Author: Gugu Lourie
by Staff Writer South Africa’s biggest mobile phone operator Vodacom announced on Thursday it has expanded its range of accessible smartphones for specific needs customers through the launch of the Alcatel 2008G. The mobile phone operator said the device is designed to make it easier and more suitable for customers who want an affordable smartphone to use predominately for messaging and voice calls. Specifically, its 2.4 inch display screen and large keyboard makes it ideally suited to the needs of senior citizens who might prefer an easy-to-use phone. The phone boasts a stylish and compact design for comfortable grip. Other features include: ▪ Emergency button – this…
by Staff Writer Flying vehicles may just be a part of Singapore’s transport network in the near future, says Singapore’s Ministry of Transport. The ministry’s top official are in talks with some companies to start trials on drones that can carry passengers, according to The Business Times. Pang Kin Keong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said that it may thus be possible to ride in a driverless pod to work, cycle to the gym after work, and then take an aerial taxi home. “There is going to be a significant shift in the public mindset from one of ownership of transport…
by David Glance The US Government has thrown the world of travel into chaos again by banning tablets, laptops and other electronic devices from cabins of planes originating in 8 African and Middle Eastern countries (Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates). These devices will have to be packed in checked-in luggage. The US transportation safety administration (TSA) has stated and other security officials have said that the move is in response to intelligence indicating that the group ISIS is developing the capability of targeting aircraft with explosives hidden in batteries in electronic devices. There has been…
by Staff Writer New Telco SA said on Thursday that its carrier neutral Midrand data centre has been selected by Internet service and premier fibre provider, XDSL, as a Point of Presence on their rapidly expanding network. The data centre provides XDSL with the ideal platform to further extend their reach into the rapidly booming Midrand area, while enabling them to interconnect with multiple network operators and other service providers. “Midrand is a fast-growing economic hub, with an increasing demand for fibre, data and Internet services,” says Eckart Zollner, head of business development at New Telco SA. “Through our Midrand…
By Staff Writer BMW is investing a further R400 million in South Africa to build a new regional distribution centre at the Waterfall Distribution Campus in March 2017 and revamp its headquarters. The investment project will be multi-phased. It will also expand its Midrand Headquarters over the next two years. The car maker said in a statement that this customised warehouse will double in size and further refine the service to customers of the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands not only in South Africa, but also to tap into the growth potential of Sub-Saharan Africa. It added that relocation of parts…
by Adrian Schofield The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy White Paper, which was released last October by the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS), is an ambitious document filled with many good ideas. It is essential that South Africa’s ICT policy framework ensures the maximum value is extracted from the potential contribution which the ICT industry can make to transformation and economic growth. The new rapid deployment policy is thus to be commended! A good idea, however, does not always translate into good implementation, especially not considering the track-record of the South African government. With no indication that…
by Staff Writer Now you can buy an Apple iPad and iPhone and contribute to the global Fund to Fight Aids. Apple has unveiled a Red iPhone, which will be available to order online worldwide and in stores beginning Friday, March 24. The smartphone maker said the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition in a vibrant red aluminum finish, are a recognition of more than 10 years of partnership between Apple and (RED). “This gives customers an unprecedented way to contribute to the Global Fund and bring the world a step closer to an Aids-free generation,” the company…
by Gugu Lourie German car maker BMW is targeting to sell 100, 000 electric-powered cars this year as its battle with Mercedes-Benz for the number one spot as the leading premium brand automaker. The Munich-based firm estimated on Tuesday that electric-powered vehicles and plug-in hybrids will account for about 15 to 25% of its sales. The car maker has already sold 62, 000 electric cars. It added that the BMW i3 – we had a privilege to review this car last year click here – is one of the top three best-selling pure electric cars worldwide. “This shows we are…
by Staff Writer Richard Bull was found dead in the bathtub. A Coroner to warn Apple over potentially lethal iPhone chargers after Bull electrocuted himself while charging his phone in the bath, according to a Daily Mail report. Bull from Ealing in west London was pronounced dead by paramedics in his home on December 11. The inquest into Bull’s death concluded that he died due to using the ‘innocuous devices’ which can be ‘as dangerous as a hairdryer in a bathroom.’ “’They should attach warnings. I intend to write a report later to the makers of the phone,” , Dr Sean Cummings, the…
by Gugu Lourie Apart from a wonderfully laid back lifestyle, the Western Cape Province has wonderful views that make driving in open spaces a genuine pleasure – more so when one is driving an all-new Nissan Navara pick-up. My co-driver and I travelled along one such scenic road that passed through a small country town of Citrusdal in the Olifants River Valley and then onto Lamberts Bay – a tiny fishing town situated 280km north of Cape Town. Both towns, which provide a sense of romantic isolation, are situated at the base of Cederberg mountains. I was not the only…