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: HONOR 200 Lite 5G

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

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

The main questions that get asked are:

“What makes this different from the previous generation?”

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

“Are there even any new features?”

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

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

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

Advanced Operating System

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

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

Redefined Camera Quality

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

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

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

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

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

Size Does Matter

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

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

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

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

Durability That Lasts

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

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

Pricing and Availability

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

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

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

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI Watch Fit 3

HUAWEI’s latest addition to its smartwatch lineup, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, is now available in South Africa This sleek and fashionable wearable boasts an ultra-thin body, a modern square-faced design, and an expansive 1.82-inch screen. With this latest addition to their lineup, HUAWEI continues to lead the way in providing unique and fashionable ways to express personal style while delivering exceptional performance and advanced fitness tracking capabilities. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 promises to revolutionise the way you monitor health, stay connected, and express your personal style.

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is now available from authorised partners and operators and the HUAWEI online store in South Africa.

HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3

The WATCH FIT 3 effortlessly blends fitness, innovation, and a lightweight, slim design. It features the innovative HUAWEI Hybrid AMOLED technology, delivering a stunning visual experience with its ultra-high resolution of 347ppi. The larger screen, coupled with a peak brightness of 1,500 nits and automatic brightness adjustment, ensures that users can enjoy a comfortable and immersive viewing experience in any lighting condition. The watch's sleek and modern design is further enhanced by its ultra-narrow bezel, thanks to the hybrid rigid-flexible screen. This design innovation increases the screen-to-body ratio to an impressive 77.4%, giving you a large screen while maintaining a slim and stylish profile.

Sporting a modern and minimalistic square design with a three-dimensional arc surface and a striking colour contrast in the crown, the WATCH FIT 3 creates a distinctively modern and fashionable aesthetic. With a remarkably thin body measuring 9.9mm and weighing only 26g (watch body only), this trendy accessory can be tactfully paired with any outfit, making it perfect for fashion-conscious individuals.

In addition to its stunning display and design, the WATCH FIT 3 is equipped with a range of advanced health monitoring features. The brand new HUAWEI TruSleep™ 4.0 science-based sleep tracker provides users with comprehensive and accurate sleep data, offering personalised interpretations and suggestions for improved sleep quality. The watch also features the upgraded HUAWEI TruSeen™ 5.5 health monitoring, which ensures precise heart rate readings and efficient analysis of workout performance and daily health. For women, the WATCH FIT 3 integrates Menstrual Cycle Management, providing a comprehensive care system that makes information about menstrual cycles readily accessible and easy to understand.

Despite its advanced features and impressive display, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 maintains an exceptional battery life. The watch can support up to 10 days of use on a single charge, with typical usage lasting up to 7 days. Furthermore, the watch's quick charging capabilities allow users to get a full day of use from just a 10-minute charge.

With its cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and comprehensive health monitoring features, this smartwatch is set to revolutionise wearables and help users lead healthier and more connected lives.

Get your HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 today for an unbeatable R2999 on the at the HUAWEI online store or spread the cost with manageable monthly payments starting from R79 over 24 months at all Operator stores nationwide

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova Y61 Camera features

The HUAWEI nova Y series has impressed many with its design philosophy, strong performance and smooth user experience. As a series designed with the younger generation in mind, the HUAWEI nova Y series has evolved according to the needs of younger users. The newest member of the series, the HUAWEI nova Y61, inherits its design DNA and incorporates a 50MP AI Triple Camera that produces picture-perfect photos.

Here are a list of impressive camera features you can explore:

The Rear 50MP AI Triple Camera for crisp, sharp images:

The HUAWEI nova Y61 has the perfect camera for aspiring professional photographers that don't have expensive equipment. The HUAWEI nova Y61 comes with a 50MP AI Triple Camera, the three rear lenses which are led by the 50MP Main Camera, allowing you to take high-res photographs with crystal clear details and ideal brightness. This is advantageous to those who want to capture vivid sceneries such as natural wonders, city skylines and more.

The second rear lens is the 2MP Depth Camera. It works in tandem with the 50MP Main Camera to produce well-lit aperture photographs that highlight the subject and their features in full clarity, enriching the layers of the image capture and creating a bokeh background that will not contrast too harshly against the main subject of the shot. 

For those who enjoy exploring and capturing nature’s wonders, they will love the 4cm Macro Camera in the HUAWEI nova Y61 smartphone as it will gives a microscopic view of nature.

From the veins of a leaf to the velvety textures of a flower petal, the Macro Camera on the HUAWEI nova Y61 is able to zoom up close to the subject, 4cm from the lens, to capture more details. 

The Super Night Shot:  perfect for tripod-free dusk photography:

The HUAWEI nova Y61 supports Super Night Shot, which allows you to capture gorgeous nightscapes without a tripod. The Super Night Shot feature adopts a multi-frame noise reduction algorithm, which can better suppress highlights. On top of that, the Super Night Shot can capture up to 6s shutter, which allows for longer exposure. 

AI Snapshots: achieving the art of the freeze frame:

Whether you are shooting pets in motion, sports or children running, you can freeze that moment in time and capture a precious memory without hesitation. 

The HUAWEI nova Y61 also has an AI-powered motion capture function, which intelligently detects motion through HUAWEI’s scene detection algorithm. The camera’s fool-proof point-and-shoot shutter adaptively adjusts the shutter speed and automatically freezes the moment of movement, saving you the hassle of learning new techniques for such shots. 

Get experimental with more photography modes:

The Large Aperture Bokeh lenses, consisting of the 50MP Main Camera and the exclusive 2MP Depth Camera work together to perfect the bokeh effect, blurring the background and highlighting the subject effectively without losing focus. This helps create wonderful portrait images fit for professional use, product try-on shoots and even for your school art portfolio. 

In addition, the rear camera comes with a Slow-Motion feature, which can be utilised creatively, especially for content creators who want to shoot cooking videos or precious moments in a sport event or concert. This would be ideal for those who want to indulge in the details of a single moment to better seize a memory in time and observe the changing micro-expressions and little micro-movements of a subject such as a pet, toddler or a dancer. 

The camera is also built with Master AI, which intelligently identifies specific objects and scenes, optimising the colour and brightness to achieve better scene-based photographs in different scenes. The HUAWEI nova Y61 is able to detect up to 17 different scenes including portrait, food, sunrise and sunset, fireworks, group photographs, waterfall, flowers, leaves, snow, stage, dogs and cats, autumn leaves, text and more. This will benefit lifestyle content creators who want to take photographs of wide varieties of scenarios. Whatever you’re shooting, your camera will adjust to your lifestyle and interests rather than the other way round.by getting rid of tedious adjustment processes and depending on the agile intelligence of the AI software built into your camera. Your camera is now ready for all the surprises that life can gives and all you need to do is point-and-shoot right away. 

Avoid delays and lag time with continuous front/rear recording 

In addition, the HUAWEI nova Y61 also supports continuous recording between the front and rear cameras. During the video recording process, the front and rear shots can be switched multiple times with a simple click, preventing inconvenient delays when shooting. This is especially useful if you are for example, shooting a vlog in a busy scenario with many family’s members and friends. With the continuous front/rear recording function, you no longer need to get anxious over missing footages or having to take too long to toggle between the front and rear cameras. 

Want to take crisp quality photographs this coming festive season? Take advantage of the new HUAWEI nova Y61. For only R3 299, you can purchase the HUAWEI nova Y61 smartphone from the HUAWEI online store and at selected retailers

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.