Author: Duncan Pike

Qualcomm and Thales, a France-based IT company, have announced the first commercially deployable iSIM (integrated subscriber identity module) at MWC 2023. Although the acronym uses most of the same letters, iSIMs do differ slightly from eSIMs. But only in ways that matter to smartphone manufacturers. The physical SIM card has been dying a slow death for the better part of a decade. Everyone thought the introduction of the eSIM (embedded SIM) in 2017 would expedite that death. Some American iPhone 14 models, for example, don’t have a physical SIM tray at all. So maybe the SIM has died. Just not…

All-in-one PCs satisfy a rather niche section of the PC market. The Asus ExpertCenter E5 AiO we recently spent time with dials that in even further. Most folks looking for an AiO are usually setting up some kind of small business and don’t want to worry about component compatibility. They could go for a pre-built system, but maybe their available workspace is limited or they’d rather not have to deal with the mess of cables usually found behind a PC. That last point is especially true if the PC can’t be shoved under a desk and is visible to customers…

The world’s most popular chat app, WhatsApp, isn’t resting on its laurels. We’ve previously covered a few features currently in the pipeline. Some even made it out of testing and are now available. But it ain’t stopping there. The platform is constantly seeking to add new features and quality-of-life updates. Well, that’s what it wants everyone to think, anyway. If you’re reading about WhatsApp updates, there’s a high chance that the new feature is still in development. If they have made it to the testing phase, it’s only available to a handful of testers. There’s an equally high chance that…

We’re one day away from the official launch of GSMA’s MWC 2023 (Mobile World Congress), the biggest mobile technology show of the year. This is the second year back to an in-person format, following 2022’s show after a quiet 2021 and a cancelled show in 2020 – one guess as to why. Before the disruption, MWC had become the show to attend for mobile tech companies, who often saved their biggest (and best) announcements for the coveted Barcelona stage. Even with a return to physical events, these days the big mobile tech players mostly opt to host their own events. Why share…

Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices, announced at its Unpacked event on 1 February, have been available for pre-order since 17 February and will start shipping out today, 24 February. We’ve already spent some time with the flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra and compared it to last year’s Galaxy S22 Ultra. But its starting price of R31,000 is probably too steep for most folks. If that’s you, maybe the Galaxy S23+ or base S23 models are more your speed. We’ve compared the spec sheets of the Galaxy S23+ and S22+ while we wait for our review unit and now we turn to the…

Spotify recently debuted a new AI-powered DJ companion to its music streaming platform that will create personalised playlists for listeners based on your listening data. The platform already does that with its many algorithmically generated playlists like Discovery Weekly or Release Radar. But those playlists don’t talk back to you. That’s where the ‘AI’ side of DJ comes in. A Spotify DJ in your pocket Introducing DJ ✨ An entirely new way to play your @Spotify, powered by AI. Now rolling out to Premium users in the U.S. and Canada. Head to Spotify now to meet your DJ. pic.twitter.com/sbQr8JrrmF —…

If you’re an MTN subscriber, we’ve got some bad news. The mobile telecommunications company recently announced it would be increasing consumer post-paid subscription or ‘contract’ fees and other rates due to a “challenging market environment”. Contract prices will rise by around 5% on average and will take effect from 1 April 2023, which is probably not the best time to introduce changes like this. MTN could work on its comedic timing While MTN says the fee increase averages 5.1%, it notes that some plans could see a higher increase, up to a maximum of 7.4%. Along with the contract fee…

Netflix recently announced the first official look at its next South African miniseries, Unseen. The new locally produced series is from Gambit Films, the same production powerhouse responsible for the widely successful three-time SAFTA-winning drama Blood & Water. Viewers are in for another top-quality series if their last title is anything to go by. Looking at Unseen’s cast list further confirms that. Unseen features some of South Africa’s best talents both in front of and behind the camera. Travis Taute and Daryne Joshua, who both worked on Blood & Water,  serve as showrunners with Taute also receiving directing credits here.…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi gave his first State of the Province Address last night during which he announced several technology-driven solutions to the province’s rising crime rates. Like any good premier, he acknowledged that urgent action was needed. “Today, let’s openly admit, our province is a home of heartless and merciless criminals. They do as they wish. If this situation is left unattended it will be the end of all of us.” Technology usually requires electricity Lesufi is of the opinion that technology holds the answers to some of Gauteng’s crime problems. He also mentioned something about a partnership with…

You’re likely already aware that Eskom unceremoniously sent the country into Stage 6 load shedding “until further notice” late on Sunday. Now, the power utility is reviewing its documentation and processes that lay out the plan should we ever hit Stage 8. During Mondy’s press conference, Eskom CEO André de Ruyter highlighted that, while the risk of Stage 8 load shedding is unavoidable, this review process was not a reason for concern and should not be taken to mean the utility is anticipating or expecting it. On the contrary, he said the current Stage 6 cuts are likely to reduce…