The Life's Way: August 2015

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

#Showmax Video On Demand @showmaxonline launched #SouthAfrica

Hi Guys,

The continued roll-out of high-speed internet connectivity worldwide is driving a change in viewing habits. In addition to watching scheduled television, people are increasingly consuming movies and series via a range of video on demand services. These services are primarily differentiated by the size and quality of their catalogue, and until now the options available in South Africa have been limited in comparison to those available overseas. On 19 August, ShowMax launched a new video on demand service that is a giant leap forward in the range of content available to local consumers. Whether it will bring the Netflix kind of change here in South Africa or not, only time will tell.

ShowMax has content adding up to more than a year’s continuous viewing of series, movies, documentaries, a wide selection of children’s shows, and an array of classics. Complete box sets of heavyweight series such as Entourage, Game of Thrones, and The Wire form the foundation of the service, and ShowMax brings new shows such as “The Late Late Show with James Corden” to the South African audience. The content catalogue, which totals more than 10,000 hours, spans major production studios from across the globe as well as local African content. This brings ShowMax customers two unique benefits – a library many multiples larger than those currently available via local services, and also African content not available via services originating outside the continent.

ShowMax is available via a wide range of smart devices with an Internet connection. This includes mobile phones and tablets via iOS and Android apps, laptop and desktop computers using a range of web browsers, and Samsung and LG smart TVs.

ShowMax is offering a seven-day trial period, with free access to the entire library in order to test the service. The ongoing cost of subscription is R99 per month, which allows access via five different devices. Two different video streams may be watched simultaneously on separate devices using the single monthly subscription. More information is available via www.showmax.com.

The company is aiming to change the game. ShowMax won’t just be the best subscription video on demand service available in South Africa - we’re competing with the best in the world, confirms John Kotsaftis, General Manager of Showmax South Africa.

I am really looking forward to using this service for 7 days as I really want to start watching Entourage and other local productions. If I liked the same, I will get the premium services so that the continuity of watching my favorite series is maintained on all my devices.

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway
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EISA Consumer Smartphone Award goes to #IgniteP8 @HuaweiZA

Hi Guys,

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, has been awarded ‘European Consumer Smartphone 2015 – 2016’ by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) for its latest flagship smartphone, Huawei P8. This is the third consecutive year that Huawei has been recognized by EISA in this category.

Building on the success of last year’s award‐winning Ascend P7, the new Huawei P8 is the culmination of the P series’ rich heritage of style and functionality, and is once again redefining the smartphone market with easy-to-use features that amaze and inspire consumers. EISA praised Huawei for delivering ”improved camera performance and surprisingly high‐end craftsmanship that gives this affordable device a truly sophisticated appearance.” It highlighted its 2,680mAh capacity battery, f/2 lens developed for better low‐light performance and the P8’s excellent 5.2‐inch Full HD IPS‐NEO display. I am still awaiting to review the device and hope to use it forever as my day-to-day smartphone also if Huawei agrees to the same.

The low-light camera performance allows consumers to be more creative using the best light painting facility available on a smartphone and amazing crisp high contrast shots. The P8 also features a compact and powerful dual-antenna design plus rapid switching technology allows the phone to intelligently recognize the best mode reduces dropped calls and maintains a stronger signal.

“We are proud to be presented with this award for the third year in a row. We are committed to challenging the industry and revolutionizing how a smart phone is used - the Huawei P8 is the most user-friendly smartphone for consumers globally,” said Glory Zhang, Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer Business Group (BG).

In August 2014, Huawei Ascend P7 was named ‘European Consumer Smartphone 2014 – 2015’ and was praised for its ‘beautiful glass finish’, ‘attractive price’ and its 8-million-pixel front-facing camera and rear 13-million-pixel sensor with flash and supporting apps. Huawei Ascend P7 is now on sale in over 100 countries and has shipped more than 7 million units since it was launched. In 2013, Huawei had been awarded the ‘European Consumer Smartphone 2013 – 2014’ for the ultra slim 6.18mm Ascend P6. I have not used any of the P series phones but they are very slim and loaded with technology to keep you engaged to your smartphone all the time. Follow the brand on - Facebook: facebook.com/huaweidevicesouthafrica
Twitter: twitter.com/HuaweiZA & Huawei Consumer BG online SA: consumer.huawei.com/za/

Cheers!!!

Before & After Party @SavannaCider - It's EPIC! #Jozi

Hi Guys,

Savanna, the premium cider that knows how to stand out from the crowd, took centre stage at an epic Before and After party at The Forum in Johannesburg. It was large, lavish and had everything that a heart desires. Great vibe, good food and above all, Premium Cider called Savanna Lite, Dry and Dark.

“This was one of the Before and After party series taking place throughout South Africa – each event being a unique consumer experience. The evening was a celebration of the new Savanna bottle – the first change since the cider was launched in 1996,” says SA Marketing Manager, Marcel Swain.

The guy is so humble that he walked up to me along with the esteemed photographer Marinda HeatWaveStudios to click a picture with me and my wife. A lot of other photographs which I clicked are on my instagram page at araijain. Thanks a lot to Savanna for the invite.

Savanna fans rubbed shoulders with top comedians, Kagiso Lediga and Kurt Schoonraad, before getting into the groove with the likes of DJ Euphonic, DJ Speedsta, DJ Tira and Big Nuz in the dock. The music was extraordinary and all the guests were dancing wherever they are on the floor. There was a game where everyone interested has to get 4 stamps from various stalls on display on a passport kind which will then go into a lucky draw. A lucky girl won the Beats HD headphones and a couple won some expensive sunglasses from Savanna. It was not a goodies day for me thought but I enjoyed the music and awesome desserts.

You too can join the fun and track Savanna on #SavannaCider and catch all the action on facebook.com/savannacider, Twitter @SavannaCider, Instagram.com/savannacider and YouTube. Savanna’s brand new mobile-first website www.savannacider.com is also worth checking out and you can participate in various contests from time to time to win special prizes and invites to such parties.

Cheers!!!

Monday, 24 August 2015

Cash & Cars - Win When You Least Expect It @MonteCasinoZA

Hi Guys,

TsogoSun's Montecasino is the premier entertainment destination for Johannesburg and it has something to keep people active with one or the other thing for everyone. Adults and kids love to visit the destination because of it's bubbling atmosphere and amazing food and frolic. You can spend a whole night playing in the casino or watch some amazing 3D movies on big sofa like seats.

The very popular CASH & CARS slot machines at Montecasino recently received a world class make-over. In the past gamers stood the chance of winning a VW Polo – now they can win a Mercedes-Benz A200 and R10,000 in CASH with every car.

They had a grand launch on 22nd July 2015 for public and special guests to enjoy the machines and start winning. I used my Montecasino Gold card to win myself R200 using one of the slot machine from R100 investment. The games are new and I really loved playing the same.

The best part is that no winning combination is required. Winners are selected randomly and two cars will be given away every month. There is a limit of play in currency amount is attached on the whole concept of Cash and Cars and once it's reached, anyone who is playing on the machine will win the same. The Cash & Cars 5c machines can be found at all the casino entrances and are easily identified by the branding on the chairs. Now it boils down to your luck and intent to play the same.

I am also looking forward to win my dream car and I hope the Universe will listen to my request. I will try my luck again before all the cars are driven away by the fortunate ones.

Cheers!!!

Wednesday, 12 August 2015

RIDER @TomTom_SA is for Bikers #GPS #ThinkBikeSA

Hi Guys,

TomTom (TOM2) has launched the all-new TomTom RIDER, designed to make every motorcycle ride more exciting. For the first time, bikers can choose the level of twists and turns they want to ride to create their own adrenaline-filled adventure. The all-new TomTom RIDER helps bikers discover and explore new routes. Simply select an area to ride on the map and TomTom RIDER will suggest the most exciting round-trip. Bikers can build excitement before setting out by creating and sharing touring adventures with friends and uploading direct to their TomTom RIDER.

The RIDER comes pre-installed with a full map of Africa with 57 African countries and Free Lifetime Map updates. The map coverage includes over 7 million KM of roads and off roads, more than 1 million Points of Interest such as campsites, petrol stations and national parks making it the perfect African companion, from the city to the great outdoors. The device make use of different colour options for different times of day which enhances Sunlight Visibility also.

The device also makes use of TomTom’s Lifetime Traffic feeds to create a real-time map for users to choose the safest route based on congested roads. Paul de Walder, Director at Think Bike, a non-profit company adds, “Think Bike is well known as a non-profit motorcycle safety awareness campaign. We fully endorse the use of TomTom Traffic as an additional safety tool for everyday use on a motorcycle.”

“We believe that every ride is a chance for adventure,” said Wesley Zinn, Country Manager, TomTom Sub Saharan Africa. “So we have designed TomTom RIDER to give bikers more ways to create and discover exciting routes. From the freedom of cruising the open road, safety in the city avoiding congested areas, to the thrill of leaning into the tightest curve on the highest peak, with RIDER, bikers can create and ride their own perfect adventure.”

The stylish, yet rugged TomTom RIDER has been completely redesigned for life on the road. An innovative rotating mount, allows bikers to switch to portrait view to see more of the bends ahead. It has a glove-friendly, interactive screen (pinch, zoom and swipe) to make it easy to find and explore new places. Bluetooth enabled audio instructions delivered to the headset or helmet, gives bikers more freedom to just enjoy the ride as well as the device gives hands-free calling option also. Trips can now be recorded so that you can re-do the same later and the trip statistics can be viewed also.

TomTom was founded in 1991 and headquartered in Amsterdam, and have 4,200 employees worldwide and sell their products in over 46 countries. TomTom (TOM2) mission is to make technology so easy to use, that everyone can achieve more. They have created easy to use navigation devices, helping millions of people to get where they want to be and this one is no different with so many features for the Riders around the world! I would love to use the winding roads feature which can help you avoid straight roads and make some memorable journeys along the way. I miss my bike which I rode for more than 10 years (2002-2013) before my parents sold it off. I have been to all places - IPL matches, Product launches at 5 star hotels and fun trips all on my 100cc bike and it never disappointed me ever.

TomTom RIDER will be available for purchase from August 2015. See http://www.tomtom.com/en_za/rider/index.jsp Follow TomTom on twitter and facebook

Cheers!!!

Tuesday, 11 August 2015

Amenity Kits @Turkishair_SA makes travel memorable!

Hi Guys,

Air travel for me has been a fascination all my life and I always feel the same joy that I felt when I first travelled in India from Bombay (Mumbai) to Ahmedabad way back in 1985. It was my first trip on a plane and I felt that the plane tires are rolling on the top of the buildings. As a kid, when the first time air hostess brought a full tray of toffees, I could not resist myself to grab a whole bunch of candies for myself to my parent's distress. Now the place has been taken by the amenity kits which I always keep if I get the same in the airplane and travel class I am traveling by. The kits helps me to always remember the journey I had with the particular airlines.

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines is a 4-star airline today with a fleet of 274 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 268 destinations worldwide with 225 international and 43 domestic. Now the international guest amenity and hospitality specialist has announced the new luxury Amenity kits and Relax Sets, designed by the world famous design brands as JAGUAR, CERRUTI, BENTLEY, CHOPARD, INSTITUT KARITE and FURLA, together the universally recognized skincare brand. These unique products, specially designed for Turkish Airlines, are testament to the airline’s desire to offer its passengers a genuine high quality gift.

In order to present different models for our distinguished passengers, we are refreshing our Amenity Kits and Relax Sets concepts in this year. Therefore, Colors and types of kits will be revised in eighteenth month’s periods even so according to annual concepts. On long haul flights, we are serving four different models and brands for Business and Economy Class of each flight’s inbound and outbound.

Long Haul Business Class bags for Outbound - The Jaguar branded bag comes in a quality high tech material symbolizing the “grace, pace and space” of Jaguar cars. The technical aspect of the pouch is also represented in the re-use value of it as a tablet case or document holder. Detailing adds a touch of luxurious practicality to the bag. For example, the size of the bag can be expanded by undoing the zipper so that passengers can carry more or larger items. The bag also contains inner pouches (a pencil case and soft drawstring pouch) so that the comfort items and cosmetics can be organized and packaged beautifully. This is one of the best and can be used to carry a 7-8 inch tablet.

Long Haul Business Class bags for Inbound - The Cerruti branded bag is a fashionable bag made of a specifically developed leather-like material to create the sense of nonchalant chic which is typical for Cerruti. The heritage of the house of Cerruti is in textile and fashion. The design of the bag is elegant and simple, with a front flap which adds sophistication. It’s in a perfect size for passengers to reuse the bag as toiletry bag or to store personal items when travelling. Inside the bag is a variety of comfort items including cosmetics from ‘Institut Karite’ range with a high concentration of shea butter to hydrate the skin both during and after the flight. This one can easily become your shaving kit afterwards.

After eighteen month later, all BC Amenity Kits’ colors and types will be revised as BC AMENITY KIT LH (FURLA) for outbound and BC AMENITY KIT LH (BENTLEY) for inbound. With theirs high quality and creative design, all have been proven to be an excellent products that meet the highest expectations of Turkish Airlines passengers. I am looking forward to collect them all.

The Long Haul Economy Class bags - With respect to Economy Class in long haul two different kits ‘Chopard’ -for Outbound: YC & UC RELAX SET LH- and ‘Institut Karite’ -for Inbound: YC & UC RELAX SET LH (INSTITUT KARITE)-, each has a choice of different color, will be submitted to our economy class passengers.

The Short Haul Business Class bags - In addition to these exclusive Design Business LH Amenity Kits, special designed Amenity Kits Business passengers flight in short haul, four different kits Furla Bag with in two different shapes and sizes, Cerruti Bag with in two different shapes and size will be submitted.

All the new Relax Sets include a simple yet ingenious reversible eye-shade with ‘Do not disturb’ and ‘Wake me up to eat’ printed on each side. The discreet and re-usable kit also includes soft with non-skid rubber sole tube socks, comb/brush, foam earplugs, a dental kit and some cosmetic items, special branded.

These new travel Kits meet Turkish Airlines’ drive for quality and functionality requirements as well as promoting high quality design principles. It also helps the brand to increase their awareness as and when people re-use the products in their day to day life and usage. I have been buying and collecting a lot of items which are served only to business customers as those items are rare and not printed for general public. I simply adore them and have been instrumental in keeping my mp3 player, earphones, currency etc in my day to day use.

More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on www.turkishairlines.com. Follow them on facebook and twitter.

Cheers!!!

Monday, 10 August 2015

Product Review - @TomTom_SA Runner Cardio GPS Running #Watch

Hi Guys,

TomTom, a Dutch brand needs no introduction as it has been helping people navigate conveniently to their destination worldwide via their GPS devices. The company now wants to guide the way for those who are fitness enthusiasts and intend to go for long runs or are preparing for marathons or Ironman championships.

TomTom has introduced Runner Cardio GPS running watch which not only helps calculate the distance ran but also measures your heart beats using Heart rate monitor built in the watch. Heart rate monitoring is the most accurate means to understand how your body is responding to exercise. The watch uses the same technology to measure the optimal Heart rate zone. You just need to select a zone to match your training goal and always know whether you need to speed up or slowdown.This information really helps to keep you performing well and reserve your energy during the run. It helps you train in one of five intensity zones, depending on your goal.

TomTom Runner Cardio shows you real-time running information at a glance. Now you can track your distance, time, pace, speed and calories burnt as you run on an extra-large display (22x25mm) with resolution of 168 x 144 pixels and weighs only 63 grams. The strap looks really sporty and is 233mm long to wrap around most of the wrist sizes. Once you have wore this watch, there is no way you can lose the same.

TomTom Runner Cardio has an innovative technology to get accurate heart rate information without the need for a separate chest strap. Your heart rate is measured through a sensor in the watch that monitors changes in the blood flow in your wrist. This is done by shining light through the skin and detecting the changing light reflections. It's the same technology which we saw in FitBit Charge HR which I reviewed on my blog.

The running watch can be synced with your smartphone using the TomTom mySports mobile app available for both Android and iOS. Now you can track, analyze and share your stats on popular running sites using the apps. The watch has 4-way button on the lower portion of the strap which helps you navigate and setup the watch in your day to day usage.

The watch is specifically for people who are very much into running unlike Fitbit Charge HR which can be used as a watch or lifestyle band also. TomTom Runner Cardio has bluetooth connectivity along with the GPS + Glonass which uses the TomTom QuickGPSfix to quickly connect.

TomTom Runner Cardio has built in alarm and the battery gives you around 8-10 hours of battery life. The watch can be charged using the special cable which comes packaged in the box. Also the watch is waterproof upto a level of 50m (5ATM). I found the watch to be a niche product for daily runners/joggers and those who wants to take this hobby or health regime further into a serious side.

TomTom Runner Cardio is available at around R2700-3300 at Takealot.com and other electronics stores around the country. Go for the same as it has a lot of features that only runners can acknowledge and understand making their run enjoyable. Follow TomTom on twitter and facebook

Cheers!!!

Friday, 7 August 2015

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Aug 2014 (500th Post)

Hi Guys,

August is the month when you start planning big things for yourself as the weather changes and it renews your resolutions to go into full bloom. This is my 500th post on my blog The Life's Way and it's been a journey of more than 33 months now. My blog has reached a place where I wanted it to be but still a lot of work needs to be done daily on the same. I hope to reach 650 posts by the end of this year which seems like a difficult task but let's see and start aiming towards the same!

Last Year, August in Johannesburg was very cold as compared to this year's winters weather. I started this series of posts last year in the month of August only and it really gives a perspective as to what you was thinking and where were you with your blog.

1. NDTV Rising Stars of Comedy -

http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/08/ndtv-prime-rising-stars-of-comedy.html

http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/08/ndtv-prime-bottom-line-with-east-india.html

http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/08/ndtv-prime-rising-stars-meets-their.html

Last year, I came across this unique concept of NDTV Prime #workhardplayhard where they divided the news channel into comedy series of shows after the prime time slots. Some of the standup comedians are really great and the other series in which news are told in a funny way was awesome to watch! Do check them out as they have some great episodes on their youtube channel.

2. Product Review - Kinivo ZX-100 Portable Speaker - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/08/product-review-kinivo-zx-100-portable.html - Kinivo has been a brand which is closer to my heart as I am using their products a lot for my day-to-day usage. Their products are great and build quality is worth its value. This small speaker is very good and always stays with me offering great entertainment at all times.

3. Launch Event - Disney On Ice @Coca Cola Dome Johannesburg - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/08/launch-event-disney-on-ice-coca-cola.html - Dinsey Africa doesn't need any introduction and Disney on Ice is a unique extravaganza that happens once every year. Last year show was my first time ever and this year also it was awesome. Do keep an eye on the next years show and book your tickets in the front rows.

4. Product Review - Nokia Lumia 720 + Wireless Cover + Wireless Charger - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/08/product-review-nokia-lumia-720-wireless.html - I bought this phone and gifted it to my parents. My mom likes the phone and is using the same for sharing photographs and messages on whatsapp. It took time for her to learn the same but now she is happy with the same.

5. Product Review - Lowepro CompuDay Photo 150 - Messenger Bag - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/08/product-review-lowepro-compuday-photo.html - I was looking for a Camera bagpack but came across this unique messenger bag from Lowepro which can hold a camera on its side along with the laptop and tablet. I never took the bag to the field but now my dad has taken the same to Australia and I hope it will be useful to him on his 6 month long trip.

Along with all these posts, I did a lot of movie reviews and other posts also. Overall, it was a great month and I really enjoyed myself with the new camera NX300 Samsung that I had during that time.

Cheers!!!