Bucket Seat: Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI

Last year saw Audi launch a range of updated packages for their model line-ups to invigorate some new life into the current vehicles. These included the Urban Package and Black Edition. These upgrades were not limited to just cosmetic but saw some upgrade to the tech and other aspects of the cars as well. Not too long ago I got to spend time with the A3 Sedan 35 TFSI which was in the Black Edition trim line. These packages allow the consumer to go into a dealership, select the model and engine variant they want, and without having to go through the numerous options, just select Urban or Black, and these come pre-loaded with a variety of options that are not only practical but pretty cool as well. The most you have to do is choose a colour from their spectrum, the rest, Audi will do depending on your choice. 

DESIGN

The overall design of the A3 remains the same with some minor tweaks to the grille, headlights, tail lights and bumpers. The grille has more pronounced styling with a V pattern angling in towards the badge in the center. The Badges in the Black Edition are blacked out, the diffuser looks more aggressive with and angular side pod that is solid but with a grate like effect.  The profile of the car remains sleek, with the new choice of rims really giving the car a bolder look. The main eye catching feature of the rear is the flashy LED Matrix lights which look like a collective of triangles and along with the day-time running lights the front perform a "dance" when unlocking and locking the car. So I mention that the "Black Edition" has a host of pre-selected options for you, but what does it entail? Lets take a dive into it. 

• S line exterior and interior
• Black styling package with black rings
• Contour ambient lights
• leather/leatherette
• Sports Steering Wheel
• Sports package
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black mirrors

PERFORMANCE

Unfortunately, the Black Edition doesn't give you any engine or performance enhancements, yes, those blacked out rings don't add to the kilowatts but still, the 35 TFSI motor has a pretty potent punch with 110kW and 250Nm of torque, the tiptronic gearbox is a masterful tactician in delivery the appropriate power on demand for the car. Flicking through the various driving modes would give you a true taste of this, as its quicker change when driving in efficiency while holding the gears for longer on dynamic. Audi claim a combined fuel economy of 5.8L per 100km with this one, I was averaging around 6.5L which isn't too bad. The ride quality on the car was quite good, considering its riding on 18-inch rims with low profiles, the suspension was quite soft and not overtly stiff. 

COMFORT

The interior of the A3 has remained the same for most of it but there are some added details given to enhance the look. The doors receive a new diamond like pattern which integrates the ambient lighting to it. It's a small but very nice addition and looks very cool at night. Other than that, most of the interior is the same with dual climate control for the driver and front passenger, a wireless charging tray, two USB C ports in the front and back. The touch screen interface is easy to use and features Audi's latest MMI UI, The seats are sports style seats but are super comfy and have heating functionality as part of the Black Edition package. The infotainment has the usual settings and mobile apps built in with wireless connectivity. What I did appreciate though is the upgrade in the sound package with Audi now having a SONOS sound system option. This was brilliant in the car and honestly a great move from Audi to engage them for the media sound system. 

VERDICT

The Audi A3 remains my favourite car in this segment, the BMW 2 Series GC and Mercedes Benz A-Class don't hold a flame to this one in my opinion. It just feels like a more complete car and has amazing offerings compared to its rivals. The pricing is a bit high with this particular model being just shy of R900,000, but with what you getting in the car with the Black Edition package, it's most certainly worth it. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.4L Turbo
Gear Box	Tiptronic
Torque	250Nm
Power	110kW
Fuel Economy	5.8L per 100km
Price	R849,500

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: A Pocket-Sized AI Powerhouse

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7, a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.

“Galaxy Z Flip7 is proof that big intelligence can come in a small, pocket-sized form factor,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) at Samsung Electronics. “By bringing rich multimodal AI capabilities and seamless functionality to the FlexWindow, we’ve created a device that adapts, anticipates and empowers users, unlocking a smarter, more intuitive way to engage with the world.”

Biggest, Brightest FlexWindow Yet

Content spills elegantly from edge-to-edge on the Galaxy Z Flip7’s stunning FlexWindow display, which brings essentials front and center and makes it easy to type out quick messages, check schedules at a glance and snap high-quality selfies. Galaxy Z Flip’s brightest FlexWindow yet delivers a super-smooth refresh rate, so everything looks vivid and feels fluid – even when outside on a sunny day.

• The 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
• With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
• The main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.

Thinnest Yet Durable Galaxy Z Flip

Galaxy Z Flip7 is crafted for portability and puts powerful performance right in the palm of the user’s hand. With its compact size and sleek silhouette, it slips effortlessly into a small pocket or purse, perfect for whatever the day brings. Whether catching calls during a coffee outing or snapping pictures at the store – no need to worry about the inevitable drops and bumps along the way. It’s also built to last and engineered to handle the rigors of daily use.

• Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
• The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.
• The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability
• A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter

While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form. With the largest battery ever in the Galaxy Z Flip series, it delivers enough additional power to watch an extra movie without charging. Users can stream music or listen to podcasts during long commutes, edit photos on the fly and share updates throughout the day without missing a beat.

• The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, delivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
• The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customised for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.
• Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.

Pocket-Perfect AI

With FlexWindow enhanced for greater usability and Galaxy AI that is smarter and more intuitive than ever, Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces a new era of convenience and functionality, empowering users to search with their voice, get answers and take action directly on FlexWindow. Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimised for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen. This intuitive, one-handed experience enhances productivity and introduces even more personalisation options, making the Galaxy Z Flip7 a smart and handy companion, whether a user is traveling around the globe or simply navigating a busy day.

Galaxy Z Flip7 brings a new level of AI-powered personalisation, tailored to users’ style and routine. From curated wallpaper suggestions to emoji, colour and widget customisation, the FlexWindow becomes a dynamic extension of a user’s personality. Whether prepping for travel or matching the  mood, personalisation is effortless and always evolving.

• Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. Users getting ready for an overseas trip can just tell Gemini what they need. It can pull up flight details from Samsung Wallet, set a reminder for when to leave for the airport and even find top-rated restaurants at the user’s destination. Plus, all this information can be stored in Samsung Notes for easy access later. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.
• With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’are looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.
• Now Bar shows real-time app activity, podcast progress and alerts right on the cover screen, and it’s now integrated with even more third-party apps. A quick glance at the FlexWindow lets users check on the ETA of their rideshare, see what song is playing, peek at the latest football scores, and so much more.
• Now Brief provides even more personalised daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries. Users can get personalised music and video recommendations based on subscriptions and interests, as well as easily access health and wellness data pulled from Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch.
• The FlexWindow’s clock adapts and stretches to compliment a user’s wallpaper, wrapping the font around faces or objects in the image to keep the time display clear. Whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline, the lock screen ensures the clock remains visible without disrupting the image.

A Pocket-Sized Selfie Studio

Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet. With Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine, it intelligently optimises every scene to deliver crisp, detailed shots in any lighting, without any manual adjustments needed. From playful pet moments to zoomed-in festival shots and glowing sunset portraits, Galaxy Z Flip7 captures stunning results without a tripod or even unfolding the screen.

• The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.
• With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames.
• 10-bit HDR provides richer colour, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.
• Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.
• With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go.
• Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE

Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates - including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts - on the cover screen, in a layout optimised for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form. Available in Black and White, it delivers a minimalist look that complements its intelligent, foldable design.

Future-Ready Mobile Security

As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalised AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi.This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.

Availability & Offers

The Galaxy Z Flip7 will be available for pre-order starting July 9, with general availability beginning July 25. The Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Blue Shadow, Jetblack,and  Coral-red colour options. The Galaxy Flip7 FE is available in Black or White.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 will be available at these recommended retail prices:

• Galaxy Z Flip7 512GB - R27,499
• Galaxy Z Flip7 256GB – R24,999
• Galaxy Z Flip7 FE 256GB – R21,499
• Galaxy Z Flip7 FE 128GB – R18,499

For greater peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, repairs, and replacements.

Get expanded access to Google AI Pro and 2TB of cloud storage for 6 months at no cost with Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE.

 

Monday Choon: BT - Flaming June (PARAFRAME Remix)

 

BT is one of those cult DJ's in the industry that has a tendency to produce some epic bangers every now and then, his track Flaming June was one of them when it came out in 1997 and there has been various remixes and revivals of the track ever since, many of which don't hit that praise the track richly deserves. But there does come the odd occasion like today, where Frankfurt based DJ and producer PARAFRAME has taken the track and given it an epic revival which his remix of Flaming June. It's been featured on a few podcasts, most prominently ABGT and deservedly so, turn the volume up for this one. 

Bucket Seat: Renault Duster

The Renault Duster has been a market disrupter in the segment since its launch back in the early 2000’s, the French brand was coming into the segment still wet behind the ears but what they managed to achieve in the Duster was something remarkable, a robust off-road vehicle that was a decent size but being a fraction of the cost of anything that was remotely close to it’s competition. Yes there were the likes of the Suzuki Jimny which was the leader in the market for an affordable 4x4 but now some competition in the form of the Duster came into the play but you can’t really call it competition as the two still remain very vast in their offerings. 

DESIGN

The new Duster presents a much bolder and muscular exterior compared to its predecessor. Its design is defined by a prominent grille bearing the new Renault script, signature Y‑shaped LED daytime running lights, sculpted bonnet lines, flared wheel arches, and flush-mounted rear door handles, giving it a rugged yet refined silhouette. Built on the CMF‑B platform (shared with the Captur and Nissan Juke), it is slightly larger — about 11 mm wider and 2 mm longer. The 4×4 variant has an extra 7 mm of ground clearance, reaching 217 mm overall, paired with revised bumpers to enhance its approach/departure angles Eco-conscious touches include 20% recycled plastic cladding (with shimmering specs), modular roof rails (up to 70 kg capacity), and robust skid plates — all reinforcing its rugged appeal 

PERFORMANCE

Renault has phased out diesel entirely. The line-up includes a 1.3 L turbo petrol engine (113 kW / 250 Nm) paired with a 7‑speed EDC automatic for the 4×2 models, and a 1.2 L turbo mild‑hybrid (96 kW / 230 Nm) with a 48‑V system and a 6‑speed manual exclusive to the 4×4 Zen trim Fuel consumption is efficient: around 6.5 L/100 km for the 1.3 L petrol, with the mild‑hybrid variant dipping even lower (~5.7 L/100 km WLTP) The mild-hybrid powertrain delivers smooth, torque-laden acceleration at low revs, making it adept at everyday urban and lighter off-road duties. The turbo petrol also excels in delivering strong mid-range punch and refinement.On gravel and dirt: The 4×4 variant stands out, with 217 mm clearance, five terrain modes (Auto, Eco, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road), and hill-descent control. It remains agile and planted across rough surfaces — though performance in deep sand is more modest due to limited torque and lack of a low-range gearbox. Transmission: The 7-speed automatic in the 1.3 TCe models shifts smoothly and keeps engine noise in check. The mild hybrid’s 6-speed manual is refined enough for general driving, though shifts may feel slightly notchy in tight urban traffic.

 COMFORT

The cabin takes a minimalist and ergonomic approach: driver-centric centre console, a standard 10.1‑inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 7‑inch digital instrument cluster. Practical features: YouClip attachment points, rear 60/40 split fold seats, generous 472–494 L boot, and multiple USB‑C ports (front and rear). Higher trims add 360° camera, cruise control, and keyless entry. While the materials are robust and easy to clean — ideal for active lifestyles — plastics feel utilitarian, and some creaks/rattles have been noted at times. Cabin comfort is decent: supportive manually adjustable seats, good visibility, and space for four adults with sufficient rear legroom. Ride quality is smooth and composed — suspension absorbs potholes and gravel like a champ. Steering is light, perfect for urban manoeuvres, though feedback is limited.

 VERDICT

The 2025 Renault Duster strikes a compelling balance between rugged capability and urban practicality. Its refreshed styling and off‑road readiness make it a standout choice for adventurers, while efficient petrol and mild‑hybrid engines ensure it's suitable for daily commutes. Though the interior materials and gearbox feel at times utilitarian, the strong feature set, spaciousness, and value pricing make it a smart buy — especially for markets like South Africa where diverse road conditions demand versatility. If you’re after an SUV with real off-road chops that doesn’t compromise on tech or practicality, the new Duster is worth a serious look.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.3L Turbo
Gear Box	7-Speed EDC
Torque	250Nm
Power	113kW
Fuel Economy	6.5L per 100km
Price	R539,529

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Review

Samsung's Galaxy S range has always been a favourite with most tech fundies and widely admired in the smart phone space. They normally set the standard of what should be norm in a phone and all their competitors keep a keen eye on their unboxing events when the latest S series is being debuted. The range topping Galaxy S Ultra devices are aimed more at the business folk who require a phone that can cope with the demands of phone calls, emails, messaging and view documents while on the go,  but having the battery life to last more than a full working day. The latest version of this device which was launched earlier this year had Samsung fanboys drooling at what it had to offer, from the Galaxy pen which is integrated to the device to the telephoto zoom camera, it seems like the complete package, I got to experience the device first hand for a few weeks to see if it lived up to the hype.

WHATS IN THE BOX?

Like many other manufacturers, the boxes are getting smaller and smaller with less and less things inside, for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, its no different. It comes with a USB C charging cable, a pin to remove the SIM card slot and a booklet for the device and that's it. The Galaxy Pen is built-in to the device so its already inside. The box is pretty cool, but most of the people will just chuck it away. 

DESIGN

The design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains that sleek uni-body design of old with slightly more detail and less of a bezel than before. While it is quite big in size, measuring in at 162.8mm x 77.6mm x 8.2mm, the device doesn't feel to cumbersome in hand like the previous Ultra's, weighing in at 218g its also not that heavy. The Display measures in at 6.9-inch and has a 92.5% screen to body ratio which ensures ultimate viewing. The material of the screen is the trusted Corning Gorilla Amror 2 Glass and it also features a glass back made from Gorilla Glass Victus 2, all of this is put together with a titanium grade 5 frame. It has a IP68 rating that is dust tight and water resistant, the device is immersible up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. 

PERFORMANCE

Performance on the Galaxy S25 is driven by next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processing unit that maximises on efficiency. The device has 12GB RAM with options ranging from 256GB to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, this particular model was the 256GB which seems like a lot of space but once you start downloading applications, taking videos and pictures, it does tend to fill up pretty fast. What was great though, is that I had installed a lot of RAM intensive applications, like photo editors and video editors, the device coped just fine with these and didn't flinch at all when processing large documents. Thermal Management is controlled with an improved vapor chamber cooling to maintain sustained performance during gaming and multitasking. Real-world performance will be snappy and fluid, handling everything from high-end mobile gaming to 4K video editing with ease. AI-assisted performance optimization via Samsung Gauss will also become more prominent in managing resources and enhancing app performance over time. While I only had three weeks with the device, I can't fault the performance on it at all during my time with it and even though it can handle some high quality games, I only downloaded 8 Ball Pool and let me tell you, playing it on that huge screen was pretty awesome. 

USER INTERFACE

Samsung's One UI 7.1, based on Android 15, is expected to be one of the S25’s key strengths. Samsung continues to lead with a feature-rich but refined interface. Customization: One UI now offers deeper lock screen and home screen customization, including dynamic theming and AI-generated wallpapers. AI Features: AI-driven suggestions for messaging, summarizing documents, live translation in calls, and camera scene optimization will be deeply integrated. Continuity: Samsung continues to integrate better Galaxy ecosystem continuity — seamless device switching, auto hotspot, and Samsung DeX improvements. Updates: Samsung will provide 7 years of software support, setting a new industry standard alongside Google. One UI remains one of the most polished Android skins, and with the S25’s AI and hardware backing, it’s expected to be even more responsive and intuitive.

CAMERA

Camera performance is often where Samsung shines, and the S25 Ultra sure does live up to the expertations with it having a triple main camera system consisting of a main lens that is a  200MP f/1.7 with a new custom ISOCELL GN6 sensor, offering better light sensitivity and sharper detail in low-light scenarios. Second lens being an Ultra-Wide 10MP sensor with enhanced distortion correction. And the third being a periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom via 50MP lens, with better stabilization, I tested this while driving and it was unreal how stable the footage was when zoomed in. The front facing camera is a 12MP punch-hole with improved AI-assisted portrait mode. This also helps in terms of light control and adjusts the glare if there is too much to give you the perfect selfie all the time. Some key features on the camera are AI Zoom Refinement, Samsung's AI will improve sharpness during digital zoom beyond 3x.Nightography 2.0 enables better low-light and astrophotography features. The video is what blew me away, it has 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, with Auto Frame and Voice Zoom enhancements. I took a few videos and one of the video review on the new E-Class which is up on the Blog Instagram page, which was completely shot on the S25 Ultra. Compared to the S24, the S25’s camera system focuses less on sensor count and more on software smarts, AI post-processing, and scene recognition to deliver DSLR-level results from a phone.

BATTERY

With it being a phone aimed at high earners whom are most likely professionals who are always on the go, the battery needs to be able to last more than your usual 8 hour working day, and the folks at Samsung had this in mind when they fitted the S25 Ultra with a 5000mAh in the base mode Charging features a 45W wired, 25W wireless, and reverse wireless charging supported. Smart battery optimization learns your usage patterns to extend life and slow down battery aging. Real-world usage: Expect 6.5–7 hours of screen-on time, which is solid for a compact flagship, I manged to get up-to 20 hours of usage on the device, my day usually starts at 5am and by 6am I'm at the gym watching Youtube as I train, then into the car, I'm connected to the car via Andriod Auto, during the day making multiple calls, using social media, taking the odd picture of my coffee, then back into the car for the commute home, more social media scrolling and messaging at night before its time to hit the bed by 11pm, by then most of the time there was still 30% of battery left. This is all thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s energy efficiency, paired with Samsung’s adaptive refresh rate and AI optimization that enhances the battery performance.

VERDICT

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a refined and intelligent flagship that continues Samsung's trend of blending cutting-edge hardware with smart software. While not revolutionary in design, it introduces meaningful upgrades in performance, AI integration, camera software, and battery efficiency. It has a lot going for it and as an iPhone Pro Max owner, when I posted I was reviewing this device on my social streams, I had a lot of iPhone owners asking me how is this device because they were bored of what Apple is offering at exorbitant pricing. I know exactly how they feel because I'm going through the same thing. The Pro's of the S25 Ultra are endless, such as  excellent build and design refinement, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 ensures top-tier performance, its strong, long-lasting software support, the great camera system with enhanced AI and of course, the smooth, polished One UI 7.1 experience. Some things that I didn't like was the charging speed, compared to the Chinese products offering up to 120W charging, this seems to be lagging behind. Not much has changed in terms of the design and its hard to differentiate from the previous model and the pricing, while might be a bit more competitive to Apple, is till pretty pricey. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions/ Weight	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm / 218 g
Display	6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED 120Hz
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite
OS	Android 15, One UI7
Storage	256GB
Price	R21,999.00

 Some pictures taken with the Galaxy S25 Ultra

 

Monday Choon: Sebastian Ingrosso - A New Day (feat. Celine Dion)

This has to be one of the most surprising collaborations in electronic music for the past decade, Sebastian Ingrosso who makes up one third of the globally popular group Swedish House Mafia teams up with Canadian songstress Celine Dion to remake her hit track "A New Day", and if this song had Celine getting down to it in the studio, you know the Swede DJ did it justice. Sebastian gave the track respect it deserved in creating a masterful remake of  it after he got the approval of Celine herself.. The track is tasteful and upbeat, turning something soulful into electronic gold. 

Bucket Seat: Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Cabriolet

Over the past decade, Mercedes-Benz model line-up was quite a vast one, they had models from A up to the S Class, and with that came derivatives in the cross over segment and the more sporty coupe segment, over the last few years when sales took a knock, the brand decided to re-look at some of the models in their offering and condense it a bit. Two of those models were the C-Class Coupe/ Cabriolet and the E-Class Coupe/ Cabriolet. While both had their own appeal, there was marginal differences to them in the skeletons of the car. Last year Mercedes-Benz launched the CLE Class, with the Coupe hitting our shores in the first quarter of the year and the topless version towards the latter half. While I got to experience the hard top during its launch in KZN, the appeal to drive a cabriolet is always tempting especially when you live in Durban, where its sunny all year round apart from the days there is an important cricket match being played in town. So Merc sent me the CLE 200 Cabriolet not too long ago to spend a few days with and I was relishing the opportunity to get behind the wheel of it. 

DESIGN

The CLE200 Cabriolet is a visual stunner, with the roof up or down, this particular model finished in white with black details was a looker of note. With a long, sculpted bonnet, wide stance, and coupe-inspired lines, it carries a confident road presence that turned heads everywhere I went. Up front, the iconic grille with a central Mercedes star is flanked by sharp Digital Light LED headlights, while the back end features slim taillights and a fluid shoulder line that enhances its low-slung profile. The fabric soft-top folds neatly in around 20 seconds at speeds up to 60km/h, giving you that breezy open-air feel without fuss. Its design bridges the sportiness of the old C-Class Coupe with the premium grace of the E-Class. This model came in the AMG package which included 19-inch alloys and subtle chrome accents add to the classy yet athletic vibe. A mature, timeless design that turns heads, whether roof up or down.

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet, the CLE200 Cabriolet features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. With a total power output of 150kW and 320Nm torque, all perfectly mated with the 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox makes for tonnes of fun, whether you're taking a causal cruise with the roof down or chasing the wind. It achieves a 0–100km/h time of a brisk 7.5 seconds with its top speed limited to 236km/h. The mild hybrid system offers an additional 17kW of boost during acceleration, improving efficiency and responsiveness. While not a fire-breathing sports car, it’s quick enough for most drivers and impressively refined.  Rear-wheel drive delivers balance and composure on the open road with it giving you confidence to attack corners and accelerate out of long bends with ease. The CLE200 excels as a grand tourer – smooth, predictable, and comfortable on long drives. Sport and Comfort modes adapt the throttle and suspension feel nicely with the driver and the passenger not feeling uneasy at all. While its not the quickest engine in the Mercedes arsenal, it sure still does deliver plenty of fun for the driver. 

COMFORT

Comfort is one of the CLE200’s standout traits – especially for a cabriolet, from the existing diamond stitched leather seats which were finished in a tan colour, the cars interior is a carbon copy to that of the CLE Coupe and the C-Class Sedan with an additional party trick which allows the center infotainment screen to tilt should the suns glare affect it when driving with the top down.  Interior Materials feature soft-touch leathers, open-pore wood or aluminium trim, and ambient lighting create a premium cabin as with all their cars. The front seats a heated and power-adjustable  with optional neck-level Airscarf system – a true must for winter top-down drives as I made plenty of use of during Durban's "cold" winter weather.  A wind deflector and acoustic fabric roof keep noise levels impressively low, even on highways. The cars aerodynamics were such that I hardly found myself using the wind deflector, even at high-speeds with the roof down. The ride quality is refined, especially when fitted with adaptive damping. Mercedes has also improved cabin insulation, making it a serene space with the roof closed. The rear seats are best suited for kids or shorter adults as legroom is limited and confined to the driver and font passengers requirements. Boot space is around 385 litres (roof up), dropping slightly when the top is stowed, there is a handy drop shelf that guides you on how much you can load the car when the roof is down so weekends away is still possible. 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system running the latest MBUX software is a breeze to use, with wireless phone connectivity and multiple other menu options to play with, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable layouts is also a treat to look at. The car also comes with the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant to control just about anything in the car. This model came fitted with the optional Burmester 3D sound system for audiophile-level audio, this made for perfect music playback when driving with the top down. Some of the key driver assistance features include Adaptive cruise control (Distronic), Lane-keeping assist, 360-degree camera system, Blind spot monitoring and Traffic sign recognition with heads up display.

VERDICT

The Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Cabriolet is an exceptional lifestyle vehicle that prioritizes comfort, class, and elegance over outright sportiness. It’s best suited to buyers who enjoy open-top luxury motoring, scenic weekend drives, and advanced tech in a beautifully crafted package. It might not be the most powerful cabriolet in the range, but for many, its smooth power delivery, relaxing ride, and stunning looks will be more than enough. If you looking for something with a bit more oomph, perhaps the CLE 300 is more suited for you, with a possible AMG variant that could make its appearance in the country. Compared to its rivals, I think the Merc wins by a long shot, if they all had to be parked side by side, the CLE will definitely get all the attention. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo-Petrol
Gear Box	9 G Tronic Automatic
Torque	320Nm
Power	150kW+17kW electric boost
0-100km/h	7.5 seconds
Price	R1,442,089*

*base price

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy A56 5G & A36 5G: Awesome Intelligence

Samsung’s latest Galaxy A series marks a bold step into the AI-powered mobile future. With the introduction of the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung is bringing what it calls “Awesome Intelligence” directly to users’ fingertips. These new models offer futuristic features designed for everyday use – making advanced AI experiences more accessible than ever before.

What Samsung has done with these devices is make AI accessible — not as a gimmick, but as a true daily companion. Whether it’s discovering something cool online, cleaning up your pics, or getting the perfect snap on the first try, Awesome Intelligence is all about helping you do more, better, and faster.

These devices aren’t just about better specs — they’re about smarter experiences. Here’s a look at three AI-powered features changing the way you interact with your phone daily.

Circle to Search: When Curiosity Strikes, You’re Covered

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok, and someone’s wearing an outfit you love or using a gadget you need in your life. But there’s no tag, no caption, no clue.

Circle to Search is one of the most powerful and practical AI tools on the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G. Just press and hold the home button, circle what you’re curious about – a shoe, a landmark, a makeup product — and boom, instant Google-powered search results, right on your screen. Or say you spot a streetwear hoodie you like as you’re scrolling through your newsfeed. Instead of playing detective, you ‘Circle to Search’ it and get links related to the item online — all without leaving the app. Less switching, more discovering.

This is not just next-gen browsing. This is instant, intuitive discovery built into your daily scrolling.

Object Eraser: Fix Your Photos in a Tap

Let’s be honest — the perfect shot is often ruined by someone walking into frame at the wrong time or a random object in the background. In the past, that meant either retaking the photo (if possible), using a third-party app, or just learning to live with it.

With Object Eraser, those days are gone. Tap on the unwanted element in your photo — maybe it’s a photo bomber, a random shadow, or a messy pile of stuff in the background. The AI does the rest, removing the distraction and blending the image naturally.

You’re snapping a photo at the beach. It’s an epic time out, your outfit’s fire, but there’s a stranger walking their dog in the background. One tap with Object Eraser and it’s like they were never there.

Object Eraser makes every shot Insta-worthy — no filters, no stress.

Enhanced Camera AI: Bring Out Your Creativity

The Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G come equipped with a 50MP main lens, a 10-bit HDR selfie camera, and in the case of the A56 5G, an ultra-wide 12MP lens and enhanced Nightography — but it’s the AI doing the behind-the-scenes magic that levels up every shot.

AI isn’t just helping take photos — it’s helping you take better ones by automatically adjusting lighting and contrast to suit your scene, recognising different subjects (like people, pets, or food) and optimising settings on the fly, and smoothing low-light noise for cleaner night shots.

When you’re out for a night with friends, and the lighting in the club is, well, not ideal, there’s no need to panic because there’s a solve. But with AI-enhanced Nightography and selfie optimisation, your photos come out looking sharp, balanced, and ready to post. No edits needed.

And for the group shots, the Galaxy A56 5G offers Best Face — a clever AI tool that lets you select the best expressions from a burst of photos and merge them. No more “let’s take one more” because someone blinked or looked away.

One of the best parts is that you’re getting all this in stylish, powerful devices with immersive Super AMOLED displays, long-lasting 5000mAh batteries, and fast, reliable 5G connectivity — all wrapped in a design that’s built to last with IP67 water and dust resistance