Author: Marcé

First National Bank (FNB) has consistently been adding features to its digital platform to make banking with it more valuable in a few ways. One of its main products established via the mobile app is FNB nav, which offers a few features designed to help users navigate their money, and, in some cases, life in general.  FNB nav’s the new Gumtree Now, nav will feature a marketplace for property, vehicles and services. It’s been promoting this functionality for about a year, launching its marketplace in November 2020. Now its fleshed out the offering, making more houses, vehicles and services available…

South Africans have an innate ability to overcome adverse circumstances. No water? We cut consumption and flush with the bathwater. No electricity? We fire up the braai and cook a three-course meal on an open fire. Any first-worlder would look upon this adaptable creature in awe, but for us, it’s just another day.  The above scenario is the norm for the privileged among us — there are large segments of the South African population that face far worse. We’re here to talk about South Africa’s most painful topic, however.  Eskom, did you check under the couch? Eskom, the national electricity…

Streaming service Spotify is evolving into one of the most comprehensive audio-based services around. It first became a household name for offering an impressive music library. It is increasingly focusing on podcasting and audiobooks, bolstering its variety for customers. Spotify’s making moves The latest news is that the service is gearing up to acquire Findaway, an audiobook services and distribution company. In addition to publishing audiobooks, it also functions as a recording and creation service. That means Spotify can take on the role of offering narrators and writers recording and publishing services. “With this acquisition, we’re going to be able…

Peugeot recently unveiled a vehicle in a fairly unexpected shape for the brand — and it includes a larger carriage than most others. The newest entry is a bakkie named the Peugeot Landtrek and it features a striking design and a load of tech.  Meet the Landtrek This isn’t the French brand’s first foray into offroaders and utility vehicles, but it’s by far the best-looking attempt. The Landtrek comes in two flavours: 4×2 and 4×4 — both diesel and both double cab.  Outside you’re greeted with a vertical grille, complete with vertical LED lights. Turn your attention inside, and you’ll…

One of the major contributors to CO2 emissions is delivery vehicles of all types — whether it’s an 18-wheeler or a Mr D scooter zipping about the city. Now, food and clothing retailer Woolworths has announced that it’s electrifying its fleet by acquiring solar-powered vans for deliveries.  According to a tweet, the retailer has managed to offset almost 3,600kg of carbon dioxide emissions over the last two months.  Woolworth’s deliveries, brought to you by Ra “In line with our vision to be one of the most sustainable retailers in the world, in collaboration with DSV and Everlectric we are trialling…

In 2020, South Africans were finally able to purchase Microsoft hardware in South Africa, starting with its Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Go 2. It was initially a slim lineup, only including a few notebooks and 2-in-1s. Now, the company has revealed that it’s bringing the Surface Laptop 4 to SA at a recommended retail price of R19,000.  “We are excited to add Surface Laptop 4 to our growing Surface range locally. It powers modern multitasking demands, and combines a vibrant touchscreen display, large trackpad with gesture support and an industry-leading typing experience,” says Colin Erasmus, the modern workplace…

Sonos rarely disappoints with its hardware. It is synonymous with quality audio tech, and while more expensive than most competitors, it has stayed consistently in that vein. Same goes for the second generation of its Beam soundbar.  It’s Beam a while The Beam slots in below the brand’s flagship Sonos Arc soundbar but brings with it Dolby Atmos, a feature Arc is well-known for. While it’s not full-fledged Dolby Atmos, Sonos does a great job at replicating it without up-firing drivers.  That’s because the Beam Gen 2 keeps the smaller form factor of its predecessor. In fact, place them alongside…

Telkom has published its interim financial results for the past six months, a period starting on 1 April and ending on 30 September 2021. During this period, it accumulated a flat group revenue of R21.3 billion, with its mobile arm doing most of the heavy lifting.  When we reported on the company’s 2020 results, it was clear that South Africans were increasingly relying on mobile connections. This trend was motivated by COVID and lockdown restrictions forcing a shift to work-from-home.  Mobile doing a hard carry This time, however, the interim results for 2021 show that the company’s masts and towers…

Who needs financial advisers when you’ve got Twitter followers? 62.8 million followers, in Elon Musk’s case. The CEO created a poll on his Twitter profile, asking his audience whether he should sell 10% of his Tesla stock to pay taxes.  “Much is made lately of unrealized gains being a means of tax avoidance, so I propose selling 10% of my Tesla stock. Do you support this?” he asked.  Musk’s echo-chamber His followers responded, with the majority opting for the ‘Yes’ option in the poll. Shortly after, Tesla stock declined by 9%.  https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1457064697782489088 “Tesla’s Frankfurt-listed shares fell about 9% in early…

The last time DJI launched a flagship drone in the consumer market was in 2018 when we saw the Mavic 2 Pro on our desks. Now, it’s finally improving on that one with a new duo: the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine drones. Both improve on their predecessors, bringing beefy cameras, longer flight time, and impressive zoom chops.  Since 2018, DJI’s managed to launch more than a few drones — most of ‘em labelled ‘Mini’ and ‘Air’. Their latest seems to bring industry-beating skills to the tablet but, of course, you’ll pay a hefty chunk for ‘em.  DJI Mavic…