Bucket Tech: WD Storage Solutions

Western Digital announced it has released several new Flash storage solutions to help pros and consumers get ready for the holidays. Whether looking for the perfect gift, or planning a new venture in the New Year, the innovative products from its award-winning SanDisk® and WD_BLACK™ brands reach new levels of speed, reliability, and capacity, serving a diverse set of digital storage needs.

High Performance, Super Capacity Portable SSDs

The expanded SanDisk portfolio of portable SSDs includes two offerings that feature next-generation SSD speeds and help defy the limits of durability. The new drives are perfect for pros or creators and anyone else who needs to store large amounts of data on the go in the toughest of climates:

SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® high-performance portable SSD - As one of the first portable SSDs in the market to feature a USB4 interface, the SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® is great for pros who need exceptional speed and performance. It has lightning-fast USB4 connectivity with speeds up to 3,800 MB/s read and up to 3,700 MB/s write, providing users with incredibly fast file transfers that keep workflows moving, instant access to content, and smooth 3D rendering. The drive features a rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis to help protect data from everyday wear and tear, allowing users to seamlessly access files without compromising reliability. Its IP65 water and dust resistant design helps withstand splashes, rain, and even spills. For those accidental drops, the SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is drop protected up to two meters. The drive is also backwards compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices and supports Thunderbolt™ 4. The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is expected to be available in early 2025 in 2TB and 4TB.

8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD - Great for anyone creating massive files or backing up huge content libraries on the go, the 8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD is the perfect blend of speed, durability, and capacity to keep up with content demands and active lifestyles. The drive offers up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds. The 8TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is now available at SanDisk.com and select retailers.

Uplevel Gaming with Higher Performance, More Storage

The purpose-built gaming line, WD_BLACK, now features two new products aimed to deliver amazing performance and capacity so gamers can play at their best:

WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD - Building on its reputation for speed, WD_BLACK is introducing a new high-performance PCIe® Gen 4x4 DRAMless NVMe SSD that is perfectly suited to help mainstream gamers take full advantage of today’s highly visual and immersive games that continue to grow in file size. Built with Western Digital’s latest TLC 3D NAND, this new SSD delivers speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write  (1-2TB models), providing up to a 35% performance boost over our previous generation SSD. For mainstream gamers who are looking for more capacity, the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD provides massive storage options for current game libraries with space left over for new games, future updates, and downloadable content. This high-performing NVMe SSD was engineered with laptops and gaming handhelds in mind and provides up to 100% more power efficiency at maximum speed over the previous generation. It also boasts up to 1,200TBW  (2TB model) of endurance for gameplay streaming, speedrun captures, and creating with the latest game engines and for gamers who often write and delete a lot of data off of their drives. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities , the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD is expected to be available for pre-order today at SanDisk.com for U.S. MSRPs ranging from $59.99 – 159.99. A 4TB model is expected to be available next year.

2TB 1 WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox® - With more games than ever exceeding 100GB, the new 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox provides the space gamers need.  The WD_BLACK C50 NVMe SSD’s core delivers exceptional speeds, while its integration with Xbox features like Xbox Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume provide a truly seamless experience. It’s the fast and easy way to give the Xbox Series X|S a big capacity boost and keep more titles installed. Just plug this officially licensed card directly into the console for similar performance as Xbox internal storage. The drive also includes one month of Game Pass Ultimate and one month of Discord Nitro. The 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox retails for U.S. MSRP $199.99 and is available now at SanDisk.com and select retailers.

Bucket Tech: Igniting the future of South African gaming

PC gaming has become a beloved pastime for many South Africans, with the ability to access a vast library of popular AAA-classified titles. However, the growing demand for complex, graphically-intensive games has presented new challenges for local gamers. As game install sizes continue to balloon, sometimes exceeding 200GB, players are faced with issues like lengthy boot times, slow load speeds, and performance bottlenecks during multiplayer sessions.

The Growing Demand for Complex Games

The growing demand for complex games in South Africa mirrors global trends.. With each update, more features such as 4K textures, complex graphics, and audio are added, thereby increasing the size of the game, which will further adversely impact the load time. To address this problem, investing in a reliable and high-performing storage device is essential to enhance the gaming experience. Popular operating systems may require 20 GB of space, but when you download as many as three to four AAA-classified games, the storage capacity must be increased.  This is where the solid-state drive (SSD) storage devices plays a crucial role.

The Benefits of SSD Storage

An SSD provides smooth gameplay, especially for South African gamers who enjoy complex titles. Many such games perform a large number of tiny read and write operations during gameplay, which usually result in hundreds of megabytes of data transfer. While upgrading to an SSD may not increase frames per second (FPS), it can enhance the performance of open-world titles with game engines that load new areas and textures. The larger bandwidth and low latency of SSDs help in accelerating and thereby processing the command. The latest NVMeTM technology-based SSDs, such as those offered in the WD_BLACKTM portfolio, should help to resolve these issues for gamers.

The Future of Gaming Storage

As the industry grows and the demand for complex games increases, storage devices are also evolving. For example, there is NVMeTM, which enables faster speeds on SSDs. The technology not only allows a faster installation of a game, thereby letting the gameplay begin almost instantly, but also further aids in recording. For e-sports players, recording gameplay is a vital part of the entire journey; thus, the technology makes it easier to edit videos, which can be quickly streamed.

The Rise of Professional Gaming in South Africa

The rise of professional gaming in South Africa has further underscored the importance of optimised storage. As the country's esports scene continues to grow, aspiring players are recognising the need for powerful, customisable PC setups that can handle the demands of loading, recording,  and editing gameplay. NVMeTM,-based SSDs, such as those in the WD_BLACK portfolio, are well-equipped to meet these requirements, empowering South African gamers to take their skills to the next level.

As the gaming industry evolves, storage technology must keep pace. Innovations like NVMeTM, are paving the way for a future where lightning-fast load times, seamless gameplay, and effortless content creation become the norm. By embracing these advancements, South African gamers can unlock new levels of performance and immersion, solidifying the country's position as a rising force in the global gaming landscape.

Bucket Tech: HONOR 200 Lite 5G

Global technology brand HONOR is known for being at the forefront of smartphone innovation. It is days away from launching the latest addition to the N series – the HONOR 200 Lite 5G.

But, when it comes to the launch of a new device – while it is met with excitement and enthusiasm, it is also met with scepticism from a few consumers.

The main questions that get asked are:

“What makes this different from the previous generation?”

“Is there really a difference, or are we just paying more for the same device?”

“Are there even any new features?”

Multiple conversations like these take place across social media platforms during the launch season of a new smartphone. This has even led to several tech sites reviewing the latest device against its predecessor to see the differences to answer the consumers’ questions.

With the introduction of the HONOR 200 Lite 5G, many consumers may wonder: Is it just a rehash of the HONOR 90 Lite 5G? The truth is far more exciting: The HONOR 200 Lite 5G surpasses its predecessor with advanced technology and enhanced features, setting a new standard in performance and innovation.

From internal software to hardware, the distinctions between the HONOR 200 Lite 5G and the HONOR 90 Lite 5G are numerous. However, here are the top three advancements:

Advanced Operating System

The HONOR 90 Lite 5G came equipped with the HONOR MagicOS 7.1 operating system, based on Android 13. At the time, this advanced system offered a range of customised features that provided users with a smarter and more convenient experience.

But the HONOR 200 Lite 5G comes standard with the MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14. Thanks to this advanced system, the HONOR 200 Lite 5G is equipped to offer a smooth and intelligent experience through a host of innovative AI features, including Magic Capsule, Magic Portal, and Parallel Space. These features are also available on HONOR’s Magic flagship series.

Redefined Camera Quality

The HONOR 90 Series was known as the “Content Creator’s Dream” with exceptional camera specs.

The HONOR 90 Lite 5G featured a rear 100MP Triple Camera system that offered a quality-grade photography experience for the aspiring content creators. Featuring a 100MP Main Camera for high-definition photos that could capture the smallest details without zooming in, a 5MP Wide &  Depth Camera for the perfect landscape shot and a 2MP Macro Camera to capture every detail of tiny objects close up.

The HONOR 200 Lite 5G, however, features a powerful triple camera system that elevates photography. Its 108MP Main Camera ensures exceptional clarity and detail through its HIGH-RES mode. The 5MP Wide & Depth Camera is perfect for capturing expansive scenes and adding depth to photos, while the 2MP Macro Camera excels at close-up shots with incredible precision.

Designed for portrait enthusiasts, the HONOR 200 Lite 5G offers three distinct portrait modes: Environmental, Atmospheric, and Close-up. The Close-up mode provides a 72mm equivalent focal length for stunning, detailed portraits. The main camera also delivers natural, progressive bokeh effects, creating an exceptional visual experience where nearby scenes are delicately blurred, and distant objects are enveloped in a dreamlike bokeh.

The 50MP front camera also excels in any lighting condition for flawless selfies. It ensures well-balanced portraits by avoiding overexposure and preserving intricate details.

Size Does Matter

The HONOR 90 Lite 5G was encompassed in a slim and lightweight design with sharp-looking straight edges.

Measuring just 7.48mm and weighing in at 179g, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G was a compact device that could easily glide into a user’s pocket or bag with ease. Sharp, uncluttered lines created a balance between form and function – making it easy and comfortable to hold in one’s hand.

But like the title says, size does matter. So does design. Built with an ultra-slim design, the HONOR 200 Lite 5G seamless blends minimalist aesthetics with sleekness and convenience. A standout feature – it measures at just 6.78mm in thickness, and is incredibly lightweight at only 166g.

Its compact dimensions ensure a comfortable and effortless grip, and the premium design is available in two minimalist yet enchanting colours – Starry Blue and Midnight Black.

Durability That Lasts

An exciting advancement in the HONOR 200 Lite 5G, absent in the HONOR 90 Lite 5G, is its SGS 5-star Drop Resistance for Overall Unit certification. This means the HONOR 200 Lite 5G is engineered for exceptional durability and is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.

The device boasts an innovative I-shaped structure at the corners and is reinforced with high-toughness alloy materials, providing enhanced stability and balance. To further ensure durability, high-elastic materials are strategically placed to cushion impacts from drops up to 1.65 meters, making the HONOR 200 Lite 5G a robust and reliable companion for daily adventures.

Pricing and Availability

It’s no surprise that HONOR became the fastest-growing smartphone brand in South Africa in 2023 with its penchant for always breaking the boundaries of innovation.

The HONOR 200 Lite 5G brings a wealth of AI-powered features as well as Google Mobile Services, making it a fierce contender in the smartphone industry.

Available at the nearest retailer or network providers, the HONOR 200 Lite 5G retails for the recommended price of R9 999. All purchases will also come with free gifts to the value of R2,499, including an HONOR SuperCharger plus cable and screen protector in the box, free postal repair pickup and delivery service, 3-year battery health protection and a180-day screen accident warranty excluding labour fee.

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI Pura 70 Series

The new HUAWEI Pura 70 Series smartphones featuring head-turning designs and advanced mobile photography capabilities have arrived in South Africa. These smartphones have generated significant buzz among enthusiasts since their announcement in early May 2024. The pop-out camera system on the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra, especially, has captured the attention of everyone, not just the photo-centric smartphone user. With the launch of the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series, HUAWEI is delivering a series of smartphones that guarantee a unique blend of style, innovative features and bumper performance.

Aesthetics take centre stage with the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra, inspired by the shimmering lights of the Seine River, boasts a vegan leather back with an embossed starry pattern and subtle plaid texture. It is available in green and black. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro takes a more minimalist approach with sleek black and pure snow white options. At the same time, the HUAWEI Pura 70 embraces vibrancy with its youthful colour palette, including the new striking cherry rose pink alongside classic colourways of black and white.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra revolutionises mobile photography with its Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera. The camera automatically extends during shooting, allowing for a large sensor and wide aperture for exceptional low-light performance. The Ultra Speed Snapshot technology, powered by the Ultra Lighting system and the industry-first HUAWEI XD Motion Engine, captures fast-moving subjects with stunning clarity, even at speeds of up to 300km/h.

HUAWEI has also focused on improving the durability of smartphones with this new series. The HUAWEI Pura 70 and Pura 70 Pro now come with the Super Durable Kunlun Glass, which boosts drop resistance by 100% compared to the previous generation Kunlun Glass. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra comes with even stronger Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass, which combines enhanced scratch resistance with wear and drop resistance, thanks to its innovative amorphous diamond carbon material.

Beyond its striking good looks, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series redefines battery performance. The HUAWEI Pura Ultra vaunts a 5200mAh battery and supports 100W wired and 80W wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge, while the HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro fits a 5050mAh battery into its sleek frame. Even the HUAWEI Pura 70 offers a substantial 4900mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Equipped with the new HUAWEI EMUI 14.2 operating system, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series offers a suite of intelligent technology features, including AI Gesture Control for intuitive interactions and AI Privacy View to protect user information in shared environments.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series is a giant leap forward in smartphone design, photography and performance.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series is now available starting from R19 999.00 with promotional gifts valued at R7 796.00 on the HUAWEI online storeHUAWEI online store, (Ts & Cs apply) or at any HUAWEI Authorised Experience Stores. The Series is also available in Operator stores starting from R699 PM*36.

Bucket Tech: Western Digital 2.5" Portable HDD

With the explosion of digital content, people need bigger and more robust solutions to help access and preserve it all. Western Digital today is introducing a portable HDD expansion across its WD®, WD_BLACK™ and SanDisk® Professional product lineups, boasting the world’s highest storage capacity in a 2.5” portable HDD. The WD My Passport portable HDD line, WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive and SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE® ArmorATD™ will all now be available in 6TB* capacities.

“Expanding our portfolio with the world’s first 2.5” 6TB* portable hard drive is an incredible technological achievement, and it enables us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible,” said Nitin Kachhwaha, Director of Product Management at Western Digital. “Offering up to 6TB* in such a small form factor and accessible price point gives everyone—from students, gamers, professional videographers, and more—greater flexibility to create and keep even more of their essential content in one portable drive.”

The new, record-breaking 6TB* capacity point is now available across Western Digital's premier brands, offering a more robust, purpose-built solution for consumers, gamers and pros:

Confidently Back Up Your Next Journey with WD

With up to 6TB* capacities now available for the WD My Passport hard drive line, adventurers can store more and effortlessly backup their digital memories with peace of mind. The My Passport Ultra™ drive is a trusted, portable storage solution that is equipped with USB-C™ technology and a modern metal design. It is ready right out of the box and features a convenient, slim form factor that is easily transportable. Its password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption helps keep precious content safe and secure. The My Passport hard drives are available in a variety of different colors to suit any style.

Enhancing Your Competitive Edge in Gaming with WD_BLACK

The WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive allows gamers to furnish their console or PC with performance-enhancing tools to keep up with the pace of today’s complex AAA titles. With the 6TB* capacities now available that can store up to 150 games, the drive is built for players looking to upgrade the storage of their console or PC and enjoy gaming without having to compromise which games to delete or updates to forgo to make room for new titles.

Get the Perfect Shot with SanDisk Professional

With SanDisk Professional’s G-DRIVE ArmorATD drive, consumers get an all-terrain drive with shock, IP54 rain and dust, and crush resistance2 to help protect valuable footage from out in the wild to back in the studio. The 6TB* SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD provides a trusted and portable way to back up photos, video footage and files wherever adventure leads.

Bucket Tech: HONOR X7b: Impressive from All Angles

In February, HONOR announced the official availability of the HONOR X7b in South Africa. Featuring a large 256GB storage, long-lasting 6,000mAh battery, 108MP Superior Main Camera[2], and an Ultra-Bright Display, the HONOR X7b is the perfect statement for today’s movers and shakers. With its well-rounded features and affordability, the new HONOR X Series smartphone offers users an exceptional, uninterrupted user experience.

Uninterrupted Access and Ample Storage Capacity

Users who live and breathe content can fully leverage the expansive 256GB[3] storage drive, which can keep over 60,000 pictures, 24,000 songs or 950 HD videos[4] onboard. The HONOR X7b is also equipped with the HONOR RAM Turbo (8GB+8GB), an HONOR proprietary technology that moves a portion of flash memory to RAM, meaning 8GB RAM can be increased to 16GB, enabling users to carry on with their tasks seamlessly with ease.

6000mAh Long-lasting Battery to Support All-day Use

The HONOR X7b holds the DXOMARK Battery Gold Label this is because of its 6,000mAh ultra-large battery which promises usage of 3 days on a single charge. It impressively delivers the best battery life among all HONOR X Series smartphones to date. Once fully charged it can support up to 18 hours of video streaming, 24 hours of social media browsing or 69 hours of music streaming, making it a reliable companion for users who are on the go.

What’s more the HONOR X7b’s battery exhibits exceptional longevity, with the ability to maintain over 80% of its health even after three years of usage.

Superior Photography Capabilities for Crystal-sharp Visuals

The HONOR X7b boasts a 108MP Main Camera with a 1/1.67-inch sensor. Boosting light intake massively, the smartphone supports 9-in-1 pixel binning to achieve a pixel size measuring 1.92µm, enabling the camera to capture bright and vivid shots even in challenging low-light conditions. This ensures that night colours inherently pop in images. The HONOR X7b also features the Portrait Mode that supports 2X zoom, providing a diverse range of use that allows users to capture a wide variety of moments with versatility and flexibility.

Immersive Audiovisual Experience with Hyper-Transmissive Display  

Display real estate matters for today’s entertainment generation. With that in mind, HONOR has designed a 6.8-inch HONOR FullView Display with a 91.3% screen-to-body ratio on the HONOR X7b. It further supports a FHD+ resolution and a colour depth of 16.7 million colours, delivering visuals with stunning clarity and vibrant hues. With 850 nit Global High Brightness, 700nit Typical Brightness, consumers can see the navigation route, reply to messages, and stream videos clearly in strong outdoor light.

Delivering the brand’s uncompromising commitment to human centric technology, the HONOR X7b comes with industry-leading eye comfort features including Circadian Night Display and Dynamic Dimming. Having received the certification from TÜV Rheinland for its low blue light emissions, the smartphone is suitable for extended usage without causing eye strain, perfect for today’s digital-savvy generation who spend long hours viewing content on their smartphones.

Furthermore, the HONOR X7b incorporates advanced audio capabilities, thanks to the Dual speakers for stereo sound, 200% extra volume and Hi-Res sound quality certification, ensuring an immersive audio experience. Whether users are indulging in entertainment or focusing on work-related tasks, the HONOR X7b is well-equipped to meet the demands of various real-life scenarios, providing users with an enjoyable and captivating experience across different activities.

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR X7b is designed for the style-conscious user and is available in two stunning colours: Flowing Silver, and Midnight Black. The all-new smartphone is available to purchase for R6,499.00 at MTN, Vodacom, Telkom and Cell C.

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

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova 11i

Following great excitement around the launch of the new HUAWEI nova 11i, the HUAWEI Consumer Business Group has announced that the smartphone is now available on South Africa’s retail shelves and from the HUAWEI online store. The HUAWEI nova 11i is a reiteration of the brands elite flagship lite smartphones and exudes the best of cutting-edge technology innovations.

From practical features such as large screen with narrow bezels, and long battery life with large storage space, to an exquisite design, smooth experience, and reliable quality – the HUAWEI nova 11i has a perfect blend of beauty and power packaged in one. The vibrant smartphone caters to the aspirational and dream chasers. Here are some of the standout device features you can look forward to:

An iconic look and feel, crafted to perfection

The HUAWEI nova 11i inherits the classic Star Ring design of its predecessors —creating the impression of two stars in orbit and embodying the spirit of interstellar adventure.

The Double Star Orbit Rings embedded in the exquisite body help create an iconic look while the moisture-proof and fingerprint-resistant coating guarantee a great tactile experience.

The HUAWEI nova 11i has a flat screen bordered by tiny 1 mm bezels, resulting in a staggering 94.9% screen-to-body ratio, which gives you an immersive experience when watching videos or playing games. At just 8.55 mm thick and 193 g, the HUAWEI nova 11i is designed to ensure seamless one-handed browsing.

If you love pure colour tones, you’ll appreciate the Mint Green and Starry Black hues, which uniquely exude elegance.

The SuperCharged, boundless battery life

The HUAWEI nova 11i enables super-fast charging with 40 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo. When the Turbo Mode is enabled, the phone can be charged to 60% in up to 30 minutes. Coupled with a 5000 mAh extra-large capacity battery bolstered by smart power management technology and 22-layer intelligent charging protection, the HUAWEI nova 11i can accompany you from dawn-to-dusk with power to spare.

In addition, the HUAWEI nova 11i can identify and limit the power consumed by non-essential apps, to ensure the user has power to spare when you need it most — this is especially useful when you're on the move.

A superior photography experience

The HUAWEI nova 11i has a 48 MP High-Res Camera paired with a 2 MP depth camera to let you capture the world around you in detail. Using a RAW domain algorithm, the cameras are able to identify key elements in a scene and accurately capture stunning images in poorly lit and backlit environments.

The AI Snapshot uses a HUAWEI proprietary motion detection algorithm to track motion in real time and adjust the shutter speed to ensure that no movement is missed.

If you love selfies, the 16 MP selfie camera supports portrait segmentation and background blurring, so that you can stand out from every background, while the AI beautification algorithms enhance facial features, to reflect you at your best. When recording videos, you can freely switch between the front and rear cameras, with the final video featuring seamless transitions between the two.

Unmatched performance and effortless interaction

The HUAWEI nova 11i screen has 90 Hz refresh rate to provide silky-smooth on-screen action and with its 270 Hz touch sampling rate, you can swipe through websites and videos with little lag and get into actions much faster while playing games. The peak volume on HUAWEI nova 11i is a staggering 88 dB, which allows the phone to serve as the life of the show when watching videos or listening to music.

With 128 GB of storage, you can easily store up to 160 episodes of hit TV dramas, 10,000 high-res tracks, and more than 70 ultra-HD films.

What’s more, the HUAWEI nova 11i comes with EMUI 13, a smart operating system for smoother interaction and comfortable viewing - the minimalist home screen style allows users an extraordinary level of customisation as well as bolstered privacy and security, leaving everything under your control.

For high-performance and a captivating user experience, buy the HUAWEI nova 11i on the HUAWEI online store or from selected retailers priced at R5 999.  You can visit Vodacom, MTN, Telkom or Cell C stores to get the new smartphone from R329 for 24 months, T&Cs apply. 

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI Nova 10 Series

The Huawei Consumer Business Group has announced the launch of the HUAWEI nova 10 Series: the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro and the HUAWEI nova 10. These two stylish flagship smartphones meet the contemporary, ever-evolving trends amongst the future-minded youth of today.

Leveraging the insights of young consumers and the continuous exploration of key mobile telecommunication technologies, the HUAWEI nova 10 Series explores the possibilities of exciting innovations in terms of design, imaging, battery life and operating system.

Reveal your beauty with the HUAWEI nova 10 Series

In the era of video-focused social networking, nova users have become more creative. By using excellent equipment, creatives can develop high-quality content to record and express themselves, sharing their amazing daily lives. Thanks to HUAWEI's capability in smartphone photography, the HUAWEI nova 10 Series inherits the excellent genetics of the previous generation, offering young people a better imaging and video experience.

The Multi-Vision Photography of the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro boasts the industry’s first 60MP Ultra-Wide Autofocus front camera, supporting 100-degree ultra-wide angle with a 1/2.61-inch sensor and supporting 4K quality, which offers excellent resolution and light sensitivity. Another industry first Portrait Close-up Camera supports 2X optical zoom and up to 5X digital zoom, bringing you an excellent close-up portrait experience, which expands what the human eye perceives. The newest update of the HUAWEI Multi-Vision Photography feature also comes with an AI feature, which can detect finer object edges.

Vlog on the go with the HUAWEI Dual-View Video

Vlogging has become a new way for young people to express themselves and share their daily lives with their community, especially through popular video-focused social media platforms. By using the powerful camera system of the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro, users can create vlogs that unleash their creativity and inspire others to do the same.

With upgraded autofocus capabilities of the dual front cameras, the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro can intelligently switch the focus of different subjects within the camera and through the Showcase Focus function allow the subjects to be clearly displayed even in vlogs that are filmed indoors. The smartphone provides a multi-camera shooting experience with the combination of dual front cameras, both front and back cameras, as well as picture-in-picture shooting, all while portraying the finest details of the subject’s face, make-up and accessories. Additionally, the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro combines the functions of audio tracking, background sound suppression and P3 wide colour gamut.

The HUAWEI nova 10 Series’ chic and lightweight design

The HUAWEI nova 10 Series inherits a classic design, enhancing its original Star Orbit Ring features, which adds a shimmer to the design texture and a silkier touch. The HUAWEI nova 10 Pro comes with a thickness of 7.88mm and weighs 191g.The HUAWEI nova 10 is much thinner and lighter, with a thickness of 6.88mm and weighs 168g. Both models strike a balance between performance and stunning design.

The fast-charging speed powered by HUAWEI SuperCharge

As fast charging becomes increasingly in demand, the HUAWEI SuperCharge feature  is also constantly upgraded. The HUAWEI nova 10 Pro supports the new-generation 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge, while adopting an industry leading fast charging solution comprising a combination of the brand-new charging pump and low-impedance technology. Coupled with HUAWEI’s unique intelligent temperature control technology, the phone brings users an exceptional charging experience. The HUAWEI nova 10 supports 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge, letting lets users fully charge the phone in just 38 minutes.

The powerful fast charging ability of the HUAWEI nova 10 Series greatly enhances charging efficiency – with both smartphones breaking the power consumption limits for instant charging.

The HUAWEI nova 10 Pro is equipped with a more power-efficient 4500mAh large battery capacity, while the HUAWEI nova 10 has a 4000mAH battery capacity.  Even in heavy use scenarios, the HUAWEI nova 10 Series assures users a worry-free experience.

Smoother than ever before:  heat dissipation, gaming, and faster downloading and ample storage

The HUAWEI nova 10 Pro features Ultra-Generation VC Liquid Cooling which brings heat dissipation with better speed and uniformity. It adopts an AI-powered temperature-sensing technology that detects hot spots on the surface of the phone and optimally redistributes the heat, bringing a cooler and smoother user experience.

For gaming enthusiasts, the HUAWEI nova 10 Series features the all-new Touch Turbo 2.0. Users can simply shake the phone to trigger any corresponding key operation, which effectively improves the user experience of mobile games.

For communication, the HUAWEI nova 10 Series supports Wi-Fi 6 Enhancement and 4K QAM modulation which brings faster upload and download speeds with a theoretical peak rate of up to 3.2Gbps, offering super-fast, smooth downloads and fast sharing.

Fortunately, the HUAWEI nova 10 Series is fitted with 8 GB RAM plus 128 GB or 256 GB ROM large storage, so, there's enough space for all your videos, images, and gaming. The awesome memory also means you can run more apps at the same time, without affecting the running speed

The powerful software and hardware capabilities of the HUAWEI nova 10 Series have set a new benchmark for the mobile photography experience for young, talented and curious creatives. If you’re looking for an impressive smartphone with all-round features, get the HUAWEI nova 10 Series from the HUAWEI online store or at selected retailers.

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Last week saw Korean electronics giant, Samsung launch their Galaxy 21 FE (fan edition) mobile smart phone, it joins the rest of the popular Galaxy 21 Series as its latest family member. The Fan Editions are made by Samsung by taking what users love the most about their phones and in such built a device that is inspired by you, their fans to experience their everyday passions to the fullest with this device. Basically with the S21 range, Samsung sus out what users like the most from the various S21 models and put it into one device. The design is much the same as the S21 with a full metal uni-body but with more colours on hand to choose from, locally the S21 FE is available in Olive, Graphite, Lavender and White. The S21 FE comes with a large 6.4" AMOLED 2x display with vibrant colours and brightness along with smooth scrolling thanks to 120Hz refresh rate that optimizes your experience with fast touch response times, this comes handy especially when gaming. The immersive display really gets you sucked into what you're watching that you'd forget what is real and what is on your phone, it also has Infinity-O technology which reduces the harmful blue light at night. The screen is made from some of the toughest glass available on the market, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, so when you do have an oopsy, you need not worry about your screen shattering into a million pieces. The device is also IP68 rated making water and dust proof, allowing you to be in water of up to 1.5 meters for about 30 minutes. 

The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a pro triple camera system that includes a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, a 12MP Wide-Angle Camera and a 8MP Telephoto Camera. The camera features modes to make sure you get those pro like photos every time you shoot. With Portrait Mode, you select the subject to focus on and the camera will do the rest, there after you have a choice of 7 different effects that you can select and then you can upload the picture instantly to social media without further need to manipulate it. Night mode has been improved making low light pictures more brighter thanks to the AI multi-frame processing that brings in more colour and detail so your low-light pictures have less noise. The 8MP Telephoto lens has the capability of 30x Space Zoom to let you capture subjects from far away, it also features zoom lock to reduce shakiness as you zoom into your subject. On the front the phone has a 32MP selfie camera that captures more of your features and highlights, refining your selfies to look amazing.  Video wise, the S21 FE has dual recording mode which allows you to use both the front and rear camera to record at the same time! Thus giving you an extra feature when vlogging. 

At the heart of the S21 FE lies the fastest chip that Samsung have in their arsenal, the S21 FE features the 5nm Exynos 2100SoC chipset with 8GB of RAM which ensures that the phone will never slow down or heat up when in use. The S21 FE comes with 256GB on board memory which also assists with phone usage and multiple apps running. The device is fitting with a 4000mAh battery that can give the user up to 33 hours talk time on 4G LTE or up to 20 hours video playback. The battery has Super Fast charging that can charge the phone from 0 to over 50% in just 30 minutes, it also has Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 technology that ensures faster wireless charging when you're on the go. The phone also has reverse charge giving you the ability to charge other wireless devices from it. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is currently available in SA starting at R14,999 from the Samsung online store or from mobile operators. 

Bucket Tech: Apple Event 2021

If you're a fanboy of the tech giants based in Cupertino, California, last nights Apple Event did not disappoint with the company launching a host of new devices, one of which was the highly anticipated iPhone 13. So lets jump straight into what the 13 has to offer, just like the previous model the 12, the iPhone 13 comes in four models:

• iPhone 13 mini - $699
• iPhone 13 - $799
• iPhone 13 Pro - $999
• iPhone 13 Pro Max - $1099

Some of the standard out characteristics and features on the 13 mini and normal 13 include five new colours to suit the users style and personality, of which include New Pink, New Blue, New Midnight, New Starlight and New Red which is the show stopper. The device has a ceramic shield, which makes it tougher than any smartphone glass at the moment. Screen sizes on the 13 and 13 mini measure in a 6.1" and 5.4" respectively and are Super Retina XDR display. The new flat-edge design of the devices make it more durable and robust than previous generation phones from the brand and also they are water resistant. Apple redesigned the camera lens architecture on these devices to make the housing of the lens at a similar size to the previous generation but adding a larger lens, this was achieved by arranging the lens in a 45 degree to fin in. This camera system with its biggest Wide camera sensor also includes a sensor-shift optical image stabilization. The Ultra Wide camera also features a faster sensor helping you focus on the subject more quicker than ever. On the video side of things, the camera has a cinematic model which automatically creator beautiful depth effects and focus transitions.

Taking a quick look at the big boys, the Pro and Pro Max, Apply have gone all out with these two, in keeping with the design from the smaller two 13's, the Pro and Pro Max come in four colour variants, namely Sierra Blue, Silver, Gold and Graphite. The Pro and Pro Max are both manufacturer from Surgical-grade stainless steel which can be seen on the side profile of the device, giving it that more elegant and modern feel to it. Both devices also get the Ceramic Shield Apple claim is tougher than any smartphone glass on the market this protects a custom OLED screen that is 25% brighter outdoors. . The Pro and Pro Max are also both IP68 rated, which makes it dust and water resistant. The camera system on the devices have received the biggest upgrade ever, with next-level hardware that captures so much more detail. With this in mind, the Macro photography has been enhanced thanks to its redesigned lens and powerful autofocus system, with the new Ultra Wide camera focusing on a subject at just 2 cm, making even the smallest details seem epic. With the new camera ,they've also highly focused a lot on low light, with the wider aperture and the large sensor, it leverages the LiDAR Scanner for Night mode portraits, additionally the Telephoto camera now benefits from night mode as well, it features a 77mm focal length and 3x optical zoom which Apple say is great for classic portraiture or shooting clearer photos and videos from far away. It also has the Cinematic video feature which can be recorded with the Wide, Telephoto or TruDepth camera. Cinematic mode in the Pro and Pro Max supports Dolby Vision HDR. There's a lot more features to the camera with multiple photographic styles on hand to try and master. They also made it much more easier to edit photos and videos using their own built-in apps and don't worry about storage limitations and as the iPhon3 Pro is the first iPhone with 1TB or storage!

All devices are powered by Apples new A15 chipset which is a 5-core GPU which delivers up to 50% faster graphics performance than any other smartphone chip. The new CPU performance and efficient cores powe through complex tasks and preserve battery life. Overall the GPU is 30% faster than anything else on the market and is capable of running 15.8 trillion operations per second. All iPhone 13 models will be run on iOS 15 which will be available as a free software update from Monday, September 20th for all iOS users. Devices will be available locally from 8th October, local pricing yet to be announced. 

Bucket Seat: Ford B-Max

After attending the launch of the Ford B-Max last year which was part of their Go Further Africa event, I was looking forward to spending time with the car when it eventually got to me on test. That day came last week and for a car it's size, with the engine it has and what it has to offer, it not only impressed me but everyone that I gave a ride in it as well. 

Design

The B-Max is pretty much the SAV version Ford's popular little hatchback the Fiesta, or as Ford like to call it a "B-Mav" segment. It incorporates all the fun aspects associated with the Fiesta but in a more grown up way. It looks pretty sleek but compact at the same time and while it may be labelled as a soccer moms car it is very easy on the eye. The main talking point about the car has to be the door, although the front doors open in the conventional swing way, the rear doors are sliding doors like one you would find on a mini bus but when both are open, the lack of a B-Pillar is clearly evident, allowing easy entry and exit to the vehicle and also for loading and off loading large items. Now with a nonexistent B-Pillar, one would think safety is highly compromised seeing that in a normal car, that is the main contact absorption point in an accident but the B-Max has high strength steel roads positioned in both doors to counter this. 

Extras

Now with a car like this, you wouldn't normally associate it with having a lot of extras but you would be surprised because I certainly was! I had the top of the range Titanium model so it was loaded with extras, firstly keyless entry which is much better than some higher end German cars I've tested, full leather seats with seat warmers, climate control, reverse camera with PDC for you to get a proper look in tight spots, full length panoramic roof with curtain. Auto windscreen wipers and daytime running LED's. The car also comes with Ford's SYNC smart technology which makes bluetooth connectivity seamless and quick, it allows you to make phone calls, stream music from your mobile, can display text messages on the cars screen and the voice command menu really is sharp without you having to repeat commands. 

Power

The car is equipped with Ford's award winning 1 litre Eco-Boost engine and if you haven't experienced it by now, it is worth trying. It sometimes boggles me how Ford managed to get so much power coming out of that tiny little engine. The car is certainly no slouch and is pretty quick off the mark, it races up to 120kph in a matter of seconds and can keep on going if it were not for our speed limits. The car loves high revs as with the turbo it just makes it sound all that nicer when driving but warning, driving like this will have a negative effect on your economy which is standard practice. It's common sense to a normal driver but you trend to get carried away with how nippy it is. 

Storage

The boot itself is a pretty decent size but when need be, both rear seats can be folded to extend the boot space as well as dropping the front passenger seat for those long objects. The car comes with a spare, not full size though but you can understand why, it is so to increase luggage capacity. 

Verdict

To be quite honest, knowing that this car would be associated with mothers, seeing it makes the perfect car for running around, picking up kids and normal errands, I was skeptical using it as my everyday run around but to much of my surprise it grew on me. The practicality along with the brilliant engine and added extras really makes a brilliant package. The one thing that bugged me was the infotainment screen, seeing that it displays almost everything you do, it's horribly small! Most smart phone screens are bigger than it. 

Specifications

• 1 litre, 3 cylinder Turbo EcoBoost
• 5 speed manual gear box
• 92kW
• 170Nm torque
• Consumption: 4.9ltr/ 100km
• Top Speed: 189kph
• 0-100kph: 11.2 seconds 
• Price: R287,900 (including extras)