Author: Marcé

We’ve heard rumours about multiple sizes and different screen resolutions, but what exactly does Apple have up its collective sleeve for their 2018 device? Will it be the iPhone XI? The iPhone 11? The iPhone X2, just for the fun of it, because who needs an iPhone 9? We aren’t sure what it’ll be called yet – but we have heard loads about what might be on the horizon, hardware-wise. The rumours in a nutshell? Apple will introduce three new iPhone X-inspired models for 2018, which includes a budget device with a 6.1in display and a large iPhone 8 Plus-sized…

The personal data debacle has been going strong since Facebook ‘accidentally’ decided a few users’ personal information wasn’t important enough to secure, and they kinda sold access to it to someone. This has prompted other social media platforms (a few of which are also owned by Facebook) to roll out ‘download your data’ features. This after the public suddenly realised that these guys have personal information stored on their servers and it might not be safe there. Many have opted to delete their Facebook accounts after the Cambridge Analytical scandal, which might seem extreme to some. On the other end…

The newcomer to the mobile data game, Rain, uses LTE to offer an alternative to fixed-line internet for homes and small businesses, and in doing so, go some way to reducing the exorbitant data costs facing South Africans each month. The company is constantly expanding its coverage and plans to broaden the range of products it offers, but at this stage Rain only offers LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) packages through selected internet service providers (ISPs). Like your mobile phone, LTE-A uses a SIM card, but instead of putting it in a handset, it goes in a Wi-Fi router/modem. Data is then loaded…

Multiplayer? Check. Zombies? Check. Campaign? Nah… Like clockwork, it’s time for Treyarch to reveal their newest addition to the Black Ops series with the fourth instalment releasing in October. The official launch was a whirlwind of new mechanics, modes and the not-so-shocking dropping of the solo campaign. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd_2lwp1rQU Many internet-dwellers have expressed their disgust with Call of Duty opting to drop the campaign, but the developers have incorporated individual storylines into the revived League Play mode, and some mind-bending narratives into the fan-favourite Zombies mode. The focus with Black Ops 4 is on making it ‘the most replayable game ever’,…

Smaller versions of console and PC games being released on mobile is the new ‘big thing’ in the gaming world. It gets the word out (because mobile is cheaper to play and easier to access), and people can game on the move — this is especially important for PC gamers who, by definition, tend to be tied to their massive rig in order to game. Okay, we know not all PC gamers will inherently approve of mobile versions of their favourite games, but you cannot argue that the industry is taking a turn for the better — gone are the days…

FNB are rolling out a few updates for their banking app, some of which are first for banking apps in South Africa. FNB’s long been known as the most innovative bank in the country and the best to harness new tech, and its proved itself adept at using new features to win new customers. Switching banks, like switching mobile operators, is perceived as painful. FNB’s long tried to counter that with easy ways to do so, and the sorts of appealing features that’ll make consumers consider the switch. It’s latest efforts in this regard will let you open accounts by taking a…

Ah, dreaded notches — can’t live with them, and can’t squeeze front-facing cameras into almost edge-to-edge displays without them. Unless you’re Vivo, which used a pop-up camera in the edge of its concept Apex handset to get around this problem. Now Chinese hardware maker Lenovo, which owns Motorola, has teased its own take on a bezelless, notchless phone. Every big-name smartphone maker is trying to maximise smartphone screen real estate, and until now the only ways out have been adding a notch like Apple, Huawei, LG and countless others have done, or settling for super-slim bezels like Samsung’s done. Perhaps…

Data remains a hot topic in South Africa. Pressure from consumers and the #datamustfall movement recently prompted regulator Icasa to abolish data expiry, which will mean that once you buy data its yours to use. No non-sensical expiring, vanishing or other skullduggery. But, if you’re planning on changing service providers or getting a new contract, a bit of research is key to getting the best deal on data you can. Wherever possible, we’d recommend you stick to prepaid. Not only does it mean no operator can surprise you with a post-paid add-on for something you didn’t ask for, but it makes…

Trusty ol’ Google has decided to join in the fun and roll out an updated privacy policy after the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) changed a few laws around personal data recently. This affects everyone because the law is targeted at any company that deals with personal data of EU citizens, which Google and most multinational online services actually do. As it happens, the changes apply to us as well. Thanks, EU GDPR…? This is a smart move — getting things in order before they drop down the same rabbit hole that Facebook did a few weeks ago –…

Remember phone books? Yeah, they were once a thing, and now we don’t even need to remember anyone’s number by heart any more — but if you receive five calls from the same number before you’ve even had lunch, you do tend to recognise the numbers. The best part? You can now block those numbers so these calls, and other potential spammers’ calls, will not even reach you. Meet Truecaller.  There are a few spammer-blocker apps, but Truecaller is free and very capable, with real-time alerts if someone calling looks spammy, as well as the ability to identify most people…