Samsung is giving mobile enthusiasts and tech lovers the chance to upgrade their gadgets at jaw-dropping discounts with the annual Blue Tag Sale (BTS), running now until 9 March 2025. Offering savings of up to 40% on the latest and most cutting-edge mobile devices, this is the perfect opportunity to grab top-tier Samsung products at unbeatable prices.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or wireless earbuds, BTS has something for everyone. But hurry because this exclusive sale is only available for a limited time and while stocks last.
Unbeatable Offers to Elevate Your Mobile Experience;
Galaxy S24 FE – Now R12,999* (save R2,000)
Galaxy A25 5G – Now R4,299* (save R700)
Galaxy A16 – Only R3,499* (save R500)
Galaxy Tab A9+ Wi-Fi – Just R3,299* (save R700)
Galaxy Tab A9 LTE – Only R2,499* (save R2,000)
Galaxy Watch Ultra – An incredible R9,999* (save R3,000)
Galaxy Battery Pack– Just R399* (save R300)
These amazing discounts mean that you can experience the innovation and performance of Samsung devices at great discounts. From the latest Galaxy A-series smartphones to the powerful Galaxy Tab tablets and stylish Galaxy Watches and Buds, BTS is the event to upgrade your tech collection at prices that are simply too good to miss.
Only One Week Left – Act Fast!
With only one week remaining until the sale ends on 9 March, now is the time to grab these incredible deals before they’re gone. Devices are flying off the shelves, so head to your nearest Samsung store, shop online at www.samsung.com/za, visit the Samsung App Shop, or go to a participating retailer to secure your savings.
End your summer on a high with Samsung’s iconic innovations, and make the most of the Blue Tag ale before it’s too late.
Don’t Miss Out on Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale
For more information and to shop the full range of offers, visit: www.samsung.com/za
Offers available at participating retailers and online stores. T&Cs apply.
British DJ and Producer Daniel O'Donnell, better know as D.O.D kicks off 2025 with an emotional piano house masterpiece ‘Wrap Yourself Around Me’, showcasing the captivating vocal talents of NORTH. The release comes on the heels of a hugely successful 2024 for D.O.D, a year defined by sold-out tours across the U.K., North America, and Australia, as well as the chart-topping success of 'Somedays' with Sonny Fodera and Jazzy. The song is very similar to his UK counterparts like MK and Sonny, and definitely geared up for the festivals.
Earlier this year, Chery’s Aimoga robotics R&D team established a technical partnership with DeepSeek, an emerging AI powerhouse known for its groundbreaking low-cost training technology. This collaboration aims to leverage DeepSeek’s advanced AI models to enhance the voice interaction capabilities of Aimoga robots, driving the next wave of intelligent innovation.
This initiative marks another significant milestone in Chery’s intelligent innovations, building on the success of the Lion intelligence cockpit system. It also underscores Chery’s sharp foresight and rapid execution in embracing AI advancements - a testament to the company’s 15-year strategic investment in AI technology. "Our collaboration with DeepSeek is a natural extension of Chery’s long-standing commitment to AI-driven innovation,” commented Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager for Chery South Africa. “By integrating advanced voice interaction capabilities into Aimoga robots, we’re enhancing their role in automotive retail and exploring how intelligent voice technology could shape future mobility experiences. As we continue refining these capabilities, we see exciting potential for broader applications across Chery’s ecosystem,” added Petersen.
The Chery Aimoga robotics team recognised DeepSeek's key advantage: its significantly lower training costs than competitors. Powered by NVIDIA H800 chips, DeepSeek offers complete transparency in model weights and training logs under the MIT open-source protocol. This cost-effective and open approach aligns perfectly with Chery’s R&D philosophy: technology for the benefit of all.
Chery Aimoga robots have already integrated DeepSeek’s V2, V3, and R1 open-source models into their robot cloud platform. These models power the interaction systems for Chery 4S store marketing robots. Real-world testing on the Chery robot hardware is expected to begin next week. The Chery Aimoga R&D team expressed enthusiasm for deepening collaboration with DeepSeek and other leading intelligent enterprises across broader domains. Their goal is to push the boundaries of robotic applications, unlocking new possibilities for innovations.
The decision by Chery’s technical team is no coincidence. Since 2010, when Chery first ventured into AI, the company has strategically built an intelligent, interconnected technology base in collaboration with industry leaders like Baidu. The 2018 launch of CheryLion marked its full entry into the AI domain. By 2020, Chery initiated a dedicated R&D programme for humanoid robots, culminating in the global debut of its robot brand, Aimogo, and its self-developed robots and robotic dogs in 2023. Last year, Chery announced a mass production plan for Aimoga robots; over the past 15 years, Chery has progressed from R&D to mass production and deployment, solidifying its position as an AI innovator.
Chery intends to start selling humanoid robots in overseas markets in the first half of this year, with the initial application scenario focused on car sales assistance. Looking ahead, Chery aims to integrate the development of the Internet and automotive intelligence to create an intelligent mobility ecosystem centred on human-robot-vehicle collaboration. This vision aligns with its long-term goal of evolving into a home-based intelligent terminal, further cementing its role as a pioneer in the AI-driven future.
The countdown is on – only a few days remain to visit Samsung’s Galaxy Studio in Menlyn before it concludes on 2 March 2025. This is your final chance to immerse yourself in the cutting-edge world of mobile AI, featuring the recently launched Galaxy S25 Series.
Have you been waiting for the perfect opportunity to explore Samsung’s latest tech? The best time is now! Galaxy Studio is more than just a showcase – it’s an interactive journey where you can engage with the most intuitive mobile AI device on the market. With live demonstrations, exclusive tours, and the chance to meet some of South Africa’s hottest names, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can accumulate stamps throughout the tour for a shot at exciting giveaways.
Experience first-hand how the Galaxy S25 Series, powered by One UI 7, can enhance your everyday life by anticipating your needs and providing personalised insights – making your day smoother, faster, and more intuitive. Whether you’re curious about upgrading your device, or just want to see the future of mobile AI in action, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
But hurry – the studio will be closing soon, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Don’t miss your final opportunity to be part of this unforgettable experience. Visit before Sunday, March 2, and see for yourself how Samsung is changing the way we live, work, and connect.
While admission is free, the experience will be priceless – see you there!
Afrojack has released a new alias in which he is releasing music that's going back to his roots of his classic sounds. This will no doubt excite many of his dedicated fan base as that is the type of music that made them fall in love with him. NLW will feature high-octane, energy starting soundscapes but will also be partnering with other DJ's like R3HAB and others. The first track "To The Light" is that Afrojack high octane techno that we're used to and hits all the right notes with electric build ups and killer drops.
Over the December period I got to spend it with the new Volkswagen Tiguan. The third generation of the popular mid-sized family SUV was launched in the country last September but since then not many were to be seen on the roads, well at least here in Durban which has a strong VW presence. I couldn't help wonder why, given its good looks, modern interior, technology packed and great list of safety features, what could have been deterring prospective buyers from buying this car? The previous generation was a firm favourite in the segment, so much so they even brought the performance version Tiguan R which was in high demand. Now many of you must be already saying, "it's because of the price", but Volkswagen SA have done extremely well with the pricing, keeping it relatively equal to the outgoing model, so it definitely couldn't have been that. I was hoping that by spending a month with it, I could nail down the reason, so here's my thoughts that and more importantly, the car itself.
From the day it rolled into my driveway, I was grinning like a child, the Tiguan is a gorgeous looking car but the one that was handed to me, came in the R-Line package in Persimmon Red Metallic paint. It was a looker, with its curvaceous body, sporty lines, mesmerize lights and menacing stance it made sure to get attention wherever I went. The styling, especially on the R Line really gives the overall body a great look, the main focus being the large front grille which almost looks like a mouth open sucking in all the air as you drive. The solid panel grille above that which spans around the front joining the headlamps with the VW emblem in the center. The comments I got about the looks during my time with it were all positive, while it was a modern design its core still remained true to the VW design language. There was nothing extreme to deviate it away from the classic SUV look, unlike what we're seeing coming out of China and that is what the loyal VW customers expect from their brand, something that fits the mold of a family SUV but with that added German robustness.
While the outside drew a lot of attention, its the inside where I spent my time and let me tell you, it was quite a place to be. A fresh new take on an interior from VW with elements borrowed from other newer models like the Golf 8.5 and the Touareg. The first thing that gets your attention is the large infotainment screen, measuring in at 12.9-inch its the main focal point of the cabin. It feels like its floating on the dash and this illusion gets better at night with the ambient lighting which has 30-colours to choose from with a bi-colour display, so the combinations you can play around with really can make your imagination go wild. The instrument cluster is a 10-inch digital cockpit that has the usual VW displays which can be configured and changed from the multi-function steering wheel. I'm really please VW has gone back to conventional buttons here, and not the haptic type that we all loathed on the Golf 8 GTI..... however, they could have designed new buttons and not just lift them up from the previous Tiguan. The steering wheel is nice, being leather wrapped give its that premium feel with perforations where your palms should sit when holding it. While VW have gone back to conventional buttons for the steering wheel, they still chose to keep some haptic sensitive buttons for the volume, climate control and sunroof. The volume can be controlled from the steering wheel so no issues from me thee, however, adjusting the climate control proved to be an annoying task while driving, you require some level of attention to what you're doing which distracts you from the road, same goes for the sunroof wen wanting it in the tilt position, sliding gestures to open and close are fine but trying to get your finger hit dead center to tilt seemed like mission impossible at times.
Other cool tech that came in the Tiguan was the wireless mobile phone connectivity, which is pretty much the norm in any new Volkswagen, the cabin is very minimalist, so there isn't much to play around with apart from the infotainment screen however, VW have added a jog shuttle control which serves a dual purpose, in normal setting its a volume knob, yes, that makes it three ways to control the volume and much better than that haptic sensor thing below the screen and when you push it in, it allows you to select the various driving modes offered. The Tiguan has 4 USB C charging ports, 2 up front that is covered by a flip tray which has the wireless charging mat below and 2 additional USB C ports for the rear passengers. The interior as mentioned is simple but well laid out, my one gripe would be the extensive use of plastics, I realise this might be a mixture of cost cutting and weight saving but especially with the long solid pieces, they tend to creek when driving in hot weather. What I did love is how the ambient lighting is integrated into the dash panels with a matrix like pattern that lights up at night and really adds another element to the interior experience. This model also came with a large panoramic glass sunroof which during summer to have open will give you a nice roast, so I tend to only have the curtain open at night.
Lets talk about the power under the hood, at launch the Tiguan was only launched in the 1.4L TSI Petrol engine, now there is the 2.0L TSI Petrol and 2.0L TDI motors on offer, so my holiday wheels was the 1.4L TSI and while many did ask "Isn't it under powered?", truth be told, for 90% of my driving, it was just fine. On highways when you need that extra oomf it found itself searching for power but with the 7-speed DSG there to optimally change gears, the lack of power was there for just a few seconds. The great thing about the DSG is the way helps the motor get the best from each gear, not over straining the engine and this plays a major role in keeping that fuel economy down. Within the 30 days, I filled five full tanks of fuel, averaging about 52L every time, and I did just over 4000km with it, so giving me about 800km on every time I filled up. That's not bad from a 55L tank with a "small engine that can't cope".
My long distance trip with it to Johannesburg would be the ultimate test for the Tiguan , apart from seeing how the engine coped with the load, it was also a way to test the luggage capacity as it would be up against my mum! Many don't know this but people in Johannesburg don't get anything there, so my mother feels it is her duty to buy everything in Durban to take up for her sisters and my siblings, completely forgetting that we need to carry clothes as well. My plans of carrying my golf clubs with were dashed when I saw the 4 cooler boxes lined up in the passage to be loaded before we hit the road but with 3 luggage bags, an assortment of boxes and the cooler boxes packed in, the automatic tailgate closed without a fuss and it was time to hit the road. Seeing that it was just the three of us traveling, my mother felt that the unused seats in the back also deserved to be filled, so there was more things added to that. With a load, driving up country to higher altitude, the Tiguan felt at ease, with the construction and trucks in KZN, it was difficult to set the cruise control so I waited till we passed halfway to test it out. With all the functions on the steering wheel it was easy to set a speed and with the adaptive technology, also set a following distance to the car in front of you and I let it do the work. While it is a cool feature, it works well when the other drivers on the road know how to drive, I had loads of people cut in front of me which then kicks in the breaking since the minimum distance has been exceed so there were times the car would slow down right to 60kph to maintain that gap but that is no fault of the cars, it's just rather annoying to have that break in momentum.
The comfort of the drive was rather special, the ride quality was smooth with the shocks coping well with the various surfaces it traversed on. The climate control managed the temperature in the cabin but like I said, I had to close the curtain on the sun roof as the sun got quite strong over the Free State. After halfway I thought it would be the best time to test the massaging seats out, to stimulate the blood flow, with the various options of massages and the choice of intensity, this optional extra was becoming my favourite of the car. Applying just the right amount of pressure making your back and shoulders relaxed after a good few hours of driving. Not too relaxing as you don't want to be falling asleep at the wheel now, also it has a time limit so the most you can do is 30 minutes at a time. Overall the trip to and from Joburg with the Tiguan was a great success with all the passengers happy and all the goods delivered safely, on the journey up I averaged 7.2L per 100km and on the way down this dropped to 6.5L per 100km, so pretty efficient if you ask me.
While in Durban, I tend to get up to lots of things, from going to the beach for a run, to playing golf with mates and taking long drives for special lunches and dinners. For this, the Tiguan proved to be a worthy companion as well, rocking up to one of Durban's prestigious golf clubs in the striking looking SUV, it sure did turn some heads, what was even better is that I managed to fit the entire four ball in the car, all four bags and 4 players with ease, no dropping of the seats or anyone sitting cramped up. To say that is impressive is being unkind to the Tiguan, it had many other spectators at the golf club equally impressed. So, again, that luggage compartment of 652L cant pack a lot! With the torque derived from that TSI motor, the car can pull the load too.
Overall my 30 days with the Tiguan was faultless to say the least, while there were niggles that I picked up with the quality of certain materials and the slight lag of power on highway driving, I don't see that as major contributors to the low sales. I personally think it is the general consumer thinking that the 1.4L TSI engine is inadequate for their requirements so they were waiting for the 2.0L options to come out. While this may get more sales, the major issue VW and most of the other European brands are facing is competition from the East. The Chinese have infiltrated the market tenfolds with new brands coming in every week it seems, with each one offering more for less than the other. While these cars do offer a lot for a small price tag, it still is very early to tell if they will be worth it in the long run. With trusted names like VW, you still have peace of mind knowing you have a solid German vehilce, and the loyalist will agree but when push comes to shove, if you can be saving yourself an extra R6,000 a on a car installment, the answer is a no brainer for many. It's a pity though because Volkswagen have a great third generator of their much loved SUV, I doubt it will see the sales high as the previous generation but it should be able to take a stake in the market.
Huawei yesterday unveiled a spectacular line-up of audio, wearable, tablets, and foldable products at the HUAWEI Innovative Product Launch held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The launch event saw the release of the HUAWEI Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN, the world’s first commercial trifold smartphone. Born out of a bold undertaking of the impossible, Huawei had to make several engineering breakthroughs to achieve this new foldable design, redefining the industry. The new HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2" also sets new standards for tablets with a spectacular display and PC-level productivity enhancements.
Huawei also announced two other new products: the brand’s first hooked earphones, the HUAWEI FreeArc, and the HUAWEI Band 10.
HUAWEI Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN Makes Highly Anticipated Global Debut
After months of anticipation, the HUAWEI Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN finally made its worldwide debut. The trifold display is the first-ever in the industry and has smashed ceilings while setting many new records in smartphone innovation. It is now the thinnest foldable and the largest foldable display at the same time, and measures as thin as 3.6 mm and 10.2 inches wide when unfolded.
Built with an Advanced Precision Hinge System, the trifold display has achieved a breakthrough in durability and is the first to support inward and outward folding. This new foldable device revolutionises the display experience. Whether it's horizontal or portrait browsing, a 10.2-inch large-screen immersive visual, or an efficient split-screen experience you are looking for, the HUAWEI Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN’s expanded functionality turns it into a multi-scenario device. Users will also enjoy advanced photography through the Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera, which features a 10-step Adjustable Physical Aperture that captures sharp, professional shots.
The HUAWEI Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN will be available in South Africa in April 2025
HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2”: PC-Level Capabilities, Tablet Convenience
The new HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2” brings PC-level professional office capabilities to the tablet industry through an immersive display, flagship performance, and the addition of efficient productivity functionality and accessories.
With a 13.2" Flexible OLED PaperMatte Display built with professional colour accuracy, 1000nits ultra-high brightness, and 2.8K ultra-high resolution, HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2” brings the ultimate display experience with life-like visuals and top-notch clarity. Huawei’s improved PaperMatte Display technology successfully minimises glare, reducing eye strain even during extended use. The tablet also brings PC-level WPS Office that allows desktop-mode editing and presentations. Through a PC-level software experience along with touch interaction, HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard, HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Generation) and external mouse support, users can seamlessly switch between PC and tablet modes to enjoy efficient on-the-go working.
In addition, the new HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2” is also equipped with professional applications such as HUAWEI Notes and the GoPaint App, ensuring users can maximise productivity and creativity. The massive 10,100 mAh battery delivers a long-lasting battery life, and with HUAWEI SuperCharge, it can be fully charged in just 65 minutes. Powering users through hectic workdays.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2” will also be available in South Africa in April 2025
HUAWEI FreeArc: Huawei’s Fresh New Take on Open-Ear Earbuds
Huawei has also announced the HUAWEI FreeArc, its very first open-ear earbuds with earhooks. To achieve an ergonomic and breathable design, the earbuds revive Huawei’s iconic C-Bridge Design and also incorporate 0.7mm high-performance nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy that comfortably moulds to the user’s ears. The earbuds are 81.5% covered with ultra-soft, skin-friendly liquid silicone for lasting comfort. HUAWEI FreeArc delivers clear, rich sound that’s perfect for both sports enthusiasts and busy business professionals who need a comfortable pair of earbuds for calls throughout the day.
HUAWEI FreeArc will be available in South Africa in May 2025
HUAWEI Band 10: All-in-One Wellness Assistance
The new HUAWEI Band 10 offers a complete upgrade for holistic wellness, starting with sleep and emotional well-being. By analysing your daily routine, the Enhanced Sleep Health Assistant provides personalised sleep insights, actionable recommendations and detailed summaries of the user’s sleep patterns using HRV data, boosting overall sleep quality for vitality and performance.
The smart band also features an enhanced Emotional Wellbeing Assistant, which monitors subtle physiological changes throughout the day through real-time health data. This wellness feature also introduces interactive Panda-themed watch faces that visually track mood shifts and allow for app customisation to suit your needs. With a stylish design and skin-friendly material, HUAWEI Band 10 effortlessly elevates your everyday look while enhancing all-day comfort.
HUAWEI Band 10 will be available in South Africa in March 2025
In 2003 British electronic music duo comprising Matt Schwartz and Joel Edwards, better known as "Deepest Blue" released a single by the same name. It took the dance floor scene by storm at the time and hit the top 10 of most of the charts. Fast forward 12 years, Goom Gum joins forces with Deepest Blue to deliver a jaw-dropping rework of the iconic 2000s release, ‘Deepest Blue’. This first remix of the classic paves the way for a new era of vocal melodic techno, setting the stage for a riveting year ahead. With the original finding unwavering support from tastemakers ranging from Pete Tong to Solomun, the new release is sure to carry the same momentum, kicking off an exciting new chapter for the timeless anthem.
OMODA and JAECOO are embarking on an electrified adventure with the all-new C9 and J7 plug-in hybrid SUVs, which are due in South Africa later this year. 14 PHEVs (4 C9s and 10 J7s) will set off a long-distance trip between Cape Town and Gqeberha to prove their efficiency, combined petrol-electric range, and comfort and driving experience over several days. The objective? To travel more than 1,100 km - without charging or refuelling any vehicles along the way. While this may seem like a tall order in many SUVs, the C9 and J7 PHEVs boast exceptional range thanks to their electrified drivetrains.
28 journalists and guests from Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia will depart Cape Town in electrified SUVs. Over four days, they will travel to the Addo Elephant Park, enjoying a specially curated trip themed after the natural beauty of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. The trip starts on 22 February in Cape Town, with the range drive beginning the following day. The drive is set against an Ocean/Beach theme. As the convoy of electrified OMODAs and JAECOOs heads towards Gqeberha, drivers and passengers will be immersed in a Forest, Flora, and Fauna theme inspired by the natural beauty of the Garden Route. On the final day, 25 February, the journey will take on a Bush and Safari theme, concluding at the iconic Addo Elephant Park.
“Our upcoming endurance drive is more than just a long-distance journey—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the impressive efficiency, performance, and comfort of the OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 plug-in hybrids,” commented Tony Liu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “Covering over 1,100 km without refuelling or recharging highlights the capability of our electrified drivetrains while giving drivers a chance to experience the beauty of South Africa’s diverse landscapes from behind the wheel of cutting-edge vehicles.” The J7 PHEV is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a 3 DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) that integrates an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 255 kW and 525 N.m of torque. An 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a WLTP-estimated all-electric range of 90 km, providing a driving range of 1,200 km. When connected to a DC fast charger, the battery can be recharged from 30-80% in just 20 minutes.
The range-topping C9 PHEV takes performance to the next level. While the standard C9 is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, the PHEV variant features a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that, together with a 3 DHT and three electric motors, delivers a remarkable 440 kW and 915 N.m of torque. This enables the C9 to accelerate like a performance car while maintaining the refinement and composure the C9 has become known for. The WLTP-estimated all-electric range is 150 km, pushing the total range to 1,100 km. When plugged into a DC fast charger, the C9 PHEV can replenish its battery pack from 30-80% in 25 minutes.
The 10th anniversary of Ultra South Africa is almost upon us the line-ups have just been announced! Welcoming back the biggest dance music festival on the continent see's the likes of the biggest names in the industry, starting off with Dutch legend Armin van Buuren, the multi-award winning artist has served the dance music industry for decades and is part of the reason for the global trance movement, he will be joined on stage by fellow Dutchman Martin Garrix who is no stranger to South Africa has he's headlined numerous Ultras before.
Also performing on the main stage as headliners are Californian music producer ISOXO, and electro-house DJ sensation KSHMR. This would be their first appearances at Ultra South Africa and they are bound to get the crowd going with their energetic stage presence and electrifying sets.
RESISTANCE returns for both the Cape Town and Johannesburg legs of Ultra South Africa, headliners for the resistance stage include Mind Against, Massano, Fio Kraft and Culoe De Song. They will also be joined by local acts, for Cape Town, Ryan Murgatroyd, Talia Zaken, Mila Rose, Kong, Amy Mauritz and for Johannesburg, Sona, Abby Nurock and Natsa. You can find the full line-ups in the pictures on the post. Tickets are still on sale for the event, so don't delay and get yours now from www.ultrasouthafrica.com
