Author: Trent Meikle

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…

South African mining companies Nkwe Platinum and Zijin Platinum have joined forces with MTN and Huawei South Africa to create South Africa’s first 5G-enabled smart metal mine. Weird… right? 5G and mining aren’t usually two words thrown around together. The partnership will see MTN and Huawei provide the 5G, while Nkwe and Zijin supply the mines. MTN and Huawei are providing more than just 5G broadband access. Once they’ve had their way, the mines will become way more efficient, in multiple ways. Not only will the network providers be supplying 5G broadband, it’ll also offer remote vehicle control, IoT (internet…

We’ve all become quite familiar with the scourge of load shedding. Over the last week, South Africa entered the Darker*Ages, also known as Stage 6 load shedding. With the power being off for most of our waking hours, it’s putting a heavy strain on everyone. MTN, on the other hand, is working on a plan to make the most of the situation. Load shedding 1, MTN 0 The plan, for MTN, requires as many generators and battery packs as possible. The company says that it’s getting harder and harder to keep its tower battery charged up. Because of this, MTN…

It’s official. Google’s Switch to Android is finally useful. The app designed to wirelessly transfer data from an iPhone to an Android now supports all Android 12 devices. No matter which Android device you make the switch to, you’ll be able to transfer your data across without a hassle. When the Switch to Android app was first released, it only supported Google’s own Google Pixel phones. Which was… odd. Google has slowly come to realise that considerably more users will switch from an iPhone if their choices involve more than ‘Pixel’. If you’re making the leap from iPhone to Android,…

Vodacom’s #CodeLikeAGirl initiative has been flying high since its inception, with girls all over the country looking to get involved. Since its debut in 2017, Vodacom has involved over 2500 young girls in the programme, with a further 1500 planned to join throughout the year. The idea behind #CodeLikeAGirl is to teach young girls valuable skills in the world of coding. Specifically in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It also attempts to bridge the gender gap in the coding community in South Africa. It seems the company is accomplishing more than just coding lessons. The programme…

It’s been a few months since Google announced that Gmail was getting a fresh new look. The change-up is nothing major, focusing on moving around the Meet, Chat, and Spaces tabs. Despite the new UI (initially) being an optional one, it still seemed to activate people’s fight or flight response. Many folks are resistant to change. Starting today, however, the new UI is being pushed as the default view, according to this post from Google. Now, before everyone starts to lose their minds, just know the change isn’t a permanent one. Instead of choosing the new UI, you’ll need to…

Renewable energy sources are all the rage right now, and for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, it’s no different. The manufacturing plant for Mercedes-Benz in East London just took a big step in reducing its carbon footprint. After a successful trial of Photovoltaic (PV) technology, the German car makers are more confident than ever in achieving its goal of reducing CO₂ emissions entirely. Photovoltaic tech is essentially what we know as solar panels, and the energy we receive from the sun. The East London manufacturing plant began testing the viability of solar energy in order to cut down on its carbon footprint.…