Bucket Tech: Samsung Camera Innovation

Today’s mobile imaging goes beyond just a high-quality lens or advanced sensor — it demands seamless integration of hardware, software and AI. That’s why Samsung Electronics approaches camera innovation as a holistic system, where each advancement is supported by tightly integrated technologies. This unified vision allows Galaxy devices to continuously redefine mobile photography, empowering users to capture, create and communicate more meaningfully.

As AI evolves from text-based prompts to multimodal understanding, Galaxy devices are becoming smarter — able to get what you’re looking at and respond to situations. The camera is at the heart of this transformation. More than just a tool for capturing images, coupled with enhanced AI-powered features, the Galaxy camera is now part of the intuitive interface that turns what users see into understanding and action.

When paired with the flexible, expansive screen of a foldable, this experience becomes even more powerful, dynamic and immersive. Because innovation means nothing without trust, privacy is built into every layer helping to ensure that data is protected at all times.

Stay tuned. The camera will only get smarter — helping users capture life’s moments more vividly and make everyday experiences more seamless, personal and impactful.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

Bucket Seat: Chery Partners with Deepseek

Earlier this year, Chery’s Aimoga robotics R&D team established a technical partnership with DeepSeek, an emerging AI powerhouse known for its groundbreaking low-cost training technology. This collaboration aims to leverage DeepSeek’s advanced AI models to enhance the voice interaction capabilities of Aimoga robots, driving the next wave of intelligent innovation.

This initiative marks another significant milestone in Chery’s intelligent innovations, building on the success of the Lion intelligence cockpit system. It also underscores Chery’s sharp foresight and rapid execution in embracing AI advancements - a testament to the company’s 15-year strategic investment in AI technology. "Our collaboration with DeepSeek is a natural extension of Chery’s long-standing commitment to AI-driven innovation,” commented Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager for Chery South Africa. “By integrating advanced voice interaction capabilities into Aimoga robots, we’re enhancing their role in automotive retail and exploring how intelligent voice technology could shape future mobility experiences. As we continue refining these capabilities, we see exciting potential for broader applications across Chery’s ecosystem,” added Petersen. 

The Chery Aimoga robotics team recognised DeepSeek's key advantage: its significantly lower training costs than competitors. Powered by NVIDIA H800 chips, DeepSeek offers complete transparency in model weights and training logs under the MIT open-source protocol. This cost-effective and open approach aligns perfectly with Chery’s R&D philosophy: technology for the benefit of all. 

Chery Aimoga robots have already integrated DeepSeek’s V2, V3, and R1 open-source models into their robot cloud platform. These models power the interaction systems for Chery 4S store marketing robots. Real-world testing on the Chery robot hardware is expected to begin next week. The Chery Aimoga R&D team expressed enthusiasm for deepening collaboration with DeepSeek and other leading intelligent enterprises across broader domains. Their goal is to push the boundaries of robotic applications, unlocking new possibilities for innovations. 

The decision by Chery’s technical team is no coincidence. Since 2010, when Chery first ventured into AI, the company has strategically built an intelligent, interconnected technology base in collaboration with industry leaders like Baidu. The 2018 launch of CheryLion marked its full entry into the AI domain. By 2020, Chery initiated a dedicated R&D programme for humanoid robots, culminating in the global debut of its robot brand, Aimogo, and its self-developed robots and robotic dogs in 2023. Last year, Chery announced a mass production plan for Aimoga robots; over the past 15 years, Chery has progressed from R&D to mass production and deployment, solidifying its position as an AI innovator.

Chery intends to start selling humanoid robots in overseas markets in the first half of this year, with the initial application scenario focused on car sales assistance. Looking ahead, Chery aims to integrate the development of the Internet and automotive intelligence to create an intelligent mobility ecosystem centred on human-robot-vehicle collaboration. This vision aligns with its long-term goal of evolving into a home-based intelligent terminal, further cementing its role as a pioneer in the AI-driven future.

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova Y72 - Now with X Button

 

Imagine transforming your smartphone into a more intuitive extension of yourself with just the press of a button: the HUAWEI nova Y72 makes this a reality with its new X Button. The launch of the HUAWEI nova Y72 brings with it a new feature designed to enhance user interaction and accessibility, the X Button. This feature is another bold move in HUAWEI's dedication to innovation, aiming to simplify the smartphone experience while improving efficiency and convenience. Located on the left-hand side of the device, the HUAWEI nova Y72’s X Button is ingeniously integrated into the smartphone's sleek design, offering users a novel way to interact with their device.

How the X Button Works

The X Button is more than just a physical button, it's a customisable shortcut that dramatically reduces the steps needed to access your favourite apps and features. It operates on simple gestures such as a single click, double click and a long press, each configurable to launch different applications or functions based on the user's preference.

Single Click

A single click on the HUAWEI nova Y72’s X Button brings up a customisable menu of frequently used apps, enabling users to organise their most needed apps for quick access. This menu can be personalised, offering a tailored experience that aligns with the user's daily activities and preferences.

Double Click

The double-click action is designed for immediate access to an application or feature deemed essential by the user. This could be the camera, a messaging app, a navigation app or any other app that requires swift access.

Long Press

The long press feature offers an additional layer of customisation, enabling users to assign an additional specific app or function that might be used less frequently but is just as important, warranting the need for a shortcut.

Setting Up the X Button for Navigation

Integrating Google Maps or your navigation application of choice, with the X Button, is just one example of the convenience and efficiency HUAWEI aims to provide with the HUAWEI Nova 72. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Access X Button Settings: Navigate to the X Button settings menu with a single click on the button (found on the left side of the device). This will bring up the default menu.

2. Customise Your Clicks: In the X Button settings, you can assign actions to single click, double click and long press. Select the action you wish to use for your maps app. For example, assign Google Maps to the double-click action for quick access.

3. Select Your Maps App: After choosing which click action to customise, you'll be prompted to select an app to associate with that action. Scroll through the list of available apps and select your preferred app. With certain apps, you can choose a specific action within the app, navigating directly to the command you want to use instead of simply opening the app. For example, opening the search function in your App Store and not just the store itself

4. Confirm Your Settings: Once you've selected your preferred maps app for the desired action, confirm your settings. The X Button is now configured to open the app with the specified click action.

Test It Out: Give it a try! If you've set Google Maps to launch with a double click, press the X Button twice quickly. Google Maps should open, ready for use.

The Benefits of Using the X Button with Map Apps

Integrating navigation apps with the X Button provides users with unparalleled convenience for navigation, one of the most frequently used apps for road warrior South Africans. These benefits include:

·       Safety on the Go: Quickly access your maps app or Google Maps with the X Button to safely navigate to your destination without taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel to search for and open the app, reducing distractions and enhancing road safety.

·       Instant Access: Launch maps instantly, whether you're in a hurry to find directions or need to check traffic conditions quickly.

·       Enhanced Efficiency: Saves time by reducing the need to unlock your phone, find the maps app, and open it manually.

·       Customised Usability: Tailor the X Button to fit your travel habits, whether you're a frequent commuter, a travel enthusiast or love exploring new places.

The X Button on the HUAWEI Nova Y72 represents a remarkable development in smartphone design, focusing on user convenience and efficiency. By customising the X Button to work with maps (or any app for that matter), users gain a tool that simplifies navigation and enhances the overall smartphone experience, making everyday tasks more accessible and enjoyable.

The HUAWEI nova Y72 is now available in South Africa on the HUAWEI online store and all operator channels across South Africa.

Bucket Tech: OPPO Celebrates 3 Years in SA

OPPO South Africa celebrates three years in the country, a significant milestone for the tech giant that has seen its success in Asia and the Sub Continent replicated locally in Southern Africa. OPPO came into the country where other brands already had a stronghold in the market, despite this they still managed to get into the top four smartphone brands in South Africa, underlining its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technology with accessibility at its core. 

We have hit our target to ship 1 million units within our first three years,” announces Liam Faurie, Head of Go-to-market and Operations at OPPO. This is testament to our success and growing customer base”. 

Our focus now turns to the rest of the continent as we drive innovation, accessibility, and growth. We have established a presence in neighbouring, including Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, and Lesotho. This marks our strides in bolstering our regional presence.  

OPPO's presence across all major South African mobile operators, including Vodacom, Cell C, MTN, Telkom and rain, has played a pivotal role in the brand's impressive ascent. This strategic collaboration has expanded OPPO's reach and made its innovative smartphones readily accessible to consumers from all walks of life.

Faurie underscores this achievement, stating, "OPPO's journey in South Africa has been a story of growth, powered by our dedicated team and valuable partnerships with mobile operators and channel partners who have shared our vision from day one. As we celebrate three years in South Africa, we recognise that our people and strategic alliances are the driving force behind our journey."

OPPO has become a significant employer in South Africa, offering opportunities to over 600 South Africans, a substantial contribution to addressing the country's high unemployment rates.

Empowering Aspiring Creatives and Strengthening Local Partnerships

OPPO's commitment extends beyond smartphones, as exemplified by the recent offering of 50 Reno Academy Bursaries to young women in the Amy Foundation Entrepreneurship Development Programme. The Reno Academy equips aspiring photographers, content creators, and creatives with skills to thrive in the creative industry, contributing to its overall growth.

Strategic partnerships with iconic South African entities, including Orlando Pirates, the Springboks, and SA Fashion Week, exemplify its commitment to embracing local culture and aspirations. These collaborations not only enhance brand visibility but also demonstrate the brand’s role as an integral part of South African culture.

Innovation Tailored for All Stages of Life

OPPO's product portfolio, ranging from entry-level to premium and flagship devices, reflects its commitment to ensuring that every South African, regardless of where they are in their life journey, can experience OPPO's innovation. The brand's focus goes beyond the product; it's about making a meaningful difference at every stage of the customer's life.

Setting Trends: Innovation and Excellence

OPPO continues to lead the charge in innovation with the recent launch of the OPPO Find N2 Flip, a testament to the brand's dedication to pushing boundaries. Stepping into the burgeoning foldable smartphone market, OPPO's entry has been marked by cutting-edge camera capabilities, including AI-enhanced photos and video stabilisation, setting new industry standards.

Moreover, OPPO's SuperVOOC™ flash charging technology has consistently delivered industry-defying charging speeds, ensuring users stay connected and powered up.

“As we celebrate the three-year milestone in South Africa, our vision is clear: to solidify our position as a pioneer among challenger brands in the country. Beyond smartphones, we are committed to nurturing local talent, fostering accessibility, and being a catalyst for change and progress.”, says Faurie. 

Bucket Tech: Huawei's new EMUI 9.1

Huawei announced last week that it's latest EMUI 9.1 operating system upgrade, which will have multiple benefits for its customers, will now be available for selected Huawei devices from July 2019. Some of the impressive features will include:

1. Enhanced Performance

• GPU Turbo 3.0, which energises your device's gaming performance while reducing lag and power consumption by 10%. This upgrade will also see the number of compatible games increasing from 6 to 25, including the popular games PUBG Mobile, Fortnite and Kings of Glory. 
• EROFS (Extendable Read-Only File System) which improves the reading performance of your device by approximately 20% - up to 63.3MB/s - while also saving more than 2GB system storage. This ensures there's more room on your phone for whats really important!

2. Exciting New Multimedia Options

• Huawei Vlog , which allows you to easily share highlight videos and create and share 10-second videos using Huawei's video editor rather than having to use a third party app. This feature also gives users the opportunity to customise music and special effect settings for Spotlight Reel, Highlights, Portrait, as well s take slow-motion and fast motion videos. 
• Huawei Video Ringtone, where users are able to have more fun with their incoming calls by setting up their favourite video as their default ringtone for their contacts.

3. Smart Functions

• Huawei Share OneHop, where a simple tap from your phone to your Huawei computer can send pictures, videos and documents to your other device in seconds. You can also efficiently copy and paste between devices. 

4. New User Experience

• One Hand Gesture Navigation, which allows for the screen to be resized on command to enable easy reach-ability of tough-to-reach menu buttons during one-handed operation.
• A More intuitive and simplified user interface, with 20% fewer configuration items than EMUI 9.0.

The EMUI 9.1 system upgrade, which is at no cost to Huawei customers is available for the majority of Huawei's latest devices and will be implemented over the next three months. As with all Huawei smart devices, customers will be sent a notification of the pending upgrade which they can then download. Once the device upgrade is activated, they can start enjoying the many enhancements made to their devices. 

Bucket Tech: Samungs Home For the Future

The world is rapidly turning to simpler, cleaner and healthier lifestyles as people start to focus on environmentally-conscious living. This has become all-important to most people, especially Millennials and post-Millennials, who believe more than previous generations in the value of living a decluttered life where, happiness experiences and consideration of the environment is essential*.

“There is an increasing focus on wellness and improving one’s health in today’s world. This is clearly aligned with Samsung’s ongoing commitment to create convenient and eco-conscious products, designed for a healthier planet. As a human-centred company Samsung’s intent is to inspire the world with innovative technologies, products and design,” says Nithia Pillay, Director of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa.

By creating home appliance focussed on adding real value, reducing effort, streamlined design and eco-friendly technology, Samsung has enabled consumers to take the first steps in living a holistic life where the home front can be designed to empower users to free up their living spaces and here are a few ways to do it:

• Improve your health and support weight loss goals by eliminating fried fast food from your diet. Samsung’s Convection Microwave Oven with HotBlast™ and SLIM FRY™ technology delivers crisp snacks and quick meals without the fat and in minutes. This revolutionary oven also allows you to easily prepare homemade and wholesome alternatives to store-bought food.

• Cut the costs of groceries and reduce the time spent preparing dinners by buying and freezing in-season vegetables and preparing frozen dinners in advance. Samsung’s Top Mounted Freezer refrigerator with Twin Cooling Plus™ offers ample space, quick and effective freezing and customisable control to make cost-saving food storage a breeze.

• Tidy up your kitchen by replacing a multitude of appliances, such as the deep fryer and bread maker, with a single, sleek Samsung Convection Microwave Oven.

• Start every day with super clean linen and soft furnishings, without negative environmental impacts, by deep cleaning everything in Samsung’s AddWash™ Washing Machine with Ecobubble™ technology. The efficient Ecobubble™ technology mixes air, water and detergent to create bubbles that penetrate your laundry faster, helping you wash at cooler temperatures, which is better for the environment and your energy bills. Delivering superior cleaning in under an hour, Samsung’s AddWash™ Washing Machine reduces the time needed for washing, enabling you to enjoy more family time or time on the things you value.

“Samsung is constantly raising the bar for smarter home appliances that enhance experiences. Our ever-growing home appliance range is designed to connect with people’s quest for healthier, eco-friendly living and more time to do the things that matter,” concludes Pillay

Bucket Tech - Huawei Mate S: Preview

While most of the techno geeks eyes and ears were cast on Apple Event last night, be it Apple fanboys or Android defenders, everyone attention was focused on what Tim Cook and his merry men had to say and show the world technology that others have already come up with but they only figured out now. Yes, Apple is undoubtedly one of the worlds largest technology company and responsible for most of the innovative devices that we use today on a daily basis but I think another event that happened last week should have warranted at least half the coverage that this got. Obviously marketing has a big role to play in this aspect and of course building up hype around it but the company that launched their new flagship model phone last week wants their product to speak for it self.

                    

When we mention things that are made in China, our initial reaction would be, cheap, generic and of inferior quality. While Huawei's devices might be cheap, it's definitely not of inferior quality. In fact, some of the best quality phones I've had to test over the past year were Huawei's, I'm testing the P8 at this moment of which the review will be up soon, but even that, for the price it's offered is a steal if you take into account the specifications of the device. The build quality is excellent, their adoption of Android is probably the best I've seen on a manufacturer and usability is easy as they come. Huawei is attacking the market, and attacking it hard. Their eyes are firmly set to knocking off top competition which is Apple and Samsung. 

They're so blunt in this regard, that at the launch they compared their product with the competition, that is the iPhone 6 Plus, I mean at the end of the day, that's what the consumer is going to do so why beat around the bush? In almost every aspect the CEO took the crowd through, why and how the Hauwei device is better. The MateS is has a number of key characteristics that makes it not only the flagship device for Huawei but also for all manufacturers to try and catch up or to better. While it isn't miles ahead in terms of innovations but it's the small things that they're doing that makes the device great. 

Force touch was a big talking point, where by the more pressure you apply on the screen will trigger a different command on the phone. The screen is pressure sensitive, the developers were so bold with it that the phone also comes with a scale to measure the weight of small items. Don't try to stand on the phone though and I'm sure it will be a costly price to pay to replace this screen! That wasn't the deal breaker for me though, what I like about them is that they do the simple things right. Like the actual phone for example, it has a 5.5" AMOLED so naturally the phone would be large but they managed to keep the size to a minimum. The phone is housed in a full metal body but with a coarse finish that doesn't make it slippery. The phone also has a curved back that makes it sit comfortably in the palm of your hand. 

They've improved on the finger scanner, not only is it faster but just requires a single touch to activate. They've also expanded on the use of the scanner, before it was just used for unlocking the device, now it can be used to scroll through pictures, take photos and many other things. Then theres the knuckle touch which the P8 also has but again, for the Mate S it has been improved. On the P8 you can only make square selections but on the Mate S you can do any shape that you like. 

There's a whole lot more this phone can do than just a few party tricks and I can't wait to have one in my hands to test but for now I'll enjoy the P8 I've been given to play around with. Like I said earlier, Hauwei are coming to dominate and it you're not aware already, they slowly are, their products are reasonable priced, great quality and actually better than what the competitors have to offer. In my opinion its only a matter of time for them to succeed in their mission.