Bucket Tech: Experience Intelligence with the Galaxy A36 and A56

The Samsung Galaxy A Series is built for performance, durability, and security, offering an optimised experience for all your needs.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G – smartphones that combine powerful performance and cutting-edge features for an amazing user experience. Both models feature Samsung’s Awesome Intelligence, making everyday tasks easier with tools like Circle To Search and Music Search, powered by AI.

Capture stunning photos with the Awesome Camera: a 50MP OIS main camera on both devices, plus a 12MP Ultra-Wide on the A56 and 8MP Ultra-Wide on the A36. Both offer Nightography for excellent low-light shots and the Object Eraser tool to remove unwanted elements.

In performance, the Galaxy A56 5G is powered by the Exynos 1380 processor, while the A36 5G uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. The 6.7-inch display with 1200 nits provides vibrant visuals, even in direct sunlight.

Both phones are IP67 water and dust resistant and feature 45W fast charging. With six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates, they’re designed to last.

Bucket Tech: Google Gemini

 

AI has been slowly creeping its way into almost everything over the past 2 years, it came in relatively unannounced with tech companies using AI to assist with some of the most minute applications but slowly it began to grow even more, AI became more than something on your smart phone to help you take better pictures, soon with applications like Chat GPT, you were able to get AI to write you letters, essays, heck, it can even write this post you're reading but rest assured, this one is coming straight from that grey matter in my head. Yes, AI is here to assist you, at the end of the day, AI can only do so much because its an ever evolving technology that feeds from information you give it. Apple recently at their event went through the various features their OS has with AI, by the way, they call it Apple Intelligence and not the global norm which is Artificial Intelligence. But Apple being Apple can do shit like that and the world will still be amazed. This however riled up the Android boys hence last night, Google decided to drop Gemini, their AI assistant that is available to use on all Android devices. Gemini is deeply integrated into Android and runs at its core, with the rest of the operating system being built around it, this they say will "redefine what phones can do". 

Yes, we've always had the interactive functions of "voice command" from Google before, but with Gemini it's become more streamlined and has a lot more functionality than before. With "Okay Google" command prompt it limited you to app based questions, while with Gemini, the command prompt is changed to a simple "Hello" and then you can ask it pretty much anything you want? What is great as per the above video, it can run through multiple apps to give you an answer with solutions and show you how to do it. For example, an email was sent to you to meet a person at a certain location at a certain time, the user asked Gemini for the info, it searched through Gmail for the specific email, found the time and location, opened Google Maps and told her how long it will take for her to get their with traffic information. This new personal assistant feature comes really handy for people on the go, to schedule appoints and reminders. 

As always, the big question comes about security, with so much information being fed into the Gemini, how sure are you that what you're telling it wont reach into the hands of those of others. Google says with its end-to-end approach to AI privacy on Android, all your personal information is secured. Google is using cutting-edge privacy technologies like Private Compute Core and federated learning to ensure the assistant experience with Gemini on Android is aligned with their existing Secure AI framework, AI Principles and Privacy Principles. They maintain they do no hand off to a third-party AI provider and everything on their ecosystem is in house. 

With Android global footprint on various devices, Gemini is the most widely available AI assistant, with this in mind, it supported in 45 languages in more than 200 countries and territories and its an ever growing platform with these figures only going to grow. Whether you're using Gemini on Pixel devices or Samsung devices, each brand has customized Gemini in various ways  to make it more comfortable for their user to experience.  Some stand out features will feature throughout the Android ecosystem like Samsung's "Circle to Search" is available on Gemini now and this is only the beginning. 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy A55 5G & Galaxy A35 5G

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, two smartphones that demonstrate Samsung’s ongoing commitment to making the best of mobile innovations available to everyone. Both devices come with extensive security features such as Knox Vault, as well as new photography capabilities inspired by Galaxy’s flagship camera innovations and a stunning display that adjusts to users’ surroundings with Vision Booster.

“With the Galaxy A series, we are expanding our latest technologies to a wider audience so that more people can benefit from them,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to open up even more possibilities on the Galaxy A series this year, including offering Samsung Knox Vault for the first time on this line-up. We’re proud to enable Galaxy A series users to safely and reliably enjoy outstanding mobile experiences.”

An Entertainment and Creativity Hub with Versatile Photography and Stunning Display

With enhanced Nightography, Galaxy A55 5G takes clearer and more vibrant photos even in poor lighting conditions. That means every night-time photo can reach epic new levels. Galaxy A55 5G’s advanced AI Image Signal Processing (ISP) produces stunning low-light images never seen before on Galaxy A series. 

It’s not just scenery that looks amazing. Night Portrait mode and 12-bit HDR video ensure the people in every image look great, so that capturing memories with friends and family is never dependent on the perfect lighting. Both Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G offer the incredible photography capabilities that Samsung Galaxy is renowned for. The Galaxy A55 5G has a triple-camera system that features a 50MP main camera, 5MP macro camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, all supplemented by a 32MP selfie camera. The Galaxy A35 5G’s triple camera includes a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro lens, with a 13MP front camera. Both camera systems feature optical image stabilisation (OIS) and video digital image stabilisation (VDIS) that keep photos and videos crisp even when filming on the go.

The new devices also continue the Galaxy A series’ tradition of making fun and immersive mobile experiences accessible to all. Users can enjoy watching the latest shows or browsing social media with Super AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rate, showing astonishing clarity in Full High Definition. They can also count on the 6.6-inch  screen on both the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G looking clear and bright in a range of light conditions,  thanks to Vision Booster2.

In terms of build quality and durability, these latest additions to the much-loved A series simply hold their own. The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are built with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+, making them tougher and more damage-resistant. They both boast an IP67 rating, which means they are dust/water resistant and can withstand up to 1 metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. They also have dust and sand resistance, which reinforces their strength and ability to perform under tough conditions. 

The Galaxy A55 5G further makes its case with its massive storage capacity of 8GB RAM and 256GB Internal Storage to help you save all your photos and videos with space to spare for all your apps and other important data and files.

Democratising Samsung’s Most Powerful Security Innovations to Intelligently Protect More Customers for Longer

This year, Samsung is bringing one of its most innovative flagship security features, Samsung Knox Vault, to Galaxy A series users for the very first time, including on the new Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G. A hardware-based and tamper-resistant security solution, Samsung Knox Vault offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks by constructing a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory. 

It can help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen credentials, such as PIN codes, passwords and patterns. Samsung Knox Vault also protects device encryption keys, encrypting users’ private data stored in the device. Only a user who has the correct lock screen credentials can access their data, even if the device is lost or stolen.

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are also secured by Samsung Knox, Galaxy’s multi-layer security platform. Samsung Knox is a reliable security platform that is designed to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection, taking a holistic approach across the entire Galaxy ecosystem.

For even more ways to stay protected, the Galaxy A series offers Auto Blocker, an opt-in package of additional security measures. When switched on, Auto Blocker can block app installations from unauthorised sources, provide app security checks  to scan for potential malware and block potentially malicious commands and software installations to your device while connected by USB cable. 

New Galaxy A series users will also have access to Galaxy’s Security and Privacy Dashboard, making it easier than ever to see and control what is happening to their data and withdraw any permissions whenever they choose. They can also enjoy Private Sharing (part of Quick Share), which enables the secure and encrypted sharing of private files containing important personal or financial information. To ensure confidentiality, users can control the recipient’s access permissions and the file’s expiration date, while also choosing to limit screenshots or downloads.

The new Galaxy A series smartphones demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to ensure Galaxy devices remain secure and up-to-date for longer. With the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, users will continue to benefit from up to four generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades and five years of security updates - optimising the lifecycle of the devices by keeping them equipped with all the latest Galaxy and Android features.

Seamless Connection with the Ever-Expanding Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are fully compatible with the Galaxy ecosystem giving users a smooth and integrated experience across a range of Galaxy devices. Users can keep up with their fitness goals by connecting Galaxy Fit3 or Galaxy Watch6 to their Galaxy A series smartphone. And, thanks to Auto Switch, incoming calls will be automatically switched to connected Galaxy Buds FE for enhanced convenience. 

“These innovative new additions to the much-loved A series mean more options for our customers, both old and new. The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G offer great features and the latest in our mobile technologies. We are particularly thrilled that they have something for both loyal fans of the series and those looking to join the exciting Galaxy world,” said Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.”

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G will be available online and at retailers from 1 April 2024. To find out more about the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G and other Galaxy smartphones, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Mobile Press and Samsung.com.  

Bucket Tech: HONOR Magic V2

In recent years, foldable devices have evolved significantly, becoming essential tools for people on the move to work, watch, and connect seamlessly. Initially, these devices faced common challenges like being too bulky, having small batteries, hinge design gaps, and durability issues.

Acknowledging these concerns, HONOR took on the challenge and designed the thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V2 as part of its flagship Magic Series. This foldable device successfully addresses all consumer worries, ticking every box with its innovative solutions.

The Thinnest and Lightest Foldable with 9.9mm Design

Foldables have entered the Millimeter era, thanks to the HONOR Magic V2. Weighing only 231g and measuring 9.9mm in thickness when folded, the Magic V2 pushes the boundaries of innovation for foldable devices. The Magic V2’s superior lightweight design and premium build quality are enabled using breakthrough innovations such as the super-light Titanium Hinge and HONOR’s proprietary steel, providing a perfect balance between weight and strength.

At a mere 9.9mm thickness, this foldable device blurs the lines between foldable and regular bar phones, offering a size that competes with them while delivering a unique foldable experience.

Ultra-Durable Even after 10 Years

The HONOR Magic V2 achieved a certification from global authority SGS for its cutting-edge proprietary steel which is inspired by steel used in tunnel boring. This state-of-the-art material is 25% thinner and 20% stronger compared to the previous generation Magic Vs, providing added robustness and durability to the hinge mechanism. As a result, this enables the hinge to withstand 400,000 folds, ensuring a lifespan of up to 10 years for folding 100 times a day.

Additionally, the Magic V2 features a poly-curved nanocrystal glass on its display creating a deeper sense of safety and endurance for its user, offering 10 times greater drop resistance compared to typical glass. The Nanocrystal Glass 2.0 display within the device serves as a protective layer and acts as a shield against the uncertainties of daily life.

Huge 5000mAh Battery with No Compromise on the Thinness

When it comes to foldables, the challenge has always been deciding between a bulky design with a large battery or a slim design with limited battery capacity. The traditional "three-layer stacked" screen driver architecture has long been a major obstacle for putting large batteries in thin and light folding screen smartphones.

HONOR, however, has solved this puzzle with the introduction of the Magic V2. By incorporating a groundbreaking "three-in-one" display driver component, HONOR was able to take advantage of the additional internal space and fit in the thinnest 5000mAh Silicon-carbon Dual Battery in its design. This ensures that thinness is not compromised, and users can stay connected without the need for frequent recharging.

Gearless Titanium Hinge with No Gaps

What’s more, foldable devices faced a critical challenge with the presence of a gap, impacting both durability and overall design, causing hesitation among potential users. The HONOR Magic V2 has successfully overcome these issues, elevating the standards for foldable technology.

In comparison to stainless steel, titanium alloy is 42% lighter, making it a much more desirable option material for a lightweight foldable smartphone. Thanks to the sophisticated and improved hinge design, the Magic V2 exhibits no gaps between screens when folded. With its advanced zero-gear structure, this cutting-edge device introduces an impressive hovering feature.

Bucket Tech: Honor X9a - Review

A few weeks back I got to spend some time with the latest device from Honor South Africa, their X9a smart phone. It was my first test device from the Chinese mobile manufacturer so I was looking forward to seeing how it goes. Honor was once part of the HUAWEI business consortium, being a more affordable sub brand, after trade restrictions were placed on HUAWEI for all US based tech companies, Honor decided to break away from HUAWEI and continue on their own, so for me it was a great to judge how far they've come as a company without a major parent company to assist them and from my first thoughts on unboxing the device, it seems that they doing pretty well. Quality of the packaging and how the items were presented were pretty much up to standard with most high-end brands. 

So, what's in the box? Well first up is the actual phone, followed by a silicon cover, sim tray eject pin, then underneath the quick start guide is a USB Type C charging cable and a charging block! Aha, yes Honor are still giving you a charging block with their devices, which does come handy seeing that it is a Super Charger. 

First impressions of the phone, great design with its unibody metal body, curved screen display with 93% screen-to-body ratio. The phone I had came in Emerald Green, one of two colours that it is available in, the other being Midnight Black. The phone has a rather interesting circular camera design with a glass band that houses the 3-lenses and the flash. Even though  the HONOR X9aisn't a flagship device, it still gives off a very premium look and feel. 

The party trick to the HONOR X9a is its screen, it measures 6.67-inch and is a curved OLED display  with 1.07 billion colours and measures 800 nits on full screen-brightness but the real kicker is that its claimed to be the toughest screen on any device. It can survive drops, rolls and being squeezed! This is all thanks to its 0.65mm deeply reinforced glass with enhanced stress of over 900Mpa sq. This gives you assurance that should you drop the phone, chances of you cracking the screen is minimal. There are plenty videos on YouTube demonstrating the durability of the phones screen but I obviously I had to test it out myself but after the first two drops I got a bit scared even though there wasn't a need to be. 

Day to day phone usage with the HONOR X9a was pleasant experience, the 120Hz AMOLED curved display is easy on the eye and very responsive. The battery life on the device was very impressive as well with it having a 5100mAh battery that is claimed to last 2 days and I came close to achieving this. In terms of processing power, the X9a comes with a 8GB+5GB HONOR Ram Turbo which kicks in when it feels that the phone is being over stressed with multiple apps and functions being performed at once. I never felt any lagging while using the phone over the 2 weeks and I tend to do a lot with the phone during the day, instant messaging on multiple platforms, phone calls, video calls, sifting through social media and of course taking pictures and videos, which brings me to the next item for discussion, the camera. 

While the HONOR X9a does come with the triple matrix system camera, with the main camera having a 64MP lens, I wasn't very pleased with certain aspects with the picture quality, especially in low light but then again I have to remember this isn't a flagship model device so for the price you're paying, the camera is actually brilliant. The clarity of the close-ups did impress me a lot and the 5MP wide angle camera is decent too. The front facing camera is a 16MP F2.45 which is prefect for selfies and takes pretty decent videos too in 1080P resolution. 

Overall my experience with the HONOR X9a was a decent one, an entry level phone that has some great features and even better hardware, it certainly stands out from the rest in its segment and a great buy for anyone considering this device. 

Bucket Tech: HONOR X9a

Global technology brand HONOR recently announced the official availability of the all-new HONOR X9a with the South Africa markets. The newest device by HONOR is now available with an exciting offer and special gifts. HONOR X9a boasts a wide range of advancements across the display, battery, design and overall performance with a 120Hz OLED Curved Display, massive 5100mAh battery and 256GB large storage all packed in a compact design and with Google Mobile Services.

The new HONOR X9a – 256GB version is available now in the South Africa markets at Telkom and Vodacom for ZAR 11,999. Upon purchase, consumers will get a gift including HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X3 Lite worth ZAR 1,499.

Stunning Display for an Immersive Viewing Experience

Designed to withstand all scenarios, HONOR X9a’s display was made with tempered glass that comes with a thickness of 0.65mm Super Reinforced glass, which is higher than the industry average of approximately 0.55mm. This thickness means that HONOR X9a comes with an ultimate shield that keeps the phone safe from everyday scratches.

Made for those who like gaming, watching, and browsing, the OLED 45-degree Curved Display[3] on the HONOR X9a supports 120Hz refresh rate offering incredible smoothness and making every touch and scroll responsive. Moreover, the screen displays 1.07 billion colors to reproduce vivid images with incredible levels of clarity and true-to-life colors.

Built to pursuing a more immersive display and a wider field of vision for entertainment lovers and gaming enthusiasts, HONOR X9a comes with ultra-slim bezels which lead to a remarkable 93% screen-to-body ratio for an exceptional viewing experience.

Durable 5100mAh Battery in a Slim Design

Considering the importance of smartphones in our daily lives, HONOR X9a packs a proprietary 5100mAh battery to provide 2 days battery life on a single charge. Furthermore, it supports the 40W HONOR SuperCharge, bringing greater convenience when needing an emergency power top-up. With just 30 minutes of charging, the HONOR X9a delivers 12.5 hours of watching videos, perfect for users who like to consume content on the go in an exceptionally slim and lightweight design.

The HONOR X9a has been designed with an ultra slim and lightweight body, coming in at just 7.9mm thick and weighing just 175g. Boasting an exquisite curved-edge design, the HONOR X9a fits comfortably in users’ hands, and can effortlessly slide into small handbags and pockets, ensuring users will never be weighed down. 

Exceptionally Slim Design with the iconic “Dynamic Eye”

Revolutionizing the homogenous design of smartphones, The Evolved “Dynamic Eye” Design on the back of the HONOR X9a features an axisymmetric camera layout comprising two jewel-like circles with the top circle featuring a 64MP Ultra-clear Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Angle Camera and a 2MP Macro Camera, that takes smartphone design aesthetics to new heights.

Huge Storage for Your Needs

Catering to audiences who like to keep all their memories in one place, HONOR X9a comes with immense 256GB storage, allowing consumers to download and save all their favorite contents and applications with no compromise.

For more information, please visit HONOR online store at www.hihonor.com.

Bucket Tech: HONOR Magic4 Pro

Global leading technology brand HONOR today announced the availability of its recently launched smartphone, HONOR Magic4 Pro in South Africa. Starting from today, users can buy HONOR Magic4 Pro 8+256GB variant via Vodacom and MTN at a price of ZAR 22999. The smartphone comes with a contract deal of R999 for 24 months with 1GB REDCORE and HONOR Earbuds 3 Pro as gift with Vodacom and via MTN with a contract deal of R999 for 24 moths which comes with Mega Talk and Gigs XS.   Running on Android 11 and coming with pre-installed Google Mobile Services, users can download all Google applications with peace of mind and enjoy the immersive music on YouTube and Spotify. The revolutionary device was recently launched in Johannesburg by HONOR President Mr. Zhao Likhun through a breath-taking event. 

Along with launching HONOR Magic4 Pro, HONOR also debuts HONOR Watch GS 3 with industry leading 8-Channel Heart Rate AI Engine that detects precise optical signals and HONOR Earbuds 3 Pro that delivers superior sound quality and comes with an industry first body temperature measuring capability.

“HONOR is committed to adopt a consumer-centric approach and develop best-in-class products for our users. The launch of HONOR Magic4 Pro, HONOR Watch GS 3 and HONOR Earbuds 3 Pro showcases unwavering commitment to providing all-scenario intelligent ecosystem strategy to create a new intelligent world for everyone in South Africa” Mr. Zhao Likun, President of HONOR Middle East and Africa

Cinematic Videography with Magic-Log Movie Master and IMAX Enhanced

Offering cinematic-level footage, the HONOR Magic4 Series features the HONOR Magic-Log Movie Master and AI Film Effects. With this, the HONOR Magic4 Series delivers the industry-first 10-bit Log 4K video recording in 60fps (frame per second), beating another industry benchmark.  

 Triple Camera with Ultra-Fusion Computational Photography 

The HONOR Magic4 Pro pushes industry benchmarks with a powerful Triple Camera combination featuring a 50MP Wide Camera which packs a 1/1.56-inch color sensor, a 50MP 122o Ultra-Wide Camera, and an 64MP Periscope Telephoto Camera, all powered by best-in-class Ultra-Fusion Computational Photography which enables the device to produce high-definition images in stunning clarity. The lens supports up to 100x digital zoom as well as optical and electronic image stabilization, to clearly capture distant scenes.

Powerful 100W Wireless Charging

The HONOR Magic4 Pro is powered by an ultra-large 4600mAh battery featuring HONOR’s most powerful SuperCharge combination to deliver an ultra-long battery life and all-day connectivity. With 100W Wired HONOR SuperCharge, the HONOR Magic4 Pro juices up to a 100% charge in just 30 minutes. The HONOR Magic4 Pro is also the first to support 100W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge technology, which powers up the device to a 60% charge in just 15 minutes. 

Enhanced Privacy and Security; Industry's First AI Privacy Call

Offering a groundbreaking new solution to sound-leaking, a common smartphone frustration for many, the HONOR Magic4 Pro debuts an all-new Privacy Calling feature supported by AI and powered by Directional Sound Technology, preventing sound leakage for more private phone calls.

Exceptional Gaming Experience with GPU Turbo X and Upgraded AI Visual Engine

HONOR is among the first smartphone manufacture to support groundbreaking AI Super Rendering technology on smartphones thanks to continuous upgrades of its GPU Turbo X technology. This produces remarkable results in power consumption and performance, enhancing the overall gaming experience on the HONOR Magic4 Series. 

Industry’s First LTPO Display With 1920Hz PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Dimming 

Perfect for those who spend long hours in front of the screen, the HONOR Magic4 Series delivers Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) of 1920Hz, the highest ever achieved in an LTPO screen, minimizing eye strain and providing a comfortable viewing experience, even in low light environments.

Bucket Tech: CallApp

The age old saying "time is money" applies to our daily lives now more than ever and one of the biggest time wasters is unwanted, unsolicited calls which not only disturbs you from whatever you doing but also changes your mood, your train of thought and just ruins that moment you were in. While there are various App's available on the market to detect unwanted calls by means of screening and notifying you before hand, many have their gripes, but over the past week I've been testing one of the newer Caller ID apps on the market called "CallApp", while it works very similar to the others, there's a whole lot of added features to it that make it a little different from the rest.

CallApp was designed to quickly identity the source of the calls and notifies you the type of call it is, so you can choose to answer, ignore or even block repeated calls from the same numbers. It's main aim is to protect you from unwanted calls, all while keeping you privacy safe. While the number one annoyance is spam/ telemarketing calls, CallApp also identifies potential Vishing Scams. What is "Vishing"?  It's the fraudulent practice of making phone calls or leaving voice messages purporting to be form of a reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information such as your Identity Number, Banking Details, Credit Card numbers and the sorts. It's fast becoming the highest cyber crime with criminals obtaining methods to make the whole experience sound legit. CallApp picks these calls up and identifies them as such with a red colour screen. 

Keeping your privacy safe in this digital age is of utmost importance and hence having tools like CallApp will protect you from these potential threats as they will come when you least expect them, the last thing you want is to be caught off-guard and succumb to one of these criminals and with CallApp identifying the threat before hand, it gives you an advantage over them. CallApp can also assist with getting regular numbers blocked and reported, could be a stalker or a crazy ex, don't stress, CallApp has you covered. Or in the event of you needing to record a call, it has the option on the call screen to start recording at any time you want without having to go into sub-menu's to find the function. 

Another great thing about CallApp is that you can personalize it to suit you, by chosing personalized video ringtones for each contact as well as background and profile pictures. There is even a dark mode setting which switches everything from bright colours over to dark colours which has a less harsh impact on your eyes and lowers battery consumption. Personalisation is even further demonstrated where you can even choose different backgrounds for your dialing pad. There is even an analytics section where you can personalize your date to see how much time you spend on calls, text messages, WhatsApp and other message services. How many times have you received a call but were too busy to answer at the time and said you'd call them back later but forgotten to? I do that quite a lot but with CallApp, it reminds you of calls you missed so you can call them back. As with most applications like this, it creates a profile for you, where you can search for others as well search for places such as restaurants and businesses, CallApp also notifies you if someone has searched and viewed your profile.

 For those that need to keep track of calls received and made, there is a call history back-up where you can choose to back-up your call logs either on Dropbox or Google Drive. CallApp is also available on certain wearables so you don't have to view your phone but rather your smart watch when incoming calls come through. CallApp is available for free on the Google Play Store but with the free version there is a lot of adverts, even voice adverts when making calls which can be annoying, to get the premium CallApp, this removes all adverts from static to voice, but you will get notifications of new features or deals on the CallApp itself. 

Overall experience has been a great one with CallApp, and looking to get the Premium paid version could give you a better user experience that is hassle free and saves you, not only time but your digital safety. 

To download CallApp on your smart phone, follow the link below. 

Google Playstore: CallApp

Bucket Tech: Google Pixel 6

Tuesday evening saw the launch of Googles latest variation of their smart phone the Pixel, it is 6th generation the Pixel is available in a normal and Pro models. While there wasn't as much fanfare about this device as the Apple event the Pixel still remains a key competitor in the European and American markets. Seeing that Googles OS is being used by so many other manufacturers around the globe, them making their own device that is custom made for the OS should be pretty good too? Well lets take a look at what it has to offer. 

The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch FHD Plus touch screen with a high refresh-rate display that switches between 90Hz and 60Hz depending on the lighting and what application you're using the device for. The Pixel 6 Pro on the other hand has a larger 6.7-inch QHD LTPO (low temperature polycrystalline oxide) that also has that neat refresh rate trick but adjusts from 10Hz to 120Hz, the Pro's screen also has a curved edge giving that seamless look. The Pixel has always had great cameras , I mean its in the name, and that trend continues with the 6 series, with Google boasting that is the most advanced smartphone camera, the Pixel 6 comes with a dual camera system that includes a 50-megapixel wide lens, 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and Pro has a triple camera system that has the same two lenses as the 6 but with an additional 48-megapixel, 4x optical zoom telephoto camera. The Pixel 6 comes with an 8-megapiel front facing camera with 84-degree field of view that can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second while the Pro has an 11-megapixel selfie camera with a wide 94-degree field of view that can record in 4K at 30fps. 

Looking at battery life, being a 5G supportive device this is crucial in choosing a smartphone, the Pixel 6 comes with a 4,614mAg battery and supports 30W USB C fasting charging but the actual fast charger doesn't come with the device and is sold separately. The Pixel 6 Pro has a slightly larger 5003mAh battery that also supports the 30W fast charging and has fast wireless charging of 23W.  Powering the Pro is an Octa-core CPU with a Google Tensor 5nm chipset, which has a Mali-G78 MP20 GPU. While there is no slot of external memory card as Google is encouraging the use of their cloud services, the devices are available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB internal storage capacity. The Pixel 6 has the same CPU and Chipset but only available with internal storage up to 256GB.  Both devices are IP68 rated and boast strong build quality with the only difference being that the Pro has Gorilla Glass Victus and the Pixel 6 has Gorilla Glass 6. 

Pricing on the Pixel is fairly competitive to the new Apple iPhone 13 Series with the Pixel 6 128GB coming in at $599, the Pixel Pro 128GB kicks off at $899. Again, highly doubt these devices will make it to South Africa at all but its nice to keep an eye on what Google are getting up to as they are one of the greater used platforms in the local market. 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Note 10+

Last week global electronic giants Samsung dropped their all-new flagship business device, the Galaxy Note 10 range. Samsung say it's "designed to bring passions to life with next level power" and given that the Note has been the ultimate business companion over the past few years, one would expect nothing less with this new model. The Galaxy Note is a premium smartphone that combines elegant design with powerful performance productivity tools to help users make the most of the every moment. For the first time the Galaxy Note has been introduced in two sizes, the Note which comes with a 6.3" cinematic infinity display and the Note 10+ which features the biggest display on a Note device to date, a 6.8" cinematic display which Samsung say is on a device that is still easy to hold and use. 

Samsung have pushed to the edge in terms of design, as the Galaxy Note 10 features an almost bezel-less design, giving the user an optimal screen to body ratio which also helps with the overall size of the device. It creates the most immersive display as a seamless experience between thought and action, viewing and creating. The screen is the best in quality, as it features the award winning dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ certification. It also has dynamic tone mapping which makes photos and videos brighter than previous Note devices. Eye Comfort was an important factor in the display and it reduces blue light without affecting colour quality for comfortable viewing. 

A trademark and key feature of the Galaxy Note has been it's S Pen, while controversial to some as pen's on smart devices have become obsolete over the past decade due to the evolution of the touch screen, Samsung still make it work. The S Pen is Bluetooth enabled and has low energy usage so it won't die on you when you need it the most, like the Note 9, the S Pen on the Note 10 allows air actions, allowing you to control certain aspects of the device using gestures, with the S Pen. This can be uses in applications, as playing games. The key feature however is the handwriting to text feature where you jot down notes, and have it converted to text instantly on your device in Samsung Notes and export it to other applications including Microsoft Word.  

The Galaxy Note 10 makes use of a triple lens camera, with the Note 10 having a 16MP Ultra wide angle lens, a 12MP wide angle and a 12MP telephoto lens. While the Note 10+ features the same but with an added depth vision camera. The camera's allow you to take pictures in low light which make photos at night all that more better to take as well as low light situations. Video recording has been upgraded on this device with premium video technology that has live focus video which adds depth of field adjustments, and has an improved super steady stabilizes to make sure the footage isn't shaky or blurry. 

The Note 10 is 5G ready but with our networks still only supporting LTE, it's nice to know your device is ready when the switch will come about. Battery wise the Note comes with a 3,500mAh battery while the Note 10+ has a 4,300mAh battery which has super fast charging, wireless charging  and wireless power share capabilities. Overall, The Galaxy Note and Note 10+ aren't here to play games, these are Samsung's premium flagship devices, not only do they look great but performance and features speak for them self. Both devices will be available locally from the 30th of August in Aura Glow, Aura White and Aura black. For more news you can visit the Samsung Mobile website.

Ultra South Africa 2018 - Set times

With just 1 week to go, the official set list and times is now available for Ultra South Africa 2018! But its only accessible through the Ultra Worldwide App which is on both, Google Playstore and Apple App Store. So if you're heading to Ultra next weekend, download the app now, check the set list and timings for the various stages and also get a look at the site map to see where everything is so you can pre-plan your Ultra journey and make sure you don't miss anything! The app will also bring you all the latest news regarding the festival as well as all the other Ultra Worldwide Festivals taking place across the globe, it is a must have for a fan.

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, you'd be please to hear that there are still some left, and if you buy them using the Budweiser promo-codes budfridayjhb / budfridaycpt you will get R100 pre-loaded on your Howler wristband for use at the event. 

Bucket Tech: Nokia 8

Some of you may remember in January this year I did a post on the Nokia 6, while we were all excited that Nokia had resurrected themselves and got back into the market, our joy was soon turned to disappointment when it was announced that the phone would only be available in China. Then even worse news came out, they remade the 3310, and it was crap! Look, for what it's worth, the 3310 does the job but guys, no, the phone in our modern day lacks what we all need in a phone. While Nokia's new lease on life in the mobile industry looked dead an dreary. this week they released its flagship device, the Nokia 8. 

They didn't have to try hard to impress us after releasing the 3310 but from what I've read about the 8, it sounds like a fantastic device. First lets start off with the manufacturing process of the device. The Nokia 8 undergoes a rigorous 40-stage process of machining, anodizing and polishing, this makes for a very attractive looking product. The entire unibody is made from polished aluminium and available in a host of colours. Nokia say the phone is designed to fit into the palm of your hand. 

While the primary use for a phone would be to make phone calls, in the era we living in, it seems like the primary use is to capture lifes moments. Yes, everyone loves to document their daily activities, whether they're stuck in traffic, eating some thing that looks good and tastes good, or just take selfies with friends. If you're one of them, you'll be glad to know that Nokia's partnership with Zeiss optics still exists, and the Nokia 8 comes with a 13MP Zeiss optics camera...on the front and back. Why you ask? Well another common feature from Social Media apps that is taking off is the live feature, with the Nokia 8, it features dual image fusion, where it combines the rear and the front facing camera and splits the image in half, one half showing what the rear wide angle dual lens see's and the front showing whatever the front camera see's. Its pretty cool and works great with broadcasting live. 

With recording, the Nokia 8 records everything in 4K and features Nokia OZO spatial 360 degree audio. Nokia believes that videos aren't always about what you see but also what you hear, with this new feature it will focus on audio that happens around you and accentuates the right sounds while reducing ambient sounds or background noise. The screen on the Nokia 8 is a 5.3" 2K display that offers ultra-vivd colours and superb clarity. 

With Nokia adopting the Android OS now, this is their most powerful device they have built for this software. The Nokia 8 has a Qualcomm Snapdrago 835 Mobile Platform, engineered to deliver exceptionally long battery life, something that we need dearly right now and they also added a full length copper cooling pope with graphite shield to dissipate system heat across the body of the phone, so you won't have your phone heating up, which is also a common problem in most smart phones on the market. The phone comes with 64GB of storage space and with all the Google add on's that come with the OS, you'd have access to Google Drive with ample space on your cloud. If you require more space, the Nokia 8 also can take a MicroSD card with support up to 256GB. 

The talk about this phone sounds really impressive, while Nokia isn't as Swedish as we know it to be with a large majority of the company being owned by a Chinese company, they certainly look like keeping up that legacy with this device. Pricing on the phone doesn't seem to bad either with suggested pricing in the region of R9,499 on Prepaid or about R449 a month on contract from Cellucity, ask confirmed by MyBroadband

Bucket Tech: Huawei P10 Lite

Following the launch of the P10 and P10 Plus earlier this month, Chinese mobile manufacturer Huawei has released a more affordable version of the phone onto the market, the P10 Lite. Now while previously their Lite models of the P Series seemed to have been mediocre when compared to the main model itself, the P10 Lite does so some promise of actually being a pretty decent smart phone at a very competitive price. 

For starters, Huawei has trimmed most of the tricks from the P10 but in it's own right left some phenomenal features that makes this phone miles better than anything that would be regarded as competition to it. The phone itself is of impeccable quality, with the design inspired by the natural beauty of water. It has the perfect blend of straight lines and curvatures that reflect the minimalist design of all Huawei's P Series. Featuring a 2.5D double-sided curved glass, a diamond-cut metal frame and an upgraded eye comfort mode, the P10 Lite is easy to hold and quite a looker. 

Some of the key features of the P10 lite are fast charge technology, which is introduced for the first time on their Lite devices. It allows the battery to charge faster and in less time. For regular users, a 43 percent battery can be achieved in 30 minutes, and a 10- minute charge supports 2 hours of video watching. The P10 Lite also features two cameras, the primary at the rear and secondary in the front. The primary being a 12 megapixel camera for bring pictures in low light conditions and an 8 megapixel front facing camera for the perfect selfie every time. 

Now, with a phone like this that has great build quality, amazing features, exceptional hardware and software, not to forget performance enhancements that will make usability that much better for the end user, you could be expecting to pay in excess of R7,000 for it right? Well you're wrong, the Huawei P10 Lite is available in South Africa for a recommended retail price of R5299 and it's available in the following colours, Gold, Black, White and Blue. 

Bucket Tech: Hisense C30 Rock - First Impressions

Mobile phones are getting more and more sophisticated with bigger screens, faster processing power, improved cameras and longer lasting batteries but with all this extra tech, in a unibody that is designed to save space and make it small and light, it does leave the device vulnerable to breaking easily. The number one issue many have with their current smart phone is a cracked screen, whether you drop it from a small height or a long one, 9 out of 10 times it doesn't end well for you or your phone. Screen repairs are costly no matter what type of device you have, and most guarantee's don't cover that. Another common cause of damage to mobile phones is water damage, now whether you splashed a bit of water on it or you got submerged in a pool, nothing can save you from this and again, no cover from the manufacturers unless you go and take out additional insurance to which means paying more money. What if there was a phone that you didn't have to treat like fine China since it is quite durable but still have the same features as every other phone on the market?

Well look no further, last week saw the launch of Hisense C30 Rock, which they call it a "life-dimensional" smartphone. Ready to withstand whatever life throws at it...or you throw it at something. although this is highly not advised, that something could be seriously hurt by the phone. The highly durable Hisense C30 Rock is IK04 level shock resistant, as well as IP68 certified, safe guarding the device to be dust and water resistant, allowing it to withstand an unexpected swim underwater at a depth of 1.5 meters, for up to 30 minutes! That is some impressive ratings for a mobile phone. Even with this great level of protection, the C30 Rock still maintains a super-slim design at just 7.95mm thin, in a metal frame and soft rubber outer-casing. It's a great looking device, unlike other hardy, durable ones on sale in the market but still offers the same level of protection for the device. 

While the phone is pretty strong, there was no compromise on the performance of it, the C30 Rock has a 5.2" Full HD display that offers lavish 424 pixels per inch, it is equipped with a power engine that is driven by an efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core 64-bit processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of on-board storage. This makes multitasking on the device a breeze, it is powered by the latest Android 7 (Nougat) OS and Vision UI 4.0. The battery is a non-removable one from the looks of it and has a lot of power, 3000mAh to be exact, it also has quick-charge functionality so you don't have to wait forever to get your phone charged. The phone also has data and battery saving modes to ensure a prolonged battery life, allowing you to still use your phones fundamental features on minimum life. 

While this phone seems great, you may be expecting a big price tag, well that's where you're wrong, Hisense recommended retail price for the C30 Rock is is R4 499 which is a steal if you ask me! And its available nationwide as well as selected online retailers. While I still await my unit to test, so far this device ticks a lot of boxes for me so look forward to putting it through its paces.