Bucket Tech: WD Storage Solutions

Western Digital announced it has released several new Flash storage solutions to help pros and consumers get ready for the holidays. Whether looking for the perfect gift, or planning a new venture in the New Year, the innovative products from its award-winning SanDisk® and WD_BLACK™ brands reach new levels of speed, reliability, and capacity, serving a diverse set of digital storage needs.

High Performance, Super Capacity Portable SSDs

The expanded SanDisk portfolio of portable SSDs includes two offerings that feature next-generation SSD speeds and help defy the limits of durability. The new drives are perfect for pros or creators and anyone else who needs to store large amounts of data on the go in the toughest of climates:

SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® high-performance portable SSD - As one of the first portable SSDs in the market to feature a USB4 interface, the SanDisk Extreme PRO® with USB4® is great for pros who need exceptional speed and performance. It has lightning-fast USB4 connectivity with speeds up to 3,800 MB/s read and up to 3,700 MB/s write, providing users with incredibly fast file transfers that keep workflows moving, instant access to content, and smooth 3D rendering. The drive features a rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis to help protect data from everyday wear and tear, allowing users to seamlessly access files without compromising reliability. Its IP65 water and dust resistant design helps withstand splashes, rain, and even spills. For those accidental drops, the SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is drop protected up to two meters. The drive is also backwards compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices and supports Thunderbolt™ 4. The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is expected to be available in early 2025 in 2TB and 4TB.

8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD - Great for anyone creating massive files or backing up huge content libraries on the go, the 8TB SanDisk Extreme® Portable SSD is the perfect blend of speed, durability, and capacity to keep up with content demands and active lifestyles. The drive offers up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds. The 8TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is now available at SanDisk.com and select retailers.

Uplevel Gaming with Higher Performance, More Storage

The purpose-built gaming line, WD_BLACK, now features two new products aimed to deliver amazing performance and capacity so gamers can play at their best:

WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD - Building on its reputation for speed, WD_BLACK is introducing a new high-performance PCIe® Gen 4x4 DRAMless NVMe SSD that is perfectly suited to help mainstream gamers take full advantage of today’s highly visual and immersive games that continue to grow in file size. Built with Western Digital’s latest TLC 3D NAND, this new SSD delivers speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write  (1-2TB models), providing up to a 35% performance boost over our previous generation SSD. For mainstream gamers who are looking for more capacity, the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD provides massive storage options for current game libraries with space left over for new games, future updates, and downloadable content. This high-performing NVMe SSD was engineered with laptops and gaming handhelds in mind and provides up to 100% more power efficiency at maximum speed over the previous generation. It also boasts up to 1,200TBW  (2TB model) of endurance for gameplay streaming, speedrun captures, and creating with the latest game engines and for gamers who often write and delete a lot of data off of their drives. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities , the WD_BLACK™ SN7100 NVMe™ SSD is expected to be available for pre-order today at SanDisk.com for U.S. MSRPs ranging from $59.99 – 159.99. A 4TB model is expected to be available next year.

2TB 1 WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox® - With more games than ever exceeding 100GB, the new 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox provides the space gamers need.  The WD_BLACK C50 NVMe SSD’s core delivers exceptional speeds, while its integration with Xbox features like Xbox Velocity Architecture and Quick Resume provide a truly seamless experience. It’s the fast and easy way to give the Xbox Series X|S a big capacity boost and keep more titles installed. Just plug this officially licensed card directly into the console for similar performance as Xbox internal storage. The drive also includes one month of Game Pass Ultimate and one month of Discord Nitro. The 2TB WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox retails for U.S. MSRP $199.99 and is available now at SanDisk.com and select retailers.

Bucket Tech: SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10 Series

Samsung Electronics  has unveiled the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+, Samsung’s first tablets purposefully built for AI. The premium hardware includes either a 14.6-inch or 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display — the ideal canvas for the intuitive S Pen bundled with both models. Performance upgrades[1] for the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra include an 18% increase in CPU, 28% increase in GPU, and 14% increase in NPU compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.

This improved processing power enables faster and more responsive AI features, which are now easily accessible with written prompts using the new Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboards to customise the AI assistant. Cutting-edge software includes features such as Note Assist and Drawing Assist, optimised for the tablet form factor. The Galaxy Tab S10 series also acts as a home AI device, with a 3D Map View that gives a visual overview of the home and all connected devices to streamline device management across the SmartThings ecosystem. Robust Samsung Knox security ensures data privacy and control, while innovative materials underscore Samsung’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

“The Galaxy Tab S10 series is Samsung’s first tablet built with AI enhancements available right out of the box, and it’s the latest addition to the Galaxy AI family,” said MC Lee, VP, Head of Galaxy Ecosystems Business Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re proud to add to our seamless ecosystem of connected devices, bringing versatile experiences that only an AI tablet can offer through the Galaxy Tab S10 series’ blend of power and portability.”

Peak Performance on the Go

Built on Samsung’s legacy of providing powerful experiences, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+ harness significant leaps in AI processing power to deliver a supercharged, lag-free experience. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra includes a more than 18% increase in CPU, 28% increase in GPU, and 14% increase in NPU compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Coupled with long-lasting battery life] and Super-Fast Charging, the Galaxy Tab S10 series allows the device to be used for longer, with less time spent waiting for it to charge.

Elegant Build Quality, Mesmerising Display

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s 14.6-inch display and Galaxy Tab S10+’s 12.4-inch display both feature cutting-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology and offer a vibrant yet natural viewing experience, even outdoors. Every detail remains clear from any angle and in any environment with advanced anti-reflective technology, minimising distracting glare and reducing reflection rate. The series’ quad speaker setup is further enhanced with AI-powered Dialogue Boost, which amplifies voices over unwanted noise to create ultra-clear audio. And for use on the go, the Galaxy Tab S10 series offers uncompromised durability with an IP68 rating[4] further protected by enhanced Armor Aluminum — built to handle bumps and scrapes to use anytime, anywhere.

Work Smarter, Achieve True Creativity

The Galaxy Tab S10 series offers an efficient experience — enhancing productivity —and serves as the ideal canvas to let out your creative side.

With Note Assist and the intuitive S Pen, notetaking is a breeze on the tablet's large display. Schoolwork, note-taking, and personal journaling become more efficient with automated transcriptions and summaries provided by AI. With PDF Overlay Translation, the Galaxy Tab S10 series can also seamlessly translate PDFs via an on-screen overlay. Handwriting Help cleans up untidy handwritten notes, too.

Galaxy AI’s Sketch to Image makes the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra perfect for turning imagination into reality, acting as the ideal creative assistant for overcoming mental roadblocks.

With Circle to Search with Google on the Galaxy Tab S10 series, you can Circle to search anything without switching apps. Instantly translate anything you see on your tablet with Google. Without switching apps, you can translate any image, video or text in two taps. Quickly get the info you need, then get right back to what you’re doing. Circle to Search can even recognise and outline steps for solving physics and math problems.

The Galaxy S Pen’s Air Command with AI provides instant access to Galaxy AI Assistant features without toggling between menus. AI Assistant apps can also be easily launched by the Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboard with written prompts, making it easier for users to choose between Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini for a customised AI experience.

Intelligent Home Device

Galaxy Tab S10 doubles as a Galaxy home AI device, simplifying device management. With large screen-optimised features such as 3D Map View, it’s easy to see status of SmartThings-enabled devices via the SmartThings widget. Users can also enable SmartThings Energy and AI Energy Mode to easily monitor their devices’ energy consumption. Galaxy AI doesn’t just enhance life on the go, it also takes the stress out of home life.

The Galaxy Ecosystem, Secure and Expanded

The Galaxy Tab S10 series expands Galaxy’s unique connected experience and third-party app ecosystem, offering new and enhanced apps. The Tab S10 series provides access to leading third-party apps including Goodnotes, LumaFusion, Noteshelf 3, Clip Studio Paint, Picsart and Sketchbook. Users can easily control speeds and add dramatic visual effects when editing videos on LumaFusion or seamlessly create content for social media with Picsart’s AI design tools. With the Galaxy Tab S10 series’ extensive third-party app ecosystem, there’s something for everyone.

Samsung is committed to providing users with choice and control over their devices and their data. With Advanced Intelligence settings, users can choose to disable online data processing to ensure their data remains on-device. Samsung Knox’s real-time threat detection and collaborative protection always keeps users safe, so they can live life to the fullest.

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S10+ will be available in South Africa from 15 October 2024.Get the Galaxy Tab S10 Series and receive limited launch gifts valued at R10 000, including a premium keyboard cover and a 45W Travel Adapter.

Bucket Tech: Western Digital 2.5" Portable HDD

With the explosion of digital content, people need bigger and more robust solutions to help access and preserve it all. Western Digital today is introducing a portable HDD expansion across its WD®, WD_BLACK™ and SanDisk® Professional product lineups, boasting the world’s highest storage capacity in a 2.5” portable HDD. The WD My Passport portable HDD line, WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive and SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE® ArmorATD™ will all now be available in 6TB* capacities.

“Expanding our portfolio with the world’s first 2.5” 6TB* portable hard drive is an incredible technological achievement, and it enables us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible,” said Nitin Kachhwaha, Director of Product Management at Western Digital. “Offering up to 6TB* in such a small form factor and accessible price point gives everyone—from students, gamers, professional videographers, and more—greater flexibility to create and keep even more of their essential content in one portable drive.”

The new, record-breaking 6TB* capacity point is now available across Western Digital's premier brands, offering a more robust, purpose-built solution for consumers, gamers and pros:

Confidently Back Up Your Next Journey with WD

With up to 6TB* capacities now available for the WD My Passport hard drive line, adventurers can store more and effortlessly backup their digital memories with peace of mind. The My Passport Ultra™ drive is a trusted, portable storage solution that is equipped with USB-C™ technology and a modern metal design. It is ready right out of the box and features a convenient, slim form factor that is easily transportable. Its password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption helps keep precious content safe and secure. The My Passport hard drives are available in a variety of different colors to suit any style.

Enhancing Your Competitive Edge in Gaming with WD_BLACK

The WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive allows gamers to furnish their console or PC with performance-enhancing tools to keep up with the pace of today’s complex AAA titles. With the 6TB* capacities now available that can store up to 150 games, the drive is built for players looking to upgrade the storage of their console or PC and enjoy gaming without having to compromise which games to delete or updates to forgo to make room for new titles.

Get the Perfect Shot with SanDisk Professional

With SanDisk Professional’s G-DRIVE ArmorATD drive, consumers get an all-terrain drive with shock, IP54 rain and dust, and crush resistance2 to help protect valuable footage from out in the wild to back in the studio. The 6TB* SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD provides a trusted and portable way to back up photos, video footage and files wherever adventure leads.

Bucket Tech: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

Bang & Olufsen launches Beoplay HX, a powerful and authentic sound experience with digital ANC, up to 35 hours of play time and elevated comfort, exemplifying Bang & Olufsen’s expertise in sound, design, and craftsmanship.

 “Our dedication to create the best audio products has resulted in Beoplay HX which delivers an immersive and accurate sound experience, ultimate comfort and a refined user interface to meet our customers habits, values and needs. Whether working from home, travelling for business or pleasure, escape from the noise of everyday life and revolutionize your listening experience with our new headphones”, says Bang & Olufsen SVP of Product Management Christoffer Poulsen.

OUTSTANDING SOUND

Beoplay HX offers a powerful listening experience through two custom designed 40mm speaker drivers with neodymium magnets and bass ports which ensures optimal bass performance. Four dedicated microphones create an impressive call quality by utilizing advanced beamforming technology, while the battery optimization ensures up to 35 hours of play time – the equivalent of five working days of listening experience without having to recharge the battery.

Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound is further enhanced due to improved speech delivery and the listening experience is even finer and more immersive thanks to the introduction of the next generation of Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology which cancels unwanted noise without compromising on sound quality.  Escape the everyday with Beoplay HX’s enveloping sound that transports the listener to the feeling of being at a concert with the music on full volume. Through Bang & Olufsen’s dedicated app, users can easily change sound profiles, ANC presets, while also accessing the most essential features directly on the refined headphone interface.

ULTIMATE COMFORT

Comfort is essential for wearing headphones and Beoplay HX has been designed with well-being in mind. Lightweight and designed for durability, the ergonomic design ensures that the headphones can be worn all day in total comfort for a broad variety of head sizes. This is due to the revamped headband which has a center-relief zone for long-time wear.

Crafted from authentic materials, the ear cushions are made from soft lambskin and the inner material consists of memory foam that adapts to the shape and curves of the ear for supreme comfort. The upper headband is made from cow hide with a smooth grain, while the lower headband is covered in a knitted fabric. Beoplay HX includes a form-fitting fabric case which protects the headphone and its accessories while on the move.

ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY

To further elevate the headphones, Beoplay HX has been created so that it can reach up to 35 hours of playtime which makes it one of the stand-out options in the market. It offers fast, strong, and stable connectivity through Bluetooth 5.1, Microsoft Swift Pair, Google Fast Pair and Made for iPhone (MFi). The product set-up process is convenient on both Android and Apple-devices, leading to a better and more frictionless interaction. 

ELEVATED CRAFTSMANSHIP

Known for refined Scandinavian design and craftsmanship, Bang & Olufsen have used the best materials for Beoplay HX to create the most luxurious headphones, incorporating soft leather and polished aluminum for aesthetics as well as their ability to enhance comfort, acoustics, and durability. The arm sliders are made of anodised, pearl blasted recycled aluminium with a light brushed detail in the upper part. The disc is crafted from aluminium with a diamond spin finish which is nestled within a polymer-painted recycled plastic structure, creating contrast between the alternating smooth and matte sensations.

Available in Black Anthracite, Sand, and Timber, Beoplay HX has a global three-year warranty upon registration, underlining the quality customers can expect when purchasing Bang & Olufsen headphones

Locally the Beoplay HX is priced at R9,999 and available at all B&O distributors. 

Bucket Tech: Lenovo ThinkBook 13S

It's strange times we find ourselves in, while working from home was more of a norm for a select few, 2020 made this a reality for many with the lockdown regulations enforced by Governments around the world. Many thought it wouldn't be possible to do their jobs from home but here we are, halfway through the year and we're still managing. Technology has played a pivotal role in helping us achieve this, from high-speed internet to the devices we use. Gone of the days where you need high powered, big bulky desktops to work on as now most of the world's most powerful computers are either your handheld mobile devices or notebooks. Yes, the notebook has come on in leaps and bounds over the years and while many require it for its portability, it's becoming quite the norm in offices spaces too. 

Last week Lenovo sent me their new ThinkBook 13S to use while I worked from home, having an Ultrabook of my own, albeit 7 years old already I was keen to see what the new generation of these devices had to offer and I was pleasantly surprised. Lenovo has been in the market for as long as I can remember and their products have always been some of the best out there in terms of affordability and reliability, catering for every type of consumer. So testing out their highest end product was going to be fun. The ThinkBook 13S is catered for the professional who is on the move, needs something small, light and limit the use of plugging into charge. Yes, while I understand that presently we're not allowed to move a lot, no one said you cannot move around your house while working. 

The design of the ThinkBook is pretty much the same as any other notebook but with the 13 inch screen it makes the overall package very compact and easy to carry around. Weighing just 1.4kg's it won't make you break a sweat as well. It's an eye catching product, as its finished in a metallic all-aluminium chassis and the FHD display has a narrow bezel finish giving you more screen to device ratio, measuring in at just 5.5mm. The screen also includes dramatic Dolby Vision, with high dynamic-range technology for increased brightness, expanded contrast, amazing colours and more refined detail which is very evident when watching Full HD videos on it. Also with this, looking at the screen for longer periods doesn't strain your eyes like other screens would. Being one that types alot, I was glad to see that the keyboard had large buttons, almost bigger than your normal desktop keyboard. This made typing a breeze, as with normal Ultrabooks, they do tend to make the keys slightly smaller to accommodate other parts of the device. The keyboard also features hotkeys making it quicker to work as well as a finger print reader on the power button so it knows its you switching it on, no need for passwords and logging in there after. 

When it comes to processing, the ThinkBook 13S is class above the rest, with an 8th Gen Intel Core i7, along with a 256GB SATA SSD as well as 16GB of RAM, this machine flys from start up! Booting in just 0.5 seconds and performing the most difficult tasks with ease. I mainly used it for blogging, browsing and watching online content as this model didn't come with the any pre-loaded office type software but I did manage to work on some web-based office documents and found it pretty easy and straight forward. The major talking point about the ThinkBook though is its battery life, with an 11 hour battery capacity from a single charge, it comes with a Slimtip 45W charger which is pretty sufficient but there is a rapid charger as an optional extra 65W Rapid charger which can charge the device up to 80% in just an hour, which would give you about 9 hours of battery life. 

Ports and slots, the ThinkBook 13S has 2 x  USB-B (3.1) and 1 x USB-C, an HDMI 1.4b, a Headphone/ mic combo port and the AC adaptor port. It supports USB-C Dock as well as Hybrid USB-C.  Connectivity wise, it as WLAN 11ac 2x2 as well as Bluetooth 5.2. While it being great for business use, I found myself using it more for entertainment use, and the audio on the ThinkBook is great, it has Dolby Audio and 2 x 2W Harman speakers, the mic as dual-array noise cancelling, so it is optimized for voice recognition on Microsofts Cortana, yes you can give the device all sorts of commands just by speaking to it! Overall, I've been quite impressed by this little device, while it may be small, it packs a punch and has a hell of a stand by time. I found myself logging it everywhere I go in the house as it was that easy to carry around. Also another thing that seems to be an issue with devices like these are the cooling systems with the fans normally working over time when unplugged, apart from this one being so silent I never heard it often while being in use. It certainly is one of the better devices in its category at the moment and well worth it.