Author: Marcé

Historically, Android smartphone announcements have provided slightly more excitement than their iPhone counterpart. Companies like Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and even LG (RIP) went out of their way to reveal impressive features in their devices every year. iPhones have seen minor updates year after year and are still missing 120Hz displays and in-display fingerprint readers.  According to recent (very premature, granted) leaks of Samsung’s upcoming smartphones, we may see only small updates to the S21 range it launched earlier in 2021. Firstly, we’re fairly sure they’ll be named the Galaxy S22’s — and there should be at least three variations.  Show…

Since the launch of the modern smartphone, brands from around the world initiated a race to develop the most powerful, feature-packed mobile cameras ever. This is especially true when it comes to Chinese smartphone makers. Now Oppo has revealed the latest in mobile camera innovations at its Future Imaging Technology launch event. Which streamed online today.  This brand, in particular, enjoys teasing its mobile camera tech before revealing the actual devices — the same is true here. It was the first to show off periscope telephoto cameras and under-display cameras.  Zooming in on Oppo One of the main features teased…

One of China’s major car brands, Chery, has announced that it’s officially established in South Africa with a head office based in Bryanston, Johannesburg. It plans to open up to 30 dealerships in the coming months which will feature its range of vehicles.  While it’s not the first time we’re seeing the Chery brand in our country, it’s re-establishing itself by launching new vehicles into the market. Since 2007 it has been available for existing vehicles as a point-of-contact for after-sales support.  “For Chery, the South African office holds a very special significance. The country welcomed our vehicles with open…

OnlyFans has been the go-to platform for people looking to make real money for legitimate digital sex work. While the platform became famous for its promiscuous users, it’s now shifting its focus in an attempt to launch an app on both Android and iOS.  Until now, OnlyFans users and their subscribers need to head to a web application on either desktop or mobile to access and post content. While it’s completely possible, it may have become a drag as the company pushes for its own app. Google Play Store and iOS App Store won’t approve its app. So it’s launching…

It’s no secret that online dating has become more accessible, albeit more dangerous. It’s never been easier to hit up a stranger and meet them in a scaly place — which is why Tinder’s rolling out an authentication feature. The feature, detailed by the dating app itself, will require users to prove they are who they say they are by providing government-issued IDs.  The identification feature has been live in Japan since 2019, where users can generally use either an ID document or a passport to authenticate themselves in-app.  Tinder matching with privacy According to Tinder, the feature is planned…

WhatsApp’s the one mainstream messaging platform that prides itself on automatic end-to-end encryption on all messages and calls. Now its parent company, Facebook, has announced that it’s adding that same security functionality to its Messenger platform — specifically for voice and video calls.  Messenger’s bulking up security. Keen? Encryption brings an added level of security to any communication that occurs over a digital platform — it enables only the sender and receiver (and possibly someone peeking over a shoulder) to read the content. The messages (or calls) don’t live on a server and will need to be decrypted to be…

If ever we wanted an unaffordable hybrid supercar, it’s this one. Lamborghini revealed a reimagined version of its Countach sports car originally manufactured in the 1980s, and it’s a visual (and environmental) treat.  According to Mashable, the newer, greener Countach’s drivetrain is largely based on the brand’s existing Sián supercar — introduced in 2019 as its first hybrid. It’s a V12 hybrid engine complete with a 48-volt electric motor. If it’s anything like the Sián, it’ll do 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, easy. And it features a 350km/h top speed.  No time machine needed, according to Lamborghini This isn’t a ‘normal’…

It’s true that folding phones have, up until now, only been reserved for the super-rich or commited technophiles. Samsung’s plan with this month’s foldables launch is to push them into the mainstream consumer market. And we reckon the first device to make it there is the R22,000 Galaxy Z Flip 3. The Z Flip 3 drops the entry price for foldables, which is a good start. Now it can compete with non-folding devices in the flagship market. Easily.  While it’s by no means cheap, it’s not near-unaffordable like its older siblings and larger counterpart, the Galaxy Fold 3. The Flip…

Earlier this year, it became evident that the popular streaming service Disney+ will launch in South Africa when a local URL popped up. Now, the Walt Disney Company Africa revealed to News24 that its service will launch in our territory in mid-2022.  Disney+ Africa, finally “As confirmed in The Walt Disney Company’s Q3 earnings call, Disney+ will launch in South Africa in winter 2022. We will share more details as we approach the launch next year,” the company told News24. This follows the company’s Q3 2021 earnings call, after which it revealed the service will become available in other territories. …

Honor’s first year as an independent smartphone brand has produced a few devices including the V40 5G, the H50 and the Honor Band 6. More interestingly, however, the brand regained access to Google Mobile Services — a privilege its previous owner Huawei still doesn’t support.  Today, Honor revealed the Magic 3 series of smartphones — its first flagship devices announced since branching off. There’s the base Honor Magic 3, as well as the Honor Magic 3 Pro.  Sprinkle some Magic on a smartphone While this is a new device, the similarities between these and the Huawei Mate 40 Pro is…