Author: Contributor
By Marwan Elnakat, digital banking solutions director for the CISMEA region at Gemalto With Capitec’s latest trading update making a case for what consumers in emerging markets want – and need – the time for “one-size-fits-all” banking looks set to be over. As the bank continues attracting up to 150 000 new customers each month, it’s redefining the “typical banking experience”. A similar evolution is underway in the digital banking space. While banks have responded well for the most part, offering new digital services such as mobile apps and online portals, next generation users are already demanding a move away from…
By Staff Writer Econet, the owners of Liquid Telecom, has introduced its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service Kwesé Play in South Africa. The firm through Econet Media is bringing Kwesé Play video streaming service to the country. The company will leverage Africa’s largest fibre network, available through sister company Liquid Telecom which concluded its acquisition of Neotel last year. Neotel holds leading-edge 4G and 5G LTE spectrum capability which is being configured to carry video content. Rather than building its own VOD business, Econet Media has taken a different approach and invested in building the best platform to house some of…
By Staff Writer VOOV is a social live streaming app which allows you to be the star of your own live show, and discover, connect and engage with your favourite celebrities and friends. It gives users the unique opportunity to discover, connect and interact with any other South African user’s live streams. At the touch of a button, ‘VOOVers’ can also become the stars of their own live show. Whether it is a magnificent voice that never got the chance to take centre stage, an everyday teenager who wants to entertain an audience, or an aspiring celebrity offering fans insight…
By Staff Writer Cell C, South Africa’s mobile phone operator, has reduced out-of-bundle data rate for prepaid customers on its lowest tariff plan to 15c per MB. The mobile phone operator said the reduction of out-of-bundle data rate is effective 1 October 2017. On the postpaid side, Cell C said customers can take advantage of any of the Connector plans that cap the out-of-bundle data rate to 15c per MB. The second challenge Cell C is addressing is the expiry of unused data by allowing customers to extend the validity of their data bundles by purchasing a new bundle before…
By Staff Writer 1Life, South Africa’s direct life insurer, announced on Wednesday that it has launched its 1Life Chat Bot, named Emily. Whether accessing the service using a PC or a mobile phone, users can engage with Emily by using Facebook messenger to source a basic life insurance quote in real time – formulated through the information the consumer provides by way of a series of conversational questions, the company said. The direct life insurer added that the service was designed in such a way that it replicates a real-life conversation, ensuring users get to experience 1Life’s usual customer service…
By Staff Writer Apple today introduced Apple Watch Series 3, adding built-in cellular to the world’s number one watch. Whether users are out for a run, at the pool or just trying to be more active throughout their day, Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular allows them to stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even without iPhone nearby. Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two models, one with GPS and cellular, and one with GPS, both featuring a 70 percent faster dual-core processor and new wireless chip. Soon, the combination of cellular and watchOS 4 will allow Apple…
Apple has announced an iPhone X, the future of the smartphone. iPhone X delivers an innovative and secure new way for customers to unlock, authenticate and pay using Face ID, enabled by the new TrueDepth camera. The all-glass front and back feature the most durable glass ever in a smartphone in silver or space gray, while a highly polished, surgical-grade stainless steel band seamlessly wraps around and reinforces iPhone X. “iPhone X is the future of the smartphone. It is packed with incredible new technologies, like the innovative TrueDepth camera system, beautiful Super Retina display and super fast A11 Bionic…
By Staff Writer Apple today introduced the new Apple TV 4K designed to deliver a stunning cinematic experience at home. With support for both 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR), Apple TV 4K features unbelievably sharp, crisp images, richer, more true-to-life colors, and far greater detail in both dark and bright scenes. Apple TV 4K will also offer 4K HDR content from popular video services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. “Bring the magic of the cinema straight to your living room with the new Apple TV 4K,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, said…
By Viresh Harduth, VP: new customer acquisition (startup and small business) at Sage Africa & Middle East From this month, the price of all grades of petrol has increased by 67c/litre, adding to the steep petrol price and fuel levy increases we have seen over the course of the year. The higher cost of petrol is likely to put Small & Medium businesses in South Africa under further pressure in a tight economic environment of rising inflation. Depending on your business, the petrol price could have a significant impact on your profitability. If you run a fleet of vehicles for…
By David Glance, University of Western Australia In response to millions of people fleeing Florida in the face of Hurricane Irma, Tesla has “flipped a switch” in some of its cars to temporarily extend their range. Tesla cars receive software updates much like an iPhone does – via the internet in an update process called “over-the-air” or OTA updates. It’s one of the only car companies that can do this with their cars, regularly sending updates to fix security flaws or update autonomous driving capabilities. Contrast this with the approach taken by Chrysler, which sent out USB sticks with a…