Author: Trent Meikle

HTC announced a new tablet, the A101 Tablet, but oddly enough.. only for the African markets. The A101 launch comes on the heels of HTC’s latest phone, the HTC Desire 2022 Pro. But if you were expecting HTC to offer anything other than base specs for an Android tablet, then prepare to be disappointed. HTC’s A101 feels like it would sell pretty well – in 2016. But, maybe that’s the point. The fact that HTC is only selling the A101 in emerging markets is telling. Africa is generally poorer than other continents and is less able to afford higher-end tablets.…

Vodacom South Africa has launched ‘Good As New’ – a selection of pre-loved iPhones that won’t cost an arm and a leg. If you’re someone who avoids the latest and greatest in phones because of the price, then no more. A ‘Good As New’ phone comes standard with a 12-month warranty, covering all internal repairs, software reloads, and setting updates. And most importantly, battery protection. Vodacom wants ‘Good as New’ customers to not worry about the device any more than they would a regular phone. “The introduction of ‘Good As New’ forms part of our continued efforts to democratise access…

Shanghai has undergone potentially the biggest data breach of all time. According to reports, a hacker by the name of ‘ChinaDan’ claims to have stolen 23TB worth of personal information. The hack – which involves close to 1 billion Chinese residents — is up for sale. And what may that much information be worth? 10 Bitcoin. Apparently. ChinaDan, the anonymous hacker, took to Breach Forums in search of a buyer willing to take on 23TB worth of personal data. There are thousands, if not millions of people who would jump at the chance to control as much information as that.…

Just when you thought there was nowhere left for ads to go, Glance leaps out of the shadows. With the release of iOS 16, Apple showed us what a lock screen could do. You may think it’s only to keep your phone secure from unwanted eyes – which is how it used to be. But now, it’s becoming a playground for advertisers. It’s exactly as annoying as it sounds. But Apple is not the only company with this idea. Glance is a “lock-screen content company” planning on bringing information, games, and ads to a lock-screen near you. Glance is already…

Tesla has just released a new software update for its range of EVs. The update is actually quite handy for drivers, and the car itself. Certain Tesla models will now be able to detect potholes and adjust their suspension in reaction. This could potentially save a lot of damage to the car, and the driver too. Now if only South Africa could get in on this sort of thing – but we guess cars can’t fly, yet. Not that it matters to South Africans, except one or two importers, but drivers are able to turn the setting on under the…

Oppo is reportedly working on two new foldable smartphones and we could see them hit shelves later this year. The Oppo Find N was the company’s foray into the foldable smartphone world, and it’s ready to make the journey again. Twice. The reports come from Digital Chat Station, which claims Oppo is working on a clamshell design, alongside a book-like design. This gives customers a choice of design when they’re looking to buy a new foldable. We’re sure Samsung’s not going to Flip about this at all. Dragonfly The first Oppo foldable phone is codenamed ‘Dragonfly’. No official name has…

Video assistant referee (VAR) technology has long been a topic of debate amongst football fans. Not including Liverpool fans – who for some reason, don’t seem to mind it. For every other team, it’s caused some game-changing decisions that are just blatantly incorrect. So that’s why FIFA has decided to make a few changes to VAR before the start of the Qatar World Cup, kicking off in November. We’ll be treated to an upgraded version of VAR, known as semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). FIFA has also given the thumbs up to allow a new ball, kitted out with a motion…

WhatsApp could soon add the ability to hide your online status from others. Since WhatsApp’s birth, there has never been an ‘off’ for one’s online status – despite users calling for this feature for years. Reports from WABetaInfo claim that WhatsApp is currently working on the feature. It should make its way to iOS, Android, and desktop in the near future. WhatsApp is also planning to extend the amount of time allotted for deleting messages. As it stands, users are only able to delete messages ‘for everyone’ an hour and eight minutes after it’s been sent. After that, you’re on…

Vodacom Limpopo sets out to expand its coverage in the region, with a boost of R460 million to help move the process along. Vodacom apparently believes there is a need for better online access in Limpopo, which is reflected in the large sum they’re spending. “Our investment in network technology aims to expand broadband coverage and provide quality network service to our customers. As a result, we are enabling citizens across the region to reap the benefits of connectivity and not be left behind in a digitised society,” says Miguel Simoes, managing executive for Vodacom’s Limpopo region. Show me the…

If the only thing ever stopping you from playing Pokémon Go was the lack of an accompanying social media app, then you’re in luck. Niantic, creator of Pokémon Go has done exactly that – a social media app called Campfire is coming, and it’s coming soon. After a period of early internal testing, it seems Campfire will make its debut pretty soon. The app was initially announced in May, and has since then undergone rigorous testing amongst the Ingress fanbase since then. The official rollout will start with a select few players of Pokémon Go, before being officially unleashed on…