sure you have a team you can count on and trust. Secondly, find a reverse mentor, i.e. someone younger than you who knows more about the ever-changing world of tech and can help you navigate through areas you need to build know-how on. Finally – be brave! Sit proudly at that boardroom table and don’t be shy to say your piece.

8. Why would you encourage women to consider roles in the tech space?

CC: Why would you want to work anywhere else?! Tech isn’t just a small department in your company, it’s how we all run our lives, both personally and professionally. It’s exciting to be a part of an industry that simplifies people’s lives and empowers them with tools, especially when working for a respected and innovative leader in the tech space like Lenovo.

Cheers!!!

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

In the Market for A New Car? Tips to Ensure You Don’t Buy a Box of Troubles #ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Once you have made the decision to buy a car, it is tempting to want to get it NOW! The fact, however, is that buying a car is a big purchase and it is advisable to contain your excitement. It is also a good idea to do some research and tick some boxes in order to eliminate the chances of buying yourself a box of troubles. According to an article on Forbes.com, the number one mistake made when purchasing a vehicle is not doing your homework![1]

Do that homework

Start off by knowing the market value of the car you like before you consider buying. Knowing the market value, for both new and second-hand options, will allow you to tell whether the seller is overcharging or not. It’s also a great idea to look at reviews of the car you prefer to see what drivers are saying about it. It’s also a good idea to get an idea of the upkeep and maintenance costs too. It is best to go into the sale equipped with all the knowledge available to you.

What questions should you ask the seller?

It’s really important that you ask direct questions about the car. Some private sellers may think that they can sucker you into buying a problem car.

The questions you should ask include:

• How old is the car?
• How many previous owners have there been?
• How many kilometers has the car done?
• Does it have a full-service history?
• Has the car been in any accidents? 
• Does the car have an existing warranty or maintenance plan? 

You will need to ensure that you receive honest answers to these questions, so it is a good idea to take someone experienced with you.

Perform an inspection and test drive

Dealerships, who are part of the Imperial Auto group allow customers to perform inspections, but with a private seller, this might be difficult to arrange. If you are able to arrange an inspection of the car with the seller, then you will need to inspect it both internally and externally for any damages or irregularities. 

During your test drive, you will need to listen out for any strange noises coming from the engine. You will also need to feel the suspension and note how the steering and brakes feel on both town roads and on the highway.

Taking a car for a test drive at a dealer, as an Imperial Auto dealer is really easy to arrange. Just don’t forget to take your valid driver’s license with.

Inspect the paperwork

Even if the car looks great, drives well and the price is right, the next vital step in the buying process is to inspect the paperwork. Ask to see the ownership documents and any service documents, and the car logbook. The benefit of buying your car through a reputable dealer is that they make sure all of that is done for you.

For more useful info on purchasing your first car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za/first-time-buyer and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1] https://www.forbes.com/pictures/ehlg45edej/mistake-1-not-doing-your-homework/#2f79a77d18d1

Cheers!!!

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

The Expo Industry in #SouthAfrica: An Insider’s View By Mr. Craig Newman, CEO, Johannesburg Expo Centre

Hi Friends, 

From MamaMagic to the Vodacom rAge Expo and HuntEx to SA Fashion Week, there are exhibitions for so many different niches in South Africa every year. And for the most part, the exhibition industry is showing no signs of slowing down. 

One of the most recent events, Vodacom rAge, is a perfect example of the extent to which likeminded people will turn out in support of an event that plays to their unique interests. 

Several exhibitors reported that they did so well, they had run out of stock by day three of the event. 

Vodacom rAge caters to a very specific niche – the toys, gaming, sci-fi, and fantasy market. According to PR Newswire, the global toys and games market is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% between now and 2025. 

That’s just one example of a powerful niche market that’s gaining ground year-on-year. 

Exhibitions are focused on marketing opportunities that bring your target market to you and allow you to network with your audience for ongoing sales. They’re fostering niche pocket economies everywhere. 

Expo trends now 

Other niches are also on the rise, and the exhibition circuit is a great opportunity to capitalize on consumer interest, even in a struggling economy. 

It’s not just the big ones that are doing well. Smaller-scale exhibitions are also seeing an increase in attendance. For example, broadcasting, entertainment and communications technology expo, Mediatech Africa, attracted 7525 visitors in July this year – a six-percent increase over last year, with 701 brands on display and 148 exhibiting companies. 

South Africans love a good exhibition. We’re a culture of hobbyists and weekend project collectors who love to turn up for a day out at an expo centre to consult the experts who know about the things we like, buy the latest and greatest goods and enjoy fine fare from food trucks, donut stands, and boerewors roll sellers. 

Having attended many varying exhibitions myself, as an industry professional and exhibition enthusiast, I can confidently say that we’re in a business that’s growing every year. Trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions contribute to the local economy, boost tourism and enhance South Africa’s GDP. 

Exhibitions truly tap into the South African entrepreneurial spirit. An article published by Fin24 in 2018 states that visiting business delegates – many of them here for conferences or exhibitions – contribute around R115bn to our GDP annually. 

The feelgood factor 

The common denominator, whether you’re at Africa Health, Discop Africa or Vodacom rAge, for the most part, is the positive energy you encounter as you wander between the stands and showpieces at most South African expos and shows. 

The Rand Show in April this year completely changed lives with a local entrepreneur making a whopping sale of over R500 000. And it’s a testament to the fact that destination shows can provide a captive audience for exhibitors. In this case, it was the Rand Show’s dedicated SMME section, activated by the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. And I’m sure we can expect many more stories like this one to come. 

What does the future hold? 

New tools and technology are making the exhibition business more exciting than ever before. Dedicated event management software is making it easier for organizers and exhibitors to plan their efforts to the letter, and electronic booking or ticketing solutions have done away with a human error when it comes to letting people in and out. 

Mobile technology is becoming more and more prevalent every year, with just about every big expo having its own dedicated app to help guests navigate their event and stay up to date with any panels, showstoppers or press events that are scheduled during an expo. 

Digital design and the advent of technologies such as 3D printing have made stands easier to create, set up and strike, not to mention more appealing to the eye than ever before. And if you’re not that keen on the crowds, who knows? There may be more Virtual Reality expo experiences coming up sooner rather than later. 

At the time of writing this, having seen the faces of the people in the crowds at the likes of the Rand Show, Vodacom rAge, the Design Indaba and more, exhibitions are still putting smiles on faces. And every year, they just get bigger and more advanced. Stay tuned for 2020’s exhibition circuit. It’s going to be the most impressive yet.

Cheers!!!

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

Financing a New Car? Tips to Ensure You Get the Best Deal…#ImperialAuto

Hi Friends, 

Purchasing a brand-new car is really exciting – and once you have made the decision you are likely to want to get your car NOW! Be careful not to let your excitement interfere with financing option decisions. Here are some tips from Imperial Auto to ensure that find you the best finance deal possible.

• Speak to the finance and insurance (F&I) manager at your nearest dealership. This will allow you to interact with a specialist and clarify any questions you may have. They can also assess your specific situation and offer you advice on structuring your finance agreement.
• Ensure you structure your deal the best way for you. Here are some options: 
• Deposit – paying a deposit reduces your monthly repayment. If this is possible – it would be a smart move to make from the get-go!
• Fixed VS linked interest rate – during periods when interest rates fluctuate, you may want to consider discussing a fixed rate with your bank. This option has pros and cons to consider.
• The contract period – remember that a longer period reduces the monthly instalments but attracts more interest payable over the period. This is entirely based on what you can afford on a monthly basis.
• Balloon payment – opting for a balloon payment means that you will need to settle a lump sum in order to own the vehicle at the end of the contract period. Although a balloon payment will reduce your monthly repayments, it increases the financial burden at the end of the contract period. You need to be consciously aware of the future implications of this type of deal structure.
• There are a range of insurance products available that cover both the car (warranties, service and maintenance plans) as well as yourself (death, disability and retrenchment cover) which you can consider. Whichever you choose, would depend on your personal situation as well as the car you intend buying.

The F&I will submit a single application to all the banks and obtain quotes from the various banks on your behalf, thereby making the process transparent for you to choose the best interest rate.

There’s no guarantee that you will be approved for vehicle finance, but there are things you can ensure you do which will help improve credit health and greatly increase the chances of being granted credit. 

1. Work out your affordability 

Find out how much you can afford to spend on a car. To do this, simply take your income (after taxes and deductions) and subtract all living expenses. These costs must be deducted from your total income to find out your disposable income.

2. Don’t forget the running costs 

Affording a car isn’t just about the monthly installment. Fuel, maintenance, and insurance are additional monthly expenses that need to be budgeted for.

According to an article on Business Insider, the latest motor trade sales from Statistics South Africa show that South Africans are spending more on fuel than on buying new vehicles. [1]

3. Save up for a deposit 

Financial responsibility reflects well on your credit profile and will assist in ensuring your finance application will be approved. If you’ve shown the bank that you can budget responsibly, you’ll really impress them with a deposit. Paying a deposit reduces the amount of credit required for the transaction which, means lower monthly repayments and improved affordability.

4. Get rid of unnecessary debt 

The National Credit Act requires the bank to take all credit facilities into account, so your credit card and overdraft debt is assessed. These figures are used in assessing your affordability.

For more useful info on purchasing a car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.

[1]https://www.businessinsider.co.za/south-africans-now-spend-more-on-fuel-than-on-new-cars-2018-7

Cheers!!!

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