
<p><strong>Our tech guru rounds up the coolest tools for 2021 and beyond.<br></strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-lifesmart-magic-mirror"><strong>1. LIFESMART MAGIC MIRROR</strong></h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-1024x894.png" alt="" class="wp-image-49412" width="508" height="443" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-1024x894.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-300x262.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-768x671.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-1536x1342.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-600x524.png 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror.png 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px" /></figure></div>



<p>The Magic Mirror merges fashion with technology. It can be mounted at a central location like the entrance to the home, the bedroom or the bathroom. It has smart features that let you control supported home appliances, similar to a smart speaker. It features an auto-wake-up function, health management, voice control, entertainment functions, and has a built-in camera. The Magic Mirror is Android-powered and runs on a MediaTek chip with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of memory. You simply scan a QR code to set up and select personal preferences. </p>



<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">R29,995 ($1,915) from Mikrotech.co.za</span></strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2"><strong>2. SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 2</strong></h4>



<p>The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the gadget to own for early adopters. Samsung’s newest folding screen device is an incredible piece of tech, boasting an ultra-thin glass top over last year’s plastic one. The Infinity-O display, 120Hz refresh rate and multi-tasking capabilities make it a pleasure to use. Add to it a triple lens camera, 5G support, a massive fast-charging battery and what more could you want? If this is the future of mobile, we’re excited.</p>



<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">R46,995 ($3,000) from Samsung stores.</span></strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-ipad-air-64gb-cellular"><strong>3. IPAD AIR (64GB CELLULAR)</strong></h4>



<p>The new iPad Air takes Work From Anywhere to another level. Weighing just under 500g, it runs on Apple’s fastest A14 Bionic chip and is more powerful than most PCs. Plus, the pencil and keyboard accessories give you flexibility on what you can do or how creative you get to be. It has a 10.9-inch display, narrow bezels and 12MP camera; ideally suited for today’s environment as a result of the global pandemic. Work or play, it has an excellent battery life. This sleek tablet now comes in pastel hues like blue, green and pink, in addition to silver and grey. </p>



<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">R14,999 ($958) at the iStore.</span></strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-ring-video-doorbell-3"><strong>4. RING VIDEO DOORBELL 3</strong></h4>



<p>Amazon’s popular Ring Video Doorbell 3 is now available in South Africa for the first time. For added peace of mind, it has motion detection and live view, above its two-way talk system. It features<br>a 1080p full HD camera, enhanced dual-band 2.4-5Ghz WiFi connectivity and Alexa support. It works with the user-friendly Ring app, accessible from a mobile device. The adjustable Near Zone feature detects motion within 1.5m to 4.5m from the front door. Privacy features support areas that can be excluded from the camera’s field of view and the ability to turn off video or audio recording.</p>



<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">R3,999 ($255) from Takealot.com</span></strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-smeg-d-g-espresso-machine">5. SMEG D&amp;G ESPRESSO MACHINE</h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-1024x955.png" alt="" class="wp-image-49414" width="377" height="351" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-1024x955.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-300x280.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-768x716.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-1536x1432.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-600x559.png 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px" /></figure></div>



<p>The Smeg Dolce &amp; Gabanna manual espresso machine is for serious coffee-lovers who also appreciate a touch of luxury. This retro statement piece with its Sicilian-inspired geometric pattern deserves a special spot in the kitchen. It has a removable 1L tank, adjustable coffee temperature and supports three cup sizes (Ristretto, Espresso and Lungi) with a milk froth function. Other features include an anti-drip system, descaling indicator and adjustable stand-by times between nine minutes to three hours. The 1350W espresso machine is made in Italy. </p>



<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">R24,699 ($1,576) from Yuppiechef.com</span></strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-jekyll-hide-montana-backpack"><strong>6. JEKYLL &amp; HIDE MONTANA BACKPACK</strong></h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-784x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-49411" width="336" height="438" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-784x1024.png 784w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-230x300.png 230w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-768x1003.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-1176x1536.png 1176w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-300x392.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-600x784.png 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack.png 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /></figure></div>



<p>The Montana overnight business backpack from Jekyll &amp; Hide<br>is stylish and durable, made from full-grain leather available in a beautiful colt shade. The layout is organized with compartments for a laptop, tablet, travel documents, business cards, cables, pens, etc. Its dimensions are 31 x 15 x 45cm and have secure fastening straps; a front zipped pocket, and a secure RFID slot to protect bank cards and passports from identity theft. The main zipped pocket has dedicated 15” laptop and tablet slots. As an overnighter, the middle compartment accommodates a change of clothes or shoes.</p>



<p><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color"><strong>R6,999 ($447) at JekyllandHide.co.za</strong></span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-under-armour-hovr-machina"><strong>7. UNDER ARMOUR HOVR MACHINA</strong></h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-1024x633.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49415" width="380" height="234" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-1024x633.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-300x186.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-768x475.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-1536x950.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-2048x1267.jpg 2048w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-600x371.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px" /></figure></div>



<p>If lockdown had you turn to fitness, check out Under Armour’s Hovr Machina running shoes. The Bluetooth-powered sneaker connects<br>to a smartphone app to provide stats like step count, cadence, stride length, foot strike angle, etc. It also acts as a real-time running coach with personalized guidance, and how to better manage the risk of injury while improving performance. The Hovr Machina provides a ‘zero gravity feel’ through its responsive carbon-plated propulsion soles and has the right amount of cushioning. It’s comfortable to wear when not training and suitable for marathons and long distances. Available in sizes for men and women in various shades.</p>



<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">R2,999 ($191) at UnderArmour.co.za</span></strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-sony-playstation-5">8. SONY PLAYSTATION 5</h4>



<p>Sony’s much-anticipated next-generation gaming console has landed in time for the holiday season. The PlayStation 5’s futuristic design has gained a lot of attention since its reveal but given the uptake in gaming during lockdown globally, it’s a no-brainer. There will be two variants available, one with an optical drive and one without. The PS5 supports graphics up to 4K, a high-speed 825GB SSD, and 3D audio on its wireless controller. Exclusive titles at launch include Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West. Digital Edition:</p>



<p><strong><span class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">R9,999 ($638) and Blu-Ray: R11,999 ($766) via Raru.co.za</span></strong></p>



<p><em>Dollar prices are approximates as per the exchange rate at the time of going to press.</em></p>



<p><em> &#8211;<strong>BY NAFISA AKABOR</strong></em></p>


Black Friday

Luxury Gift Guide: A Mirror With Memory?

<p>The Galaxy Note9, Samsung’s latest smartphone innovation anticipated that our time is precious, and we never have enough of it. That’s why it was designed to keep up with you and make the most of every minute. We’re a generation that relies on our smartphones, more than any before us, and this means battery life, performance and enough space is vitally important. The Galaxy Note9 delivers on all of these and so much more.</p>
<h3>What’s new?</h3>
<p>A remote Bluetooth S Pen, superior performance, AI camera and Samsung Pay are some of the reasons that the Galaxy Note9 has changed the game.</p>
<h3>S Pen</h3>
<p>Taking selfies is a phenomenon that isn’t likely to disappear any time soon and the new remote Bluetooth S Pen makes taking them so much easier. From taking selfies to boardroom presentations, it’s an amazing evolution of the S Pen that gives you the freedom to create, share and control the content on your phone, on screen or from a distance day or night, thanks to its low light camera. What’s more, you can also sketch, design, and bring your ideas to life with the S Pen&#8217;s sensitivity, responsiveness, and control, even when the screen is off, with off-screen memo.</p>
<h3>Camera</h3>
<p>Take pics day or night with perfect clarity thanks to the camera’s low light function, with a lens that adapts like the human eye. The AI function of the Galaxy Note9 camera also makes sure when your friends blink, or something’s blurry, you’re notified by of flaw detection, so you can adjust and reshoot. Clever!</p>
<p>We’ve used our smartphones to make memories forever, but a lack of storage space meant that you would have to choose which to treasure and which to delete. Not anymore. If you’re a serial snapper you have A LOT of photos that mean something to you, and with the Galaxy Note9 you don’t have to delete them because it comes standard with 512 MB internal memory! Happy snapping!</p>
<h3>Performance</h3>
<p>We live life at lightning speed and this means you need a smartphone that can keep up. From the 4000mAh all day battery to the 10nm processor with impressive 8GB RAM, the Galaxy Note9 will keep up with your pace and the innovative water-carbon cooling system keeps you and the Galaxy Note9 cool under pressure.</p>
<h3>Samsung Pay</h3>
<p>You might forget your wallet but you’re not likely to forget your phone, and that’s where Samsung Pay comes in handy. It’s simple, secure and available anywhere* you swipe or tap your credit or debit cards. Easy as 1…2…3.</p>
<p>All in all the game changing Galaxy Note9 has all the features to help you do bigger things with features that will make your daily life even more amazing!</p>
<p>* 97% acceptance rate based on local trials. Terms and Conditions Apply.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-note/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-37092 size-large" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Game-Charger-1024x322.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="233" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Game-Charger-1024x322.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Game-Charger-300x94.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Game-Charger-600x188.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Game-Charger-768x241.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Game-Charger.jpg 1910w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /></a></p>


After Unpacked Samsung 837 Celebration

The game changing Galaxy Note9 is available now!

<p><strong>Samsung has brought mobile payment solution, Samsung Pay, to South Africa. The innovative payment service is available to ABSA and Standard Bank cardholders on both Visa and MasterCard platforms. Security comes first with 5 layers, including fingerprint and iris recognition as well as tokenization to secure all your cards. It’s well on its way to</strong> <strong>become the new way to pay.</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Smartphones have truly become an extension of who we are. It is safe to say that the first thing most people do when they wake up is to look at their mobile phones to check feeds, check messages, just generally check everything, in an always connected world. With Samsung Pay, Samsung South Africa aims to make your eligible Galaxy smartphone a tool that enriches your daily life.</p>
<p>As one of the world’s largest smartphone and technology innovators, Samsung’s core motivation behind developing and implementing Samsung Pay is to give South Africans a smart way of banking at their fingertips, with the security to give them the peace of mind to use it.</p>
<p>Loading cards from participating banks is as easy as scanning and verifying them and adding your iris, fingerprint or pin code authentication.  Once set up, it’s so easy to use. Simply swipe up from the home screen of any eligible Samsung smartphone, no need to search for the app, then select the card, enter your security verification and tap or swipe your phone on the speed point.</p>
<p>Tokenisation is the key to protecting consumer information when it comes to electronic payments. To achieve this, all sensitive account information is replaced with what Samsung refers to as a token. The token replaces information with a series of numbers that are card and mobile number specific. Payments are made using the token which means that this payment method adds another layer of digital security so that information is never vulnerable even in cases of theft. The token can be deactivated without going through the process of cancelling the account.</p>
<p>Cardholders are given a mobile payment solution that will not only benefit the digital footprint in South Africa but will make banking a less tedious process. Head of Digital Solutions for VISA in sub Saharan Africa, Geraldine Mitchley, says Samsung Pay is a life changing payment solution.</p>
<p>“Considering the number of smartphone users in South Africa, it is expected to reach over 25 million by 2022, we are seeing that the phone is the one item people will always have with them and VISA supports payment solutions that fit people’s changing lifestyle,” she says.</p>
<p>How does it work?</p>
<p>Samsung Pay can be used wherever Absa or Standard bank debit or credit cards are accepted on both VISA and MasterCard platforms.  The first step is downloading the app from the Google Play Store and registering your cards with your password method of choice. Then it’s simply a matter of swiping up from the home screen and then swiping or tapping their Samsung Galaxy smartphone at participating outlets. The Samsung devices that currently support Samsung Pay include the Galaxy Note 9, Note 8, S9+, S8+, S8, S7 Edge, S7, A8 and A7( 2017 edition). The 2017 edition of the Galaxy A5 will be compatible in September 2018.</p>
<p>No terminal updates will be needed by operating merchants in order to accept payments. Payments are made without any extra cost; the only fees that apply are banking fees.</p>
<p>Samsung Pay truly is innovation at its best, so get Samsung Pay, and make your next payment an adventure of innovation!</p>
<p>&#8211; Gypseenia Lion</p>

paythere-1

“Samsung brings smart, effortless payments to South Africa”

<h4> FORBES AFRICA (FA): How is Samsung’s partnership with the Africa Cup of Nations boosting the development of football in Africa and what was the company’s strategy behind its involvement in the tournament?</h4>
<p>KK Park (KKP): Football is a passion we share with our customers in Africa, and Samsung is thrilled to play a part in this celebration of African football. As an official sponsor of the Africa Cup of Nations since 2008, Samsung has provided many programmes for fans to engage both inside and outside the football stadiums. For example, we have sponsored the ‘Samsung Fair Player Award’ for each game, contributing to the spirit of good sportsmanship in football. Our Africa Cup of Nations sponsorship forms just a part of our commitment to sport on the continent.</p>
<p>Our commitment to football in Africa is also part of our broader strategy of constantly looking for opportunities to engage with our consumers and to help them do the things they love. Just two weeks ago, Samsung and Chelsea FC hosted a Youth Football Camp in Ghana and Ivory Coast to improve the skills of children, aged between nine and 13. We also sponsor the Nigerian national football team.</p>
<p>By supporting sports and recreation initiatives at local, regional and international levels, we believe we can make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and our customers across the continent.</p>
<h4>FA: How important is the African continent to Samsung’s bottom line? What is your growth target for the next five years and how do you tailor your products for the continent?</h4>
<p>KKP: Our belief is that Africa is an incredibly important market for a variety of reasons. The growth of the market is tremendous, and so is the opportunity to develop new lines of business and even new products. For us, Africa is blazing a new path, and Samsung plans to be part of that. One of the ways in which we’re supporting African consumers is our Built for Africa product line. ‘Built for Africa’ was born from our legacy of constant innovation. Our specific insight was to take our products and to look for ways of making them even better. Often this means improving a product to help our consumers navigate their local environment. For example power surges often damage electronic products in Africa. Therefore we created products such as our SurgeSafe TVs, Triple Protector Air Conditioners, and Duracool Fridges—ll with built-in surge protection. This initiative has already seen enormous success, and we are very excited about the next generation of Built for Africa products that we will be unveiling at our Africa Forum 2012, this March in Cape Town.</p>
<h3>FA: How does Built for Africa fit into your overall strategy for the continent?</h3>
<p>KKP: The key to our engagement with Africa is our belief that we need to contribute to African society not only through localized products, but also by supporting the development of talent in the region. This means that Samsung is deeply committed to growing capacity in Africa. You can see this reflected in our Hope for Children program, which consists of three initiatives meant to help ensure the education of the next generation of Africans. First, we are opening our Samsung Electronics Engineering Academies, which support the development of African engineers and then help graduating students find jobs within Samsung. Our current goal is to develop 10,000 electronics engineers across the continent by 2015. Second we have developed unique Schools, Solar Powered Internet  portable schools aimed at increasing accessibility to education and connectivity in remote rural areas with limited or no access to electricity. Finally, we have our Mobile Education program, which involves working with universities and content developers in different African countries to customize mobile apps and educational content for Africa.</p>


Tag: Samsung

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

Luxury Gift Guide: A Mirror With Memory?

The game changing Galaxy Note9 is available now!

“Samsung brings smart, effortless payments to South Africa”

Built For Africa