Bucket Tech: Samsung 'The Frame'

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the global launch of The Frame (HL03H model) at HITEC 2026 – one of the largest and longest-running international hospitality technology events, held from June 15-18 at the Henry B. González Convention Centre in San Antonio, Texas.

Designed for hotels and premium commercial spaces, the new Art TV will be part of Samsung’s hospitality TV line-up. It serves as both an innovative display and a design feature, adding artwork, entertainment and connected hotel services to guest rooms and shared spaces.

With The Frame for hotels, Samsung is bringing one of its most distinctive TV experiences to hospitality businesses. Samsung will continue to invest in hospitality display solutions that help brands deliver premium service, strengthen their brand identity and prepare for the next phase of connected guest experiences, as noted by Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics.

A Hospitality Display Designed for Stylish Spaces

With this hospitality model, Samsung brings the design and functionality of The Frame to hotels and corporate environments. The display combines 4K QLED picture quality with a refined form that fits naturally into premium interiors. Its Anti-Glare panel reduces unwanted reflections, while the Slim Fit Wall Mount allows the TV to sit close to the wall for a clean, gallery-like installation.

The Frame eliminates the need for a separate One Connect Box by integrating key connection components into the display, supporting simpler installation in hospitality spaces. Optional magnetic bezels allow hotel operators to customise the frame to match the mood and design of each space, as well.

Collection Hub gives The Frame its distinct value as an Art TV for hospitality environments, allowing hotel operators to display selected artwork, photography or brand visuals when the TV is not in active use. Generative Wallpaper allows guests the opportunity to create AI-generated backgrounds for the screen - adding a customised touch to their room experience. Together, these features help each display become part of the room’s design, whether presenting hotel-curated visuals or AI-generated imagery selected by guests.

As Samsung’s most premium hospitality TV offering, The Frame for hotels is the first model in Samsung’s hotel TV line-up to support Generative Wallpaper and Live Translate. Live Translate helps international travellers comfortably watch local broadcasts or Samsung TV Plus with subtitles in their preferred language. The result is more accessible local content for users traveling overseas.

Beginning with Samsung’s 2025 hotel TV line-up and extending to the HL03H model, Google Cast and Apple AirPlay support allows guests to share content from a smartphone or tablet to the in-room TV by scanning an on-screen QR code. No separate login is required and device connection information is automatically deleted upon checkout to help protect guest privacy.

Managing Hospitality Features From One Platform

LYNK Cloud, Samsung’s comprehensive hospitality cloud solution, helps hotel teams monitor TV status in real time, update on-screen services and distribute guest-facing content across connected displays from a central platform. With the support of LYNK Cloud, guests can access digital concierge features, book hotel services and order room service through the in-room TV. This gives hotels another way to connect guests with property services directly from the display.

LYNK Cloud also includes Business Intelligence, a feature that helps hotel teams understand how guests use in-room TV services, including frequently ordered menu items or popular TV channels. These insights can support more relevant offerings and help identify new revenue opportunities.

Furthermore, LYNK Cloud supports Collection Hub management on hospitality model of The Frame. With it, hotel teams can distribute selected art content across connected devices simultaneously. They can adjust brightness and colour tone based on indoor lighting conditions - as well as help each display to fit the hotel’s brand concept and room environment.

Availability

Samsung will showcase The Frame for hotels at booth 2442 during HITEC 2026. The new model will be available in 43-, 55-, 65- and 75-inch sizes, with global roll-out beginning in the second half of 2026. For more information, visit www.samsung.com.

Bucket Tech: HiSense Global Leader in Large TV Sales

Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, continues to strengthen its leadership in premium display technology. According to Omdia’s latest half-year data, Hisense ranked No. 1 worldwide in shipments of 100-inch and above TVs in the first half of 2025, capturing an impressive 58.0% global volume share. 

This milestone reflects Hisense’s long-term investment in large-screen display technology, much of which is already being produced locally at the company’s Atlantis factory in Cape Town, where up to 1 million TVs are manufactured annually.

As an innovator at the forefront of display technology, Hisense is preparing to unveil its next chapter – RGB-MiniLED. Built on years of research and development, this breakthrough delivers purer colors, ultra-high brightness, and precise contrast, achieving 100% BT.2020 color gamut coverage for truly lifelike images. 

Recognized as the origin of RGB-MiniLED, Hisense continues to set industry benchmarks with world-first achievements such as the 116-inch world’s largest RGB-MiniLED TV, offering audiences a level of scale and cinematic immersion never seen before. Beyond technical performance, RGB-MiniLED is designed to bring users closer to reality, transforming every viewing moment into an emotionally compelling experience.

These innovations will be taking center stage at IFA 2025 in Berlin, where Hisense is to host a media event to unveil its latest breakthroughs in display technology and AI-powered home appliances, sharing a holistic vision for the future of connected and intelligent living.

South Africans will soon experience these innovations first-hand as the brand continues to roll out its premium big-screen models, meeting rising demand for immersive home entertainment.

“South Africa is one of Hisense’s most important markets,” says Luna Nortjie, Deputy General Manager at Hisense SA. “Not only are we producing world-class TVs locally in Atlantis, but we’re also committed to ensuring South Africans enjoy the same access to cutting-edge display technologies that are shaping the future of entertainment globally.”

Bucket Tech: HONOR 90 Lite 5G

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, consumers are constantly on the lookout for devices that excel in key areas such as camera quality, display performance, and storage capacity, as consumers seek devices that not only facilitate seamless connectivity, but also provide exceptional experiences.

The latest member of HONOR’s N Series, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G is a stylish all-round smartphone boasting an incredible camera system, immersive display, and a range of smart features powered by MagicOS 7.1. With a very attractive price point, retailing at R7,999, the smartphone offers excellent value for consumers who want a reliable and affordable device. Making it your absolute choice for your next smartphone upgrade.

100MP Triple Camera System, capture the beauty around with epic clarity

The pursuit of the perfect shot has led HONOR to continually push the boundaries of camera technology. Thus, HONOR introduced the HONOR 90 Lite 5G, which features a 100MP Main Camera with a f/1.9 aperture, enabling people to create colourful, high-definition photos. The amazing 100MP resolution allows users to capture even the smallest details in any complicated scene, with or without zooming in.

Additionally, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G has a 2MP Macro Camera with an f/2.4 aperture that enables users to capture enthralling up-close images of tiny objects. The HONOR 90 Lite 5G ensures users can take captivating selfies with defined and enhanced colours, with its 16MP front camera and f/2.45 aperture. The HONOR 90 Lite 5G can up the ante by automatically stitching multiple images together. Using the Collage function, users can pick several images and generate a beautiful collage based on a range of templates.

For those who love shooting videos, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G is equipped with Multi-video Recording which streamlines that process by allowing users to take a video utilising multiple modes without stopping recording. Then, using AI Instant Movie users can generate a complete video with minimal effort. By taking editing work out of the equation, HONOR 90 Lite 5G takes the hassle out of creating videos – what remains is just the sheer joy of sharing memories.

Unparalleled viewing experience with the Eye-Comfort display

Another essential aspect that consumers seek is an immersive and visually captivating display. The HONOR 90 Lite 5G allows users to view content comfortably on a large screen thanks to its 6.7-inch HONOR FullView Display with a screen-to-body ratio of 93.6%.

The TÜV Rheinland-certified Low Blue Light display features Circadian Night Display, which helps to promote healthier sleep, and Dynamic Dimming technology, which helps to alleviate eye fatigue. Perfect for those who spend long hours in front of their screen. Boasting HONOR Display Colour Calibration technology which tunes colour temperature frame by frame, the HONOR 90 Lite further elevates users’ viewing experience with true-to-life colours.

Captivating design and brilliant colours

With the HONOR 90 Lite 5G, no detail is overlooked when it comes to aesthetics. Combining sleek lines, and premium materials, this device exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication. To create a stylish look and feel, the HONOR 90 Lite features a straight-edge design with smooth rounded corners. Sharp, uncluttered lines exhibit a delicate balance between form and function, while also giving the design a touch of attitude. They also make the gadget easy to hold and secure in one's hand.

Measuring just 7.48mm thin and 179g in weight, The HONOR 90 Lite 5G is a compact device that glides into your pocket or bag with ease and fits comfortably in your hand.

The HONOR 90 Lite is available in two bold colours – Cyan Lake and Titanium Silver, all of which were inspired by the beauty of nature and designed for style–conscious users.

Exceptional performance to satisfy your experience

Bringing a smoother user experience, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G features a large 256GB storage drive and 4500mAh battery to keep users online and connected throughout the day. What’s more, the device runs the Android 13-based HONOR MagicOS 7.1 which supports Google Mobile Services (GMS) and offers smart features such as HONOR Share for speedy file transfers across devices, helping users to boost productivity, and Scan Document to automatically recognise and convert text content in photos.

For users who prioritise convenient access to their media collection, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G offers an impressive 8GB of memory and a spacious 256GB storage drive. The smartphone is also equipped with HONOR RAM Turbo (8GB+5GB), an HONOR Technology that moves a portion of flash memory RAM, meaning 8GB RAM can be increased to 13GB RAM.

Featuring a 4500mAh Super Battery, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G supports a full day of use for uninterrupted work, play and entertainment on the go. On a single charge, the smartphone delivers up to 15 hours of music streaming, 14.4 hours of video playback, 20.5 hours of short clip browsing, or 16 hours of social media exploring, keeping users online and always entertained.

 

The HONOR 90 Lite 5G is available at your nearest MTN, Telkom and Vodacom for R7,999, and comes hard bundled with the HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 for free.

Bucket Tech: Huawei Nova 9 & MateView GT launch

Last night saw the launch of two much anticipated devices in the Huawei range, the new Nova 9 mobile device and the new MateView GT screen in South Africa. Huawei's Nova series has proven to be quite a popular one locally, offering people devices with great features that most high-end flagship devices have but at a reasonable price point, the Nova 9 follows this trend and is their best offering yet. Some of the key features on the Nova 9 are. 

• 6.57" touch screen, 120Hz Curved Display, with HDR101.07 Billion colours with 2340 x 180 resolution.
• Ultra Vision AI Quad camera, with a 50MP Main camera, depth senor camera, 8MP Ultra Wide Camera and 4cm Macro Camera
• 32MP front facing camera, with 4K video capabilities and built-in stabilization. 
• Continuous front and rear camera recording with one touch switch.
• 4300mAh battery with 66W Huawei SuperCharge, 0-100% in just 38 minutes. 
• HMS on going development see's advancements in Petal Search, Petal Maps and MeeTime video calling in HD.
• Pre-orders for Nova 9 already started with pricing at R12,999 and includes a free FreeLace valued at R1,499.

Also introduced last night was Huawei's MateView GT, a screen like no other, a 34" curved display that's perfect for gamers, PC lovers and movie buffs. It launches along with the Huawei display 23'8" which forms part of the companies introduction of other products in their arsenal. Many think that Huawei are just a telecommunications company but boast wide variety of personal computing devices. Their laptop range saw an increase 350% sales over the past year and if that is any indication of what's to come, the display range and other PC products they plan to bring in during the course of 2022 is sure to rock the market. Key features on the range topping MateView GT are:

• 34" Curved 3K LED screen
• 3440 x 1440 resolution
• 4000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 1.07 Billion Colours
• 160Hz refresh rate
• Built-in stereo sound bar with touch controls and LED light
• Cinema Level P3 Colour
• Priced at R13,999, available on pre-order now. 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Note 10+

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

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

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

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

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