Bucket Seat: JAECOO J7

The influx of Chinese motoring brands to the market is no surprise given their track record of making good looking, well built and more importantly affordable cars that are loaded with technology that cost you and arm and two legs with most of the European brands. While reliability and longevity were questions that came up before when people considered these Chinese alternatives about 4 years ago, with most people being satisfied their cars didn't fall to pieces yet, it's given the consumer more confidence in purchasing these brands. One brand that has been doing particular well over the past few years is Chery, with it introducing it's sub brand Omoda last year, it got more and more people taking interest in their offerings, last week so Chery launch another sub brand from their stable, JAECOO, with their introductory model, the J7. A lot of hype has been created around this particular model with the brand teasing images and video of it since late last year. Now with the official launch, it has people queuing up to see what it has to offer and boy it didn't disappoint!

The highly anticipated JAECOO J7 has officially launched in South Africa, hitting the market as the very first model from the newly established urban off-road SUV brand. Endowed with cutting-edge design and forward-thinking technologies, the J7 is poised to take the local market by storm, with the three-strong range priced from just R549 900.

Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager Chery / OMODA & JAECOO South Africa, says the new J7 perfectly embodies the brand’s “From Classic, Beyond Classic” philosophy and is as such the ideal model to introduce the innovative new marque to the country. In addition, South Africa is both the first right-hand-drive market to launch the J7 as well as the first in Africa.

“As South Africa’s first taste of JAECOO, the new J7 has an important role to play. Boasting high levels of sophistication and performance – not to mention a modern yet classic design aesthetic – the J7 will appeal to customers who love the great outdoors but are not prepared to compromise on either comfort or standard specification,” Liu said.

All three derivatives in the J7 range are powered by an efficient turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine producing generous peak outputs of 145 kW and and 290 Nm, and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. In the case of the base Vortex and mid-spec Glacier variants, drive is delivered to the front axle, while the range-topping Inferno features all-wheel drive, incorporating the brand’s advanced new All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS).

The inclusion of ARDIS in the Inferno derivative completely redefines the off-road driving experience, allowing effortless navigation through mud, sand and several other types of terrain. This means drivers – who furthermore benefit from a 21° approach angle, a 29° departure angle, 200 mm of ground clearance and 600 mm of wading depth – needn’t worry about encountering varied surfaces.

The proprietary ARDIS intelligent off-roading system includes as many as 7 driving modes, allowing the JAECOO J7 to adapt to a wide variety of surfaces by dynamically adjusting the vehicle’s responses in real time. So, whether navigating urban streets or muddy terrain, the system handles each driving scenario with finesse and capability.

Specification levels are extremely generous across the line-up. Belying its entry-level positioning, for example, the Vortex grade includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, an electric tailgate, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 360° panoramic camera system, wireless smartphone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels (framing red brake callipers), LED headlamps, front foglamps, automatic windscreen wipers, 7 airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), front radar and several added safety features.

Meanwhile, the mid-tier Glacier model (R599 900) upgrades to 19-inch alloys and a 14.8-inch touchscreen, while also gaining items such as innovative inter-seat airbags, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats (with a memory function), a head-up display, an integrated dashcam and a raft of extra driver-assistance features. The latter includes items such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-departure warning, intelligent high-beam control, rear cross-traffic assist and more.

Finally, the flagship all-wheel-drive Inferno (R679 900) ships with the aforementioned ARDIS system, along with extras such as a heating function for the leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as privacy glass.

Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa, predicts that the J7 will spark a new urban off-roading trend among local buyers.

“The JAECOO J7 offers outdoor-loving customers something entirely new: far more toughness than a typical urban SUV but also more comfort and technology than traditional off-roaders. Add lofty levels of standard specification, a potent powertrain and highly competitive pricing, and you can see why we believe the J7 will take the local market by storm,” said Gahagan.

The J7 was launched in South Africa on 12 April 2024 at St John’s College in Johannesburg. After the day’s activities, invited guests – including brand ambassadors such as actor Senzo Radebe – attended an event hosted by MC Anele Mdoda. Thanks to an exclusive pre-launch drive of the J7, Anele was ideally positioned to play host, having been one of the very first people in South Africa to experience this exciting new vehicle from behind the wheel.

Later, JAECOO guests were treated to a music festival that included entertainment from DJ Mörda (aka Murdah Bongz), who had the crowd on its feet with his mesmerising dance moves and captivating stage presence.

Earlier, Khavhagali Vhalinavho from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) presented a talk on environmental protection. Liu explained that this topic is a key part of JAECOO’s broader sustainability vision.

“Right from the conception of the JAECOO brand, we knew we wanted to create a more environmentally friendly off-road experience than is typical, providing the urban elite with not only a more comfortable but also a greener travel adventure. The protection of the great outdoors is important to our customers, so it’s important to us. That’s why we’ve chosen to partner with IUCN,” concludes Liu.

Pricing

JAECOO J7 1.6T Vortex FWD 7DCT – R549 900

JAECOO J7 1.6T Glacier FWD 7DCT – R599 900

JAECOO J7 1.6T Inferno AWD 7DCT – R679 900

All 3 versions of the JAECOO J7 come standard with a 5-year/70 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty. An additional industry-leading engine warranty spanning 10 years or 1 million kilometres is also included in the purchase price

Bucket Tech: HAUWEI FreeClip

For the longest time, open-ear earbuds have generated mixed responses from the audio community. On the one hand, they offer an alternative to in-ear earbuds that have now dominated the market and left little space for design variety. On the other hand, many of the recent open-ear earbuds have been met with disinterest, with critics citing the discomfort and inconvenience of the popular neckband or ear-hook form factors.

These reasons have been the driving force behind the creation and, more recently, the popularity of the HUAWEI FreeClip – now available in South Africa. Recognising the shortcomings of most open-ear earbuds, HUAWEI took user feedback about design, comfort, and audio experience seriously. What followed was three full years of development to perfect this new form earbud form factor, resulting in the unique C-Bridge Design.

The Innovation Story Behind the C-bridge Design

Launched as part of HUAWEI’s latest Fashion Forward direction, the FreeClip embodies both style and comfort. Sporting the cool factor of a fashionable ear accessory, it appeals to style-conscious users and trendy youth seeking tech that elevates their look. To suit a variety of tastes and styles, the iconic C-bridge design comes in two distinct looks — iridescent Purple and minimalist-chic Black.

However, the FreeClip's clip-on design is more than just an ear clip. HUAWEI specially designed the C-bridge, employing extensive and complex engineering to strike a balance between aesthetics and ergonomic comfort. To achieve the optimal design balancing size, weight and quality, HUAWEI spent three years crafting the earbuds using human-centered design philosophies. The result was an efficient C-shaped style, which ties the device's design, acoustics, and control operations together, all while ensuring stability and durability.

Ergonomic Comfort and Stability 

The C-bridge Design was created using global data from over 10,000 human ears, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit regardless of ear size and shape. It uses high-performance nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy, which ensures optimal comfort for different ear sizes and shapes. Each earbud weighs just 5.6 grams - light enough for all-day wear.

Together with the ergonomic convex-concave structures of the Acoustic Ball and Comfort Bean, each feature works together to distribute pressure more effectively across the ear, reducing the typical discomfort often caused by clip-on devices. This creates a secure yet comfortable fit.

Improved Open-Ear Audio Experience

The actual audio experience of many open-ear earbuds is nothing but disappointing. This is mostly because of the distance from the sound outlet to the ear canals, which not only lessens the clarity of the audio but also increases the possibility of sound leakage. The C-bridge Design solves this by optimising the distance and the angle between the Comfort Bean and Acoustic Ball, which are tilted at an angle of 11.4°, to fit snugly along the curvature of the ear The Acoustic Ball aligns with the ear canal, comfortably covering the helix crus and antitragus without blocking the canal.

At the same time, the HUAWEI FreeClip's audio quality has been further bolstered with two features – its dual-magnet high-sensitivity driver unit and Reverse Sound Waves System. The dual-magnetic driver increases the magnetic induction intensity, thus creating better sound clarity and resonance, while the Reverse Sound Waves System reduces sound leakage and makes the audio more immersive and private.

Convenience Redefined: 36-Hour Battery Life, Sweat and Water Resistance, and more

The C-bridge supports touch gestures along its surface, so users can easily control the audio playback with simple taps. And despite its lightweight body, the FreeClip can last up to 36 hours together with the charging case, with each earbud lasting up to 8 hours of continuous use.

Even though the FreeClip uses an open-ear design, its triple call noise reduction feature ensures crystal clear calls even in noisy environments. Together with an AI-powered DNN algorithm as well as a sound suppression duct built into the Acoustic Ball, it is able to effectively cancel ambient noises and curb wind interference for distraction-free communication.

Active users who often use their earbuds for fitness activities can rest assured that their earbuds are protected by IP54 water, dust, sweat and water resistance. This allows them to sweat it out freely during workout sessions and enjoy comfortable yet breathable open-ear earbuds. ​

Experience the Freedom of Sound and Style

It's about time open-ear earbuds got a facelift. The HUAWEI FreeClip has embraced the emerging demand for fashion-driven technology and boasts thoughtful design and innovation.

It's great for users looking for functional earbuds stylish enough to flaunt anywhere, whether it's the gym, office, or a night out with friends.

Get your hands on the FreeClip from Vodacom for R189 a month for 24 months or for R129 a month for 36 months. Alternatively, head to the HUAWEI Online Store and purchase yours for R3 999.

Monday Choon: Genix - On & On

 

UK DJ and producer Genix was last featured on the blog when he released his epic Warehouse55 EP, this time round Damion 'Damo' Houchen which is his real name has announced his new album and tour 'YOU.ME.NOW' with today's featured track "On & On" which can only be described as a rave-centric song. Since his debut album 199X in 2021, Genix has been delivering some bangers on the Anjunabeats label, and this latest single is no different, building on years of innovation and versatility across the spectrum of electronic music, Genix comes full circle with this one and we can't wait to hear the rest of the album which drops on the 14th of June this year. 

Bucket Seat: Mercedes Benz A200 Hatch

When the A-Class was first introduced to the world, it served as a more affordable option to own a brand that was seen as elite and a pinnacle of what cars should be. While it didn’t have the allure of the S-Class, it still gave owners the bragging rights to say they drive a “Merc”. The A-Class was an odd looking thing at the time though, to use the American term, “mini van” comes to mind when looking at the first generation of it. Even the launch of the A32K AMG didn’t do much for its image as a whole but credit to them, the A-Class did sell decently in local and overseas markets with it being the ideal type of “city car” for Europeans and “soccer mom” cars for the rest of the world. The second generation saw it get a nice nip tuck with sharper angles and a more neater trim but by then the appeal of it seemed to have died down, Mercedes took cognisance of it and hence the 3rd generation saw a shift in the A-Class’s from being a mini van to hatchback and spurred on an epic rival of the line. This offered the company the ideal platform to take on a whole new segment which was long enjoyed by another German rival. With the 4th generation just receiving a light update, the A-Class, remains one of the more popular models in the Merc range and with the range topping AMG derivatives in the A35 and A45S pushing mind boggling performance figures, the normal A200 and A250 still deserve a fair shout. I spent a week with the A200 hatch in AMG trim and this is what I thought about it.

DESIGN

There’s just something about a good looking car in black. Yes, the colour automatically makes the car look good but when the design of the is great, the colour black just accentuates the design and make it that more bolder. The lines of the A-Class are sublime, from the angular shark like nose flowing with the subtle curves that extend into the body and ties into the rear so well. The headlights feature the new multibeam LED’s which do a little dance when the car is powered up in the dark. While they do serve a very good purpose, the blue hues do add a cool contrast to that front end that’s dominated by the three pointed star emblem which is poised perfectly in the centre. With the AMG trim the grille gets the tri-star treatment ad well. The car came fitted with optional 19-inch multi-spoke AMG rims finished off in black which gave the car a stealth like look. The interior does receive some minor tweaks but nothing too evident, apart from the removal of the track pad that now is just is an oddly shaped storage tray.

PERFORMANCE

Powered by 1.4 litre turbocharged engine, the A200 doesn’t boast big numbers like its AMG siblings, but it does offer a spirited feel to it. 120kW is derived from the engine along with 270Nm of torque which translates to an adequate drive but also maintaining a level of economy that won’t get you visiting the filling station every week. If driven properly, the A200 could be quite frugal I’m told but with only 5 days with it, I wasn’t going to be pussyfooting this things around the streets of Durban. The shape and size of this car makes it the perfect weapon to navigate the twistys and hills and that’s where I went hunting with it. The car is so accurate with the steering, it almost felt like you’re in a go-kart at times, the torque factor gets the acceleration in for the short bursts of speed required and that is what makes the drive in this entertaining. Many will say that yes, while it is fun, its not that fast, yes, if you want fast you buy the AMG's. If you want something that can do your daily drives, but provide that a drive that's not completely boring, you get this. 

COMFORT

Seeing it's the smallest car in the Mercedes-Benz stable, you'd expect it to be a tiny cabin but thanks to modern ergonomic design practices, the A200 is roomy enough to seat 4 adults. There are still some questionable design practices on the dash that I have personal issues with, like the height of the cubby hold that is in front of the front passenger seat. A tall person like myself has to move the seat a bit more back to avoid it hitting my knees, this affects the leg room for the passenger behind me. Mind you, the design does look great but perhaps on the next one they could re-look at this. I did mention that the track pad for the car has disappeared, that is thanks to the new MBUX system that includes a touchscreen infotainment center and intuitive AI which takes commands via voice. It works damn well and can understand just about any voice and any accent without a hassle. I hardly found myself having to repeat myself when giving it instructions as mundane as they were. Apple and Google could learn a thing or two from Merc's tech as I battle with Siri most of the time! The car comes standard with pretty much all the tech you'd expect to find in a modern day luxury car. While some of the materials do feel a bit low quality compared to other models in the Merc line up, one must understand that this is the entry level car you're getting into so you can't have everything at a cheaper price. One thing I must take my hats off to Mercedes for is their ambient lighting, in pictures it looks tacky but when you're sitting in the cabin at night with it illuminated in the colours of your choice, it's just something else. 

VERDICT

The A200 has a lot to offer, even with it being the entry level Mercedes-Benz, they try to stay true to who they are as a premium luxury brand. While the costs of the cars are quite high, it's nice to see them as a brand taking note of this and offering financial support facility with Mercedes-Benz Agility drive, which can be customised to the individual's spending power. With each car being a direct representation of the owner, given the choices of colours and specifications they can deck their ideal car to be like, it's worth considering if you want an A200 but unsure on how to finance it. Even though my first stint in the A class was the A45S then the A35 AMG's, I took quite a liking to the A200 as it served it's role perfectly as a daily drive that offered everything that one would need, in terms of looks, practicality, space and comfort. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.4 -litre turbo, 4 cylinder
Gear Box	8-speed automatic
Torque	270Nm
Power	120kW
Fuel consumption	6.4 liters per 100km
Price	R755,985*

*base price

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova 12 Series

The HUAWEI nova series, beloved by young smartphone users for its big battery, big storage, and big display, is back with a reimagined line-up boasting selfie innovations and a slim and stylish lightweight design, designed for the fashion-forward and tech-savvy user. The new stars in the HUAWEI nova 12 series, include the HUAWEI nova 12i, HUAWEI nova 12 SE, and the soon-to-be-released HUAWEI nova 12s. Inspired by the concept of "nova" - a new star – these phones embody the South African KeStar spirit (#nova12iKeStar).

The latest HUAWEI nova 12i retains the lightweight build of the series and boasts upgraded camera capabilities, adding an exceptional 108MP High-Res Camera. The HUAWEI nova 12i draws from the ethos to inspire confidence and self-expression in users in its design with a spinoff of the iconic galaxy-inspired nova design by adding a dazzling Super Star Orbit Ring as a highlight around its central camera module.

Make Every Moment Picturesque: 108MP High-Res Photography

The HUAWEI nova 12i offers a truly advanced photography experience with its ultra-high definition 108MP camera. This system features a large F1.9 aperture, a 1/1.67-inch sensor, and nine-in-one-pixel fusion technology, ensuring versatile shots with incredible light sensitivity.

Most significantly, the HUAWEI nova 12i’s 108MP High-Res Camera is powered by RAW Domain Algorithm. Using this patented technology, the HUAWEI nova 12i optimises brightness, clarity, and dynamic range, delivering vivid colours and a balanced exposure in both bright and dark areas. The result is a natural, true-to-life image, allowing you to shine as the brightest KeStar. Even in challenging scenarios like backlit HDR or low light, the nine-in-one pixel fusion delivers exceptional brightness without sacrificing detail.

Better yet, night shots will see improved highlight suppression and greater clarity. This is most visibly seen in commonly affected images such as night photography with decorative streetlights and car lights, where light is sometimes disproportionately presented and fails to be captured effectively. Thanks to the HUAWEI nova 12’s powerful 108MP camera, a picture-perfect photograph is just a click away.

 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo: A Full Day of Battery in Just 30 minutes

The frustration of a low or dying battery is very real, especially when travelling or when you are away from a charger. The HUAWEI nova 12i solves this problem with its powerful 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo. This feature lets you recharge the battery to 62% of its capacity in just 30 minutes. That’s a full day’s worth of usage. Even in high-power consumption usage scenarios, this feature can now be used to eliminate low battery anxiety.

Live Larger with Large Battery and Large Storage

Today's smartphones are, no doubt, powerhouses. But their features mean nothing without the battery and storage to back them up. Young users, especially those who rely on their smartphones for everything from school to work and entertainment, often find their devices struggling to keep up.

The HUAWEI nova 12i solves all of these problems. With up to a massive 256GB of storage, you'll have ample space for all your important documents, favourite music, cherished photos, and more. Plus, the 5000mAh battery gives you all-day power to work, play, and create without constantly searching for a charger.

Taking this one step further, the HUAWEI nova 12i’s battery comes with intelligent AI Power Saving Technology. This means your battery adapts to your usage patterns, closing inactive apps to ensure you get the most out of every charge – giving you even more out of its big (bigger) battery.

EMUI 14: Elevating Security and Personalization

Another exciting feature native in the HUAWEI nova 12i is the debut of EMUI 14. This new operating system enhances the user experience by delivering advanced security management and customisable lock screen themes, complete with Always-On Display (AOD) support, ensuring a secure and tailored user experience. EMUI 14 also introduces the Live View and Notification Centre. These features allow users to manage multitasking needs efficiently by optimising alerts and simplifying the user interface, keeping them informed and focused on their tasks.

Dynamic Visuals: 6.7” Eye Smoothing Screen AOD Screen

The HUAWEI nova 12i seamlessly blends a lightweight design with an expansive 6.7-inch eye-smoothing screen. The razor-thin bezels give you a wider, more immersive view – perfect for gaming, streaming, or browsing. On top of that, it adds Smooth Dimming Control. This adaptive feature dynamically adjusts screen brightness based on varying ambient light levels, reducing eye strain and providing optimal visual comfort.

The HUAWEI nova 12 Series stands as a testament to your unique essence. Amidst the endless expanse of the mundane, you shine with unmatched brilliance. Discover the power of the Super Selfie, the elegance of Super Slim with the HUAWEI nova 12i, where you transcend beyond being a mere star – you are #nova12iKeStar.

Get the HUAWEI nova 12i from the HUAWEI online store for R6999 and operator channels across South Africa for R329 a month over 36 months or R399 a month over 24 months. You can also purchase the HUAWEI nova 12 SE from the HUAWEI online store for R8499 or from HUAWEI partners and operators for R439 per month over 36 months or R549 monthly over 24 months. Or search for more information.

Monday Choon: Nicky Romero & Sick Individuals - In My Head

 

We're going to get a lot of new tracks dropping in the coming months following the official start of festival season after things kicked off in a big way at Miami Music Week and Ultra Miami. First track that caught our radar is today's featured track from Dutch sensation Nicky Romero who teams up with fellow countrymen Sick Individuals for their latest release "In My Head", the song almost has two sort of sides to it with the opening vocals and beats giving it that big room sound with heavy bassline and strobes but as the song progresses you get the feel of the Nicky Romero element coming in, it hits you with the melodic chorus and then that carries the track through. It's definitely a banger for us and one you will be hearing a lot during the festivals coming up. 

Bucket Seat: VW Taigo 1.0 TSI R Line

Volkswagen still remains one of the chart toppers in the monthly NAMSA figures and it’s no surprise why. Apart from being one of the countries favourite brands, the variety of offerings in the various segments make the choices wide for the consumer. With the success of the T-Cross crossover, it was no surprise that the sportier version of the car, the Taigo would also have some fanfare with it. While sales on the T-Cross still trump the Taigo, the appeal of the sleek coupe style crossover has a younger target market but still delivering the performance of its much more mature looking sibling. I got to drive the updated version of the Taigo a few weeks ago and this is what I made of it.

DESIGN

Subtle changes from the original do make a substantial difference to the overall appearance of the Taigo. Most notable would be the solid LED light that runs above the new honeycomb grille and is illuminated at night. The car I had came fitted with the aggressive R Line package which add’s black detailing, including 17-inch blacked out split 5-spoke rims. The profile of the Taigo gives it that fast back look with the sloped roof line and hatch like rear. The design of the rear remains pretty similar and it’s probably a good thing since in my personal opinion it looks great. The rear bumper with the R Line has a very sporty finish with the twin exhaust pipes having cutouts and finished off in black as well. The interior remains mainly unchanged to the launch edition with updates to the VW infotainment OS that will be discussed later.

PERFORMANCE

Powered by that 1.0-litre TSI engine that’s been a star in most models coming out of the Volkswagen stable, its performance in the Taigo is no different with it producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque. With the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, it makes the Taigo quite frugle with its fuel usage but can be adapted for a more sportier drive with the usage of the paddle shifts. While many think this is suited to the more aggressive driver it could also be quite the opposite as it allows you to dictate when and how the car transitions through the 7 gears. Sitting on 17-inch rims the car handles quite well on the open road and urban streets. The size of it makes it nimble and easy to manoeuvre around. Parking the Taigo doesn’t break a sweat with its PDC’s and reverse camera but one could opt for the auto park function and have the car do it for you!

COMFORT

The Taigo’s interior remains similar to the launch edition model with some extra textures and trims to choose from. The R-Line comes with patterned material seats with the R logo stitched in of the seat, black plastic dash with R-Line sports style 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel. The start/ stop button is located at the top of the center unit where the gear changer is along with the parking assist button, auto start/ stop control and pdc. In front of that you will find the wireless charging tray for mobile devices along with twin USB C charging ports. One of which being for the use of mobile car apps. Yes, unfortunately the Taigo does not have wireless car play or android auto but regardless, I still find myself plugging the device in as the wireless connection does tend to drain the phones battery. Single zone climate control cools or heats the cabin, heated seats are an optional extra that you could have. Space in the cabin is decent, many would think with the lower roof like it would affect the space at the back but it’s still pretty roomy there. Another misconception is that the luggage capacity would be compromised because of that roof but that’s not the case, as it can fill 440 litres compared to the 377 litres of the T-Cross.

VERDICT

While the Taigo might be considered the sporty, more youthful alternative of the T-Cross, it certainly warrants a lot more than that title. In a new segment it stands out as a the front runner offering not only the consumer the name tag but a brilliant car that comes along with it. I admit, the pricing is a bit stiff when compared to the T-Cross but like I said, this does offer a bit more that the other. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Motor	1.0 TSI
Gear Box	7-speed DSG
Torque	200Nm
Power	85kW
Fuel consumption	5.4 liters per 100km
Price	R537,100

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.  

Monday Choon: Sander van Doorn - Ori Tali Ma (BLR remix)

 

Hard to believe that it has been already 8 years since Dutch DJ Sander van Doorn dropped his instant classic Ori Tali Ma. It become an infectious festival hit with various artists playing it in their sets, be it in major dance festivals, psy trance, techno or just general clubs. The fusion of the the cool African chants became a highlight for many with its heavy kicks and rich percussion. It was unique and echoed a start in the tribal techno scene. Last week Hungarian DJ and producer Vincze Gergely, aka BLR dropped his remix of this cult track and boy has it reignited all those feels from the time the original came out. Vinceze has brought it up to the speed with modern sounds as he's sped the track up with a faster bassline, more kicks and some great techno synths to keep the track true to its original state. It's bound to be another festival banger and I'm sure it was dropped a lot over the past week at Tomorrowland Winter and Ultra Miami. 

Bucket Seat: Audi Q6 e-tron

In the quest to go green, Audi's commitment to a 2026 deadline of zero internal combustion engines in new models coming of the the production line in their plants has taken a massive step in the right direction this week with the unveiling of the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron. The model is the first production model on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), this firms Audi's strategy in becoming a provider of premium electric mobility. The model is defined not only by impressive driving and charging performance but also by increased efficiency and long range. The PPE, developed jointly with Porsche and E3 1.2 electronic architecture are important milestones in the expansion of Audi's global range of electrically powered models. The Q6 e-tron features a newly developed lithium-ion battery consisting of twelve modules and 180 prismatic cells with a total gross capacity of 100 kWh that gives the car an approximate range of up to 625km from a single charge. Performance wise, the cars electric motors produce 285kW with the SQ6 etron offering a total power output of up to 380kW when the extra function is engaged. 0-100km/h times clock in at 5.9 seconds for the normal Q6 while the SQ6 e-tron reaches that target in just 4.3 seconds. The vehicles top speeds are regulated to 210 and 230km/h respectively. 

Charging wise, the cars come with 800-volt technology and a maximum charging capacity of 270kW as standard, this translates to shorter charging stops with the car being up to obtain 255km of range fro mjust 10 minutes of charging at an appropriate charging station (HPC). Currently South Africa has no High Power Charging stations but the Direct Current fast chargers are not far from those speeds. Alternatively, one can opt for AC charging up home with up to 11kW from normal home chargers. An important component in increasing the efficiency and therefore the range of the Audi Q6 e-tron is the advanced recuperation system. Around 95 percent of all everyday braking processes can be handled by this system. The Audi Q6 e-tron recuperates at up to 220kW.

The Q6 e-tron position in the market will be in the premium midsize segment as it measures 4.7 meters long and just under 2 meters wide. As with the other e-trons, luxury is not compromised in the Q6 with a full premium cabin adorned in quality materials and textures. A new infotainment system that uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system for the first time. The screen measures 14.5-inch and and is a MMI touch display. Content is always up to date thanks to over-the-air updates. The latest Audi connect services and the enhanced e-tron route planner, included as standard, are therefore always up to date. Apps such as YouTube are available via the store for third-party apps, which is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone, Premium sound is a must and that is why the Q6 e-tron comes fitted with the Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, that consists of 20 loudspeakers with 830 watts of power. Four of these are integrated into the headrests. 

Overall the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron models mark a significant placemark in Audi's future as this shows the plan in action for their future vision as a company. The stats on paper look truly remarkable and the complete product makes quite a statement in terms of an offering to the segment at a large. Audi South Africa say that the introduction of this model to our market is still under consideration and if they do decide to bring it in, the price tag would be interesting to see, as if priced well could see it give healthy competition to their rivals with ICE models.