COMPETITION: A Breakfast Run without a ride

For a biker, there's nothing better than you, your bike and the open road with your bike mates but what if your planned breakfast run that you and your mates have been planning for weeks starts with a disaster when you motorbike doesn't start? Imagine getting all your gear on, the sun is shining and you hop on your bike but but you hear the mood-killing 'click'. After muttering a range of expletives, you wonder, could it be the battery?

You remember this could have been avoided if you'd looked out for these telltale symptoms as explained by the battery specialists which include:

Trouble starting your motorcycle

Like any vehicle, a motorcycle requires electrical power to get going, and without a fully functioning battery, your motorcycle will struggle to start. 

Trouble when idling your motorcycle

In addition to the battery providing a spark to get going, ti also keeps your motorcycle running at idle. If you have to keep the throttle open to keep the motorcycle running, it's time to get that battery checked and replaced. 

Take your motorcycle to a trusted battery specialist. Should your motorcycle battery need replacing, follow these tips when choosing a battery. 

1. Check for a warranty, while battery wear and tear may be an important factor to consider, sometimes a battery will have a factory fault, which is when a warranty is essential. Battery Centre are one of the few specialists that offer 24-36 month warranty's that are valid around the country.
2. Make a conscious switch to lithium-ion, with many auto manufacturers switching to low-emission engines to protect the environment, why shouldn't you? Lithium-ion batteries are longer lasting and require less maintenance.
3. Check the power ratings, power ratings indicate the battery's strength. The higher the power rating, the better it works in your motorcycle. They may cost a little more but in the long-term they have many more benefits. Again get a specialist's advice. 

Don't miss out on feeling the wind in your hair on the next breakfast run with the crew, drop the battery specialists for a free battery and alternator check. 

We've teamed up with the battery specialists at Battery Centre to give you! Our loyal readers the chance to win a voucher to Battery Centre worth up to R2500! For more information check our Facebook and Instagram page

COMPETITION: Battery Centre: Future of motoring

The future of motoring is silent and less harmful on the planet with the introduction of fully-electric cars. The transition happened as vehicle manufacturers were required to cut down emissions and reduce their carbon footprint. It started with the introduction of Hybrid cars, which made use of the traditional fuel powered engine along with a battery-powered motor for shorter distances. The Hybrid car served as a springboard for manufacturers to explore the idea of a fully electric cars that no longer rely on fuel, and through technology they have achieved zero-emission status. 

Solutions by Tesla, BMW and Nissan have welcomed fully electric vehicles by adopting pouch lithium-ion batteries - a single car containing multiple battery packs that power the car for a particular range. However, charging these cars relies on grid power, which would come from a standard wall socket. We see you Eskom. Cars such as the Nissan Leaf are equipped with a battery pack that allows the driver to travel up to 363km in a full charge. While the range is substantially less than a car that uses fuel, it is primarily a city car and should be used as such. Cars such as the BMW i8 or the Tesla Model S can travel up to 1000km. Based on the range extension for larger electric vehicles, more and more drivers are making the conscious decision to switch to electric vehicles. 

The result is a need for the infrastructure that accommodate electric cars. As the technology progresses and becomes more and more popular, we see more filling stations and shopping centres placing charging stations on their property. This is only on part of the infrastructure required. The larger picture requires battery specialists that are able to assess, repair and service these batteries going forward. Ryan Annandale of Battery Centre says the largest battery specialist network in South Africa is geared and ready for the future of motoring. This upward shift is what positions Battery Centre as leaders in electric vehicle battery servicing in South Africa. 

Give Away time! We're giving away two vouchers valued up to R2500 each to two lucky readers! All you have to do is answer in the comments section, who are South Africa's largest Battery fitment centre?

Winners will be announced next Friday, 11th October on our Facebook page. 

Battery Centre - GIVEAWAY

We tend to talk a lot about cars on the blog, so its only fitting we give away something car related to you, our loyal readers. Battery Centre are a house hold name in South Africa and generally the number place one goes to, to replace their car battery, stocking not only the best products but provide quick efficient service. They've given us a voucher for a replacement battery valued up to R2500 to give away, and entering is simple and will be explained later on in the post. They've given five tips to extend the life of your battery. 

Good quality car batteries have an impressive lifespan of up to five years, but most batteries fail within two to three years. The exact life expectancy of your battery depends on a host of variables, including your driving habits and the amount of love and attention you give it. Regular maintenance is at the heard of a healthy battery. Battery Centre recommends getting a free battery check twice a year so that you never get stuck with a flat battery. However, car batteries are often treated with out of sight, out of mind indifference, and as a result, many batteries have be to replaced much too soon. Fortunately there are some things you can do to prolong the life of your battery. 

1. Keep it Clean, dirt and grim can create a short circuit and cause your battery to discharge. Keep the battery terminals clean, dry and free of corrosion by scrubbing them with a solution of water and baking soda. Use a spray bottle to rinse the mixture off and dry the terminals thoroughly with a clean cloth. You can also get your battery cleaned for free by the specialist at a Battery Centre near you. 
2. Keep it Cool, extreme heat can evaporate the water in your battery and cause considerable battery damage, often leading to battery failure in winter. Keep your car out of the sweltering heat by parking it in a garage or shaded spot as often as possible. You can also consider getting a valve-regulated Raylite battery that is less susceptible to extreme temperatures. 
3. Keep it Steady, Excessive vibration can cause short circuits and internal battery damage. Make sure all your battery clamps and brackets are securely fastened or have it expertly fitting by the battery specialist. If you frequently drive on uneven terrain, you many want to opt for a vibration-resistant Raylite battery, exclusively available at Battery Centre nationwide.
4. Go for long drives more often, your battery loses power every time you start your car. After that, the alternator takes over and recharges the battery while you drive. If you only make short trips throughout the day, your battery power won't have sufficient time to recharge fully and will continue to lose power. You can help maintain your battery power by going for longer drives of at least 20 minutes more frequently. 
5. Use it or lose it, a near fully charged battery is essential to prevent battery damage over time. If your car won't be in use for a long time, ask a friend or family member to drive your car. You can also consider disconnecting the negative terminal to reduce drainage or invest in a car battery charger to keep your battery powered up. 

A little extra care goes a long way in extending the life of your battery. But if DIY maintenance is too much of a hassle, a maintenance-free Raylite battery may be the perfect solution. Visit any Battery Centre for a free battery test and expert advice on all things batteries.

Competition time! As mentioned earlier, Battery Centre have given us a voucher with the value of up to R2500 to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do to enter follow the Bucket's instagram page and comment on this post with "I want to win with the Bucket and Battery Centre"

Corona SunSets Durban 2018 - Win Tickets!

With tickets for the Corona SunSets Festival in Durban at the end of September selling fast, we thought we'd give a few lucky people a chance to win tickets to probably the biggest event to the kick off the Durban party season. With a lineup that includes the likes of international DJ and producer Robin Schulz and a host of South Africa's hottest artists, like DJ Fresh, Timo ODV, Lady Zamar, Goodluck to just name a few, you know this party is not to be missed. 

But what makes the Corona SunSets Festival unique, is the whole setup, having attended events in Cape Town and Johannesburg, I can honestly say Durban is in for something special. It's unlike any other festival that's been held before in the Province. It's a very laid back setup with lots areas for chilling, a beach sand dance floor area with the Mandala stage prominent from all views. It's a festival dedicated to the sun and at SunSet the Mandala lights up with the performances. The music will be different to what you're used to hearing most dance festivals with a more deep house vibe as well as their hits. 

Sounds like something you'd like to attend? Well you and a partner could partying the night away at Shongweni on the 29th of September courtesy of the Bucket and Corona SunSets Festival. We have 5 sets of double tickets to give away! And it's so simple to enter, all you have to do is follow us on Facebook or Instagram and follow these instructions.

For a Facebook entry, share THIS POST and state "I want to win with the Bucket and Corona" be sure to tag us in the post. Entries will only be valid if you have "Liked" the Bucket Facebook Page . 

Instagram entry, comment on THIS POST with "I want to win with the Bucket and Corona". Again, entries will only be valid if you are following the Bucket Instagram account. 

There is no limit to entries, and the competition closes on Friday, the 24th of August. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced on Saturday the 25th on both Facebook and Instagram.

If you would like to purchase tickets, you can do so via the Nutickets website

Whisky Live Durban 2018 - Competition!

Whisky Live returns to Durban in June! The much loved whisky festival by whisky aficionados all over the country touches down at the Sibaya Casino Sun Park from the 21st till the 23rd of June. There will be wide range of whiskies available from local to abroad, taking ones tasting palate on an unforgettable journey. Some of the whiskies on offer are Bin's Cape Mountain Whisky, Paul John, Dewa's, The Macallan, Bunnahabhin, Jack Daniel's and the full list can be found below. 

A general access ticket gets you a tasting glass, 16 tasting vouchers and a bottle of Consol Still Water. Vouchers will be exchanged for tasting, with prices ranging from 1-4 vouchers, depending on the type of whisky you opt for. There will also be a competition being run during the duration of the celebration. Patrons stand the chance to win a whisky prize by entering the #Selfie competition by taking a selfie with the iconic #WhiskyLiveBottle. There will be a deli serving ready to eat meals, soft drinks and coffee to keep you fueled throughout the celebration.

Whether you're a whisky novice or a connoisseur, you can look forward to a wide range of whiskies and knowledge from each stand to get a better understanding of what you're drinking. Doors to the festival open at 6pm on the 21st and closes at 10pm every night. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketpros as well as at the door. 

We at the Bucket are giving you and a partner a chance to win a set of double tickets for the opening day of the festival, simply visit our Instagram page theBucketza and comment on our post, tagging Whisky Live and the person you would like to take along. Competition closes on the 15th and winners will be announced on our page. 

COMPETITION: Durban Street Food Festival

Anyone from Durban or visiting the city will know that it is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, let alone South Africa. In a city which doesn't get the global limelight it deserves, locals know what makes it great and it's part of the reason we chose to stay here and make this city even greater. With such a diverse population and a mixture of cultures, comes many talents that shine through, whether it be in food, business, song, dance or fashion, with this in mind, the Durban Street Food Festival was born. After a successful event in 2015, the Street Food Festival is back and promises to be bigger, better and at a new convenient location  

Taking place at the Pavilion Shopping Center, from the 22nd to the 25th of September, this years 3 day Durban Street Food Festival is set to have 40 Street Food vendors with authentic flavours from around the world, 10 Craft Vendors, Live Durban Bands, Live Stand-Up Comedy by local comedians, Craft & Gin Beer Garden, Local Artists, Durban DJ's, Short Film Screenings, Food Demo's, Info Sessions, Jazz Expressions and Food Blogging. 

The Durban Street Food Festival provides a venue to build appreciation for Durban's diversity. The Festival celebrates the global culture and ethnic diversity of Durban through culinary arts, music, performance art and social connection. The Festival proudly welcomes people from all across the spectrum yearly, to share with us their cultural traditions with another another, it also serves as a vehicle to promote cultural understanding and appreciation in our community. In addition to all of this, the Durban Street Food Festival also creates a platform for local Durban talent to perform and showcase themselves as well as provide a unique opportunity for corporate sponsors to receive highly visible and concentrated recognition which includes the likes of large-scale signage at the event and advertisements in the regional media.

The Durban Street Food Festival in conjunction with the Bucket is giving two lucky readers the chance to win tickets for them and two friends to the Festival. And you can enter either on Facebook or Instagram...or both to double your chances!

Facebook:

All you have to do is like the Durban Street Food Festival Facebook Page as well as the Bucket Facebook Page, share this blog post and tag the two friends you would like to take with to the Festival. 

Instagram:

Follow @DurbanStreetFoodFestival and @theBucketza on Instagram, like the post about the Durban Street Food Festival and in the comments, tag the two friends you would like to take with to the Festival later this month. 

The competition will run for 2 weeks, with entries closing on the 20th and the winners will be announced later that day. So good luck! If you aren't any of the lucky readers to win, you could always buy tickets for the festival on the day or via the website: durbanstreetfoodfestival.co.za

Suncoast: Game On

If you're a Black Card holder at Suncoast Casino, then you're going to want to read this! Well, even if you aren't one this might persuade you to get one. Why you ask? Well because Suncoast Casino's latest promotion "Game On" is giving away a brand new GLC43 AMG! Yes, you read right, a GLC43 AMG! The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the perfect vehicle of the current era, it embodies the luxury and comfort of a family sedan, all on a raised platform, giving it that SUV feel and look and with this being an AMG model, it has that extra grunt from the mighty 3.0 litre TwinTurbo V6. The car is magnificent and if you want to view for all its glory, it parked at the basement parking entrance to the Casino.

Well you must be wondering now, how do you win this beast of a car? Well it's quite straight forward, first things first, you need to be a Suncoast Casino Black Card holder. The promotion started on the 1st of July and ends on the 15th of September, other than the Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG, guests also stand a chance on winning a share of R450 000 in cash. By playing your favourite slots or tables during this period, you will earn points for entries into the draw. The Top 200 players (Top 150 Slots and Top 50 Tables players) within the above mention points earning period will qualify to participate in the CAR draw. The Top players will each earn 1 Car draw ticket for every 25,000 points earned during the points earning period (8am 1st July - 7:59am 14th of September 2017). The Slots and Tables leaderboards in the Prive will display the Top 150 Slots and Top 50 Tables players who have qualified into the draw for the Car. 

Prizes to won at the Car Draw. 

1st Prize	Merecedes-Benz GLC43 AMG
2nd Prize	R 50,000
3rd Prize	R 40,000
4th Prize	R 25,000
5th Prize	R 20,000
6th Prize	R 15,000
7th Prize	R 15,000
8th Prize	R 15,000
9th Prize	R 10,000
10th Prize	R 10,000

The Cash Draw takes place this Friday, the 1st of September at 9pm. Every 15,000 points earned gets you 1 ticket for the draw. 

1st Prize	R 100,000
2nd Prize	R 50,000
3rd Prize	R 30,000
4th Prize	R 25,000
5th Prize	R 25,000
6th Prize	R 20,000

That's a whopping total of R 250,000 in cash! combined with the CAR draw brings this total to R 450,000 in cash! Please note again, this campaign is exclusive to Suncoast Black Card holders only. 

COMPETITION: Kings & Queens of Comedy - Durban

If you don't already know, South Africa's biggest comedy franchise is coming to Durban next month. As stated in our post  last week, Durbanites can look forward to some of the best in local comedy at the show when a number of the countries funniest comics take the stage for one night only at the Durban ICC on the 11th of February. In conjuction with Kings and Queens of comedy and the Bucket we giving one lucky ready a set of double tickets to the show! 

There is two ways you can enter, via Twitter and through our Facebook page or both to stand a better chance of wining! For details on the both methods see below:

Twitter: Make sure you're follwing me @AMG133 and @KNQComedy on Twitter and tweet me this phrase "I want to win with #theBucket and #KNQcomedy Durban @AMG133 @KNQComedy"

Faceboook: Make sure you're LIKE theBucket Facebook Page  and share this post with the comment  "I want to win with #theBucket and #KNQcomedy Durban!"

Simple enough right? Well what are you waiting for? Get going with the entries! Rember, to increase your chance in winning, enter both on Twitter and Facebook. Competition closes on Wednesday the 1st of February 2017. Winners will be notified directly. 

*Entrants must be from Durban or willing to make the show on the 11th of February in Durban

Win a Maserati with Suncoast!

So this past Saturday I was invited by my good friends at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World for the unveiling of their new car prize, exclusively for their Black Card holders. I knew the car would be something really special since it was for their most valued clients and the event was being hosted in the exclusive Prive area of the Casino. Upon arrival I was greeted by the ever glitzy and gorgeous promo girls and handed some welcome drinks as we awaited the countdown to be completed and the covers lifted on this much anticipated prize. 

The lights dimmed as the clock struck zero, all you could hear was an engine roar. The sweet sound of a twin turbo powered V6 is music to any car enthusiasts ears, finally we saw what lay underneath the black cloak, the new Maserati Ghibli! Invited guests were in awe, of the beauty as well as the magnitude of this R1.8 million rand prize on display. "The stunning Maserati is one of the most spectacular vehicles that Suncoast has ever given away" says Meshalin Naidoo, Events & Promotions Manager at Suncoast. "This exciting promotion will give our valued Black Cardholders the opportunity to not only become the proud owner of this spectacular car but also win amazing cash prizes."

The car forms part of Suncoast Reign Supreme promotion, which launches tomorrow, Thursday the 1st of December and runs until 31st March 2017 where one lucky person will walk away, or rather drive away with this impressive vehicle. Suncoast Black cardholders will need to play their favourite slots and tables from 1 December to 9th March 2017 to qualify for the cash and car draws. Every 15,000 points accumulated will earn them an entry in the Crash Draw to win a share of the R250,000. This draw takes place on the 10th of March 2017. Black Cardholders who have earned 400,000 points or more between 1 December and 9 March 2017 will qualify for the car draw on 31 March 2017 where they stand the chance of driving off a classy Maserati Ghibli V6 and R200,000 cash.

As part of the launch, guests were given the opportunity to go for a drive in the Ghibli as well as the Quattroporte and Gran Cabrio Sport models. All of which left guests speechless with the power, elegance and luxury of them all. To tell us more about the Ghibli, Brian van Blerk, the National Corporate Sales Manger for Maserati was on hand to do so. "Ghibli is the Libyan word for 'Sirocco', the hot, dry, southwesterly desert wind. The sporty, sophisticated yet dynamic model is the embodiment of the soul of the Maserati brand and is a magnificent vehicle to own. It was first launched in 2013 at the Shanghai Motor Show."

For more information on Suncoast's exiciting Reign Supreme promotion, visit www.suncoastcasino.co.za or follow them on Facebook and Twitter

COMPETITION: The Greatest Show Unearthed

I'm not the greatest lover of wine, that many can attest to but thankfully majority don't share the same sentiments and taste as me. Being a South African, we have some of the best wine farms in the world which produce some of the finest wines on the planet, from award Merlot to Malbec, Pinoit Noir to Pinotage, we have it all and what better way to celebrate such than with a wine show with a difference?

Taking place at Sibaya Casino from the 2nd till 4th of June, The Tops Wine Show 2016 returns and said to be bold, dramatic and entertaining as it brings with it a new exciting theme; The Greatest Show Unearthed. The show channels a vintage burlesque experience while expertly blending hundreds of fine wine exhibitors, edu-training activities, food and festivity. 

Things not to be missed at the show are East Coast Radio's Wine Theater which presents a series of interactive tasting talks hosted by industry experts, personalities and wine makers. Also at the show, visitors can vote for their favourite wine producer in the "People's Choice Awards" and voting enters you into a chance to win a mixed case of wine and olive oil from Morgenster.

Tickets for this Wine extravaganza can be purchased pre-show for R120 from www.itickets.co,za or at the door for R140. Price includes a tasting glass, all tastings, access to the East Coast Radio Wine Theatre and a map to help navigate the show. 

Show Details:

Date: Thursday June 2nd, - Saturday June 4th 2016

Time: 17h00 - 21h00 (Thursday & Friday), 12h00-21h00 (Saturday)

Venue: Sibaya, Durban

COMPETITION TIME! Stand a chance to WIN with #theBucket and The Greatest Show Unearthed! There are two methods of entering, via Twitter or Facebook. 

Twitter: All you have to do to stand a chance to win is follow @TheWineShowZA and @AMG133 on twitter and tweet "I want to win with the Bucket and @TheWineShowZA #winetime2016"

Facebook:  LIKE The Wine Show and The Bucket Facebook Page and  comment below this post on Facebook "I want to win with the Bucket and  #winetime2016"

Entries close at 3pm on Wednesday, 1st June

       

Mystic India comes to Durban - Competition

                  

After entertaining audiences around the world with electrifying and mind blowing performances to sold out shows, the much anticipated Mystic India in association with Zee TV makes it way to South African shores, to leave local audiences spell bound with brilliant dancers, breathtaking acrobats, renowned musicians, extravagant sets and stunning visual effects. 

Mystic India has been seen by over half a million people in it's world wide performances and tours. Critics have only spoken of high praise for the show which features a cast of 22 talented performers in a show that takes you through the journey of India and it's dance. This production intertwines a mesmerizing combo: Traditional India meets the urban streets of Mumbai and New York. The audience will be taken through a cultural expose' of the various dance forms through the many states in India, from Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat as well the evolution of Bollywood films via a visual display that fuses dance, theatre and special effects. 

It's like a Bollywood spectacular but live on stage, with 750 lavish costume changes, and a celebratory production which is directed and choreographed by the prominent choreographer and production master, Amit Shah, and produced by US-based AATMA Performing Arts, of which Shah is the founder and creative director.  Shah is no stranger to such productions as he has been known to have a critical eye and creative disposition with his many years of experience in the world of dance, theatre and media as well as working on Bollywood film sets and choregrpahing stage productions with top actor and former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra. 

"If you have ever wanted to visit India, this production is your direct flight there. Mystic Indian will blow you all the way to the small villages of India to the fast-paced streets of Mumbai and New York. Audiences will get it all!" - said Shah about Mystic India.

South African audiences can look forward to this spectacular on stage performance that features a female lead of Kruti Shah, an internationally distinguished dancer and choreographer who shot to fame as a Top 10 finalist on the dance reality show, Just Dance. She's trained in modern forms of movement, such as ballet, pointe, tap, hip-hop, jazz and modern. Kruti also developed an interest in more ancient Indian forms of dance, particularly Bharatnyatam and Kathak. 

This larger than life Bollywood extravaganza will be visiting Durban on the 23rd of April at Durban's ICC and then moves on to Johannesburg for 3 nights at The Teatro Monecasino from the 29th of April till the 1st of May 2016. Tickets range between R185 and R485 and will be available through Computicket and its various retail outlets. Bookings are now open so make sure you get your tickets now! for more information visit their website: www.mysticindiatheshow.com

Competition time! the Bucket in association with Mystic India is giving away a set of double tickets to one lucky reader for the Durban show on the 23rd of April 2016. All you have to do is Tweet me @AMG133 "I want to win with #MysticIndia and #theBucket". Competition closes on the 12th of April and winners will be notified by Twitter. 

Monopoly - Mzansi Edition

If you are a fan of board games, there's none bigger than the classic Monopoly. I can remember fond memories of playing this as a child but now Hasbro, one of the world's largest, toy, game and entertainment experience companies is giving you the chance to get your favourite South African location, street attraction or destination on board and be part of Monopoly history!

Monopoly Mzansi Edition could see the likes of Cape Town's Table Mountain which is now part of the new 7 wonders of nature, there are various options to chose from but for those that meet the cut and eventually end up on the board is entirely up to you! Yes, Hasbro is giving you, the people of Mzansi the opportunity to vote for your favourite location. There are various locations and places for you to vote and seeing that we South Africans love a little competition between us, the race is on to see which place makes the cut. 

Some of the places you can vote for  on the East Coast include, Durban's Golden Mile,  St Francis Bay, Oyster Box Hotel, Gateway, Nelson Mandela Capture site and the Drakensburg to name a few. So to make sure your favourite gets on the board, voting closes on 31st of March so head over to www.monopolymzansi.co.za to cast your vote now!

Kevin Hart - Win with Savanna Premium Cider

With tickets for the Kevin Hart "What Now?" International tour almost sold out in South Africa, the guys behind the popular beverage are giving fans of the comedian another chance to watch the show but this time, in London!

Yes you read right, Savanna is giving you the chance to see the most sort out stand up comedian in London, all expenses paid! "With the South African shows practically sold out Savanna wants to give its fans another chance to catch the Kevin Hart What Now? Comedy Tour - this time live in London! Winners from our recent consumer under cap promotion will be announced per city in due course. The winners for the London trip can expect a great show as well as other authentic London experiences" - Marcel Swain, Savanna SA Marking Manager

For more information regarding this once in a life time opportunity, visit the Savanna Cider Facebook page  before the 3rd of December and you could be in London, to witness Kevin Hart live at the O2 Arena on Sunday the 24th of January! Savanna will take care of all flights, accommodation and meals, and will assist all three winners with their visas, but you will need to have a valid passport to qualify. 

If you not one of the lucky ones, don't forget you can still see Kevin Hart perform live in South Africa! His tour kicks off at the Grand Arena in Cape Town on 26 March 2016 followed by the Durban ICC on the 28th and ends off at the Dome in Johannesburg on the 30th of March. Kevin Hart What Now? Comedy Tour is promoted by Real Concerts with co-partners M-Net, 9.47, KFM and ECR. 

Follow Savanna Cider on their various social media streams for more. 

Twitter: @SavannaCider

Facebook: SavannaCider

Instagram: savannacider

Bucket Tech - Huawei Mate S: Preview

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

                    

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

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

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

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

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