@Lenovo_Africa Grows In #Smartphone Market Despite Industry Decline #Quarter Results

Hi Guys,

Lenovo Group (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) announced results for its first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2016. Quarterly revenue was US$10.1 billion, a six percent decrease year-over-year (or four percent decrease in constant currency). Quarter-to-quarter, this represented a 10 percent increase. First quarter pre-tax income increased 297 percent year-over-year to US$206 million. Net income increased 64 percent year-over-year to US$173 million. Lenovo’s first quarter financial performance occurred during a period when the core markets saw either slow growth or year-over-year industry declines: PCs were down 4.1 percent and tablet shipments fell 11.1 percent, while server industry shipments were essentially flat with smartphone markets growing 0.7 percent. At the same time, the RMB continued its depreciation, capping overall growth potential during the quarter. 

“Although the macro-economy and our industries remain challenging, causing a decline in our revenue, we significantly improved our profit year-on-year through innovative products and strong execution. Our PC business delivered strong profits and our smartphone business stabilized compared to last quarter,” said Yuanqing Yang, Chairman and CEO of Lenovo. “Going forward, in PCs we will focus on high growth segments and leverage industry consolidation to resume growth. In smartphones, we will leverage innovative, differentiated products and continue to shift to higher price bands to drive growth and turn around this business. In data centers, we will continue to expand in hyperconverged technology, and improve profitability in the hyperscale business.”

The Company’s gross profit for the first fiscal quarter decreased 7 percent year-over-year to US$1.5 billion, with gross margin at 15.3 percent. Operating PTI for the quarter increased 97 percent year-over-year to US$281 million. Basic earnings per share for the first fiscal quarter was 1.57 US cents, or 12.19 HK cents. Net debt as of June 30, 2016, totaled US$1.2 billion.

Business Group Overview
In the PC and Smart Device Business Group, or PCSD, which includes PCs and tablets, Lenovo’s quarterly sales were US$7 billion, down seven percent year-over-year. Pre-tax income was US$370 million, an increase of 2.4 percent year-over-year. Pre-tax income margin was strong at 5.3 percent, improving 0.5 points year-over-year, aided by good margins in China and increased profitability of the Latin America and Brazil PC businesses. Lenovo remained #1 worldwide for the 13th consecutive quarter with 21.1 percent market share, with gains in every geography except EMEA. It shipped 13.2 million PCs in the quarter, a 2.3 percent decline, which represented a 1.8 point premium to the overall market, which saw a 4.1 percent decline. The tablet business was profitable with a double-digit growth premium to market. Lenovo continues to make steady progress towards its goal of achieving 30 percent worldwide PC market share.

In the Mobile Business Group, or MBG, which includes products from Motorola and Lenovo-branded mobile phones, Lenovo quarterly sales were US$1.7 billion, down 6 percent year-over-year, but nearly flat in constant currency. MBG’s total pre-tax loss was US$206 million, with a pre-tax profit margin of negative 12.1 percent. The transition to higher priced products drove pre-tax profit margin up 2.9 points year-over-year.

In mainstream price bands, MBG is streamlining costs and expenses, while at the high end it is focusing on innovation. Overall, the group is strengthening its cohesiveness and building a more consistent culture within its global team. With the enhanced product portfolio that includes Moto Z and Moto Mods and further expanding channels in China, the Mobile business is making steady progress.

In the Data Center Business Group, or DCG, which includes servers, storage, software and services sold under both the Lenovo ThinkServer and the System x brands, sales were US$1.1 billion, up 1 percent. DCG's reported PTI – which included non-cash, M&A-related accounting charges – was negative US$64 million with a pre-tax profit margin of negative 5.9 percent. DCG continues to face stiff challenges in mature markets, but it strengthened its #1 market share position in China, increasing revenue 14 percent year-over-year, driven by growth in the hyperscale business. DCG’s global accounts sales group, which services Fortune 500 clients, saw a 45 percent year-over-year increase in revenue, driven by a significant increase in customers who had not previously purchased from Lenovo.

DCG will deploy strategic investments in sales force capabilities, marketing, channel programs and portfolio partners to drive future growth opportunities, while improving its financial footing with better cost competitiveness and an increased attach rate of storage, networking, services and options.

Geographic Overview
In China, consolidated sales in the first fiscal quarter, declined 9.8 percent year-over-year to US$2.9 billion, accounting for 28.4 percent of the Company’s worldwide sales. Pre-tax profit margins were flat at 4.8 percent amidst softening PC demand. The mobile business is successfully shifting the portfolio to higher price bands and improving user experiences, while the successful launch of the ZUK Z2 model received good initial market feedback. China data center revenues grew at 14 percent year-over-year – a premium to the market – supported by growth from hyperscale and contributions from the new partnership approach.

In the Asia Pacific region, Lenovo achieved sales of US$1.7 billion, or 16.7 percent of Lenovo’s worldwide sales, while pre-tax profit margins were down 1.2 points to 1 percent, mainly due to contraction in the Japan PC market and the impact of currency fluctuation. The Asia Pacific business saw continued PC market share gains, up 0.4 points to reach 16.4 percent. The mobile business outgrew the market in key countries, including India and Indonesia, while the data center group continues to work on improving profitability. New leadership and business management systems in the data center business delivered stable revenues.

Lenovo in Europe, Middle East & Africa had consolidated sales in the first quarter of US$2.5 billion, a year-over-year decline of 7.3 percent driven by a mix of operational and macroeconomic challenges. EMEA accounted for 24.5 percent of Lenovo’s total worldwide sales. Pre-tax profit margin was negative 2 percent, a decrease of 3.5 points year-over-year. In PCs, the Company took action to improve channel inventory to address challenging conditions and return to future growth. Mobile saw traction over the previous quarter as a result of new products coming to market. The data center business remained challenging with a year-over-year revenue and margin decline.

In the Americas, Lenovo saw consolidated sales decline 6.6 percent year-over-year to approximately US$3 billion in the first quarter, driven by the product transition in the mobile business. This represented 30.4 percent of Lenovo’s total worldwide sales. PC market share was up 1.4 points year-over-year to 14.4 percent, driven by strong growth in North America and improvement in Latin America, especially Brazil. Mobile shipments declined in North America due to product transition, but stabilized in Latin America. The data center business worked on building the right sales model, while strong competition put pressure on the business.
* see IDC data 2Q 2016

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $45 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode YOGA brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Motorola brand), tablets and apps. Join on LinkedIn, follow on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit at www.lenovo.com.

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All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

Celebrating the Top #Women #WineMakers @Cybercellar

Hi Guys,

Women winemakers are without doubt making major strides in producing some of the best wines in the country. From making the news headlines to clinching top awards and recognition for their wines internationally, our women winemakers are standing tall next to their male counterparts. CyberCellar.com have compiled a list of some of their favourite female winemakers to watch:

Andrea Mullineux - Mullineux Family Vineyards (Cape Winemakers Guild Member) 

Andrea, also a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, moved from the US to South Africa in 2004 from the famous Napa Valley. Born and bred in San Francisco, Andrea had studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC Davis and gained all of her experience at Cakebread, Viader and El Molino wineries. She began her South African journey with six months at Waterford Estate. It was during a trip to Chateauneuf that she met her husband, Chris, at a wine festival in Champagne. Her passion for South Africa, Chris and being in the cellar brought her back to the country and Mullineux Family wines was born in the Swartland. Andrea focuses specifically on dry farmed Mediterranean varieties and insists on it being produced as naturally and classically as possible. She is passionate about harvest and aims to one day win the Pichon Longeville Comtesse Laland trophy.

Rianie Strydom - Haskell Vineyards (Cape Winemakers Guild Member)
Rianie, a member of the esteemed Cape Winemakers Guild, has travelled extensively through Europe, America and Australia to soak in as many foreign processes as she could. A graduate from the University of Stellenbosch, she began her career working in Burgundy in 1996, followed by moving to St Emilion, Bordeaux, in 1998. After ten years as the winemaker at Morgenhof Estate, Rianie took up the mantle of General Manager and winemaker at Haskell and Dombeya Wines in 2004. Rianie combines her love for science and nature in her winemaking and pours her passion into making distinctive, elegant wines that are totally unforgettable but yet still affordable. She has judged various wine shows and is passionate about improving South African wine.

Ntsiki Biyela - Stellekaya Wines

Ntsiki, the first black female winemaker in South Africa, entered the wine industry by chance. Before earning her scholarship at the University of Stellenbosch and making the move to Cape Town to study Oenology, she had never tasted wine. Nevertheless, she excelled and settled at Stellekaya in 2004 as the resident winemaker. After her first production, she took a bottle back home to show her grandmother who wasn’t too impressed by the taste of it, but was incredibly proud of her granddaughter who was clearly making major leaps and bounds in the industry. Stellekaya, a small boutique winery, has received various international awards thanks to Ntsiki’s genius. She has won the Landbouweekblad Woman Winemaker of the Year and currently judges various wine competitions. She has just come back from the US where she was a part of an African Women Entrepreneurship Programme. Her next step is establishing herself as an independent winemaker.

Marelise Nieman - Momento Wines
Marelise started her illustrious career in 2007 at Beaumont Wines in Bot River as the estate’s assistant winemaker. During these years, she spent a lot of time travelling and completing internships abroad in Burgundy (France), Priorat (Spain), Duro (Portugal) and Rhône (France). In 2011, she started her own label called Momento. Marelise searches for the perfect fruit and method combination, uses a gentle hands-off approach to the making of her wine and injects as much passion as she can muster into the creation of her passion. She is passionate about the uniqueness of the South African soils and vines, and trying out new and different methods of winemaking, such as open concrete tanks, whole bunches and natural yeasts.

Erica Obermeyer - Graham Beck 

Entrenched in a childhood belief of doing whatever you do to the best of your ability, Erica has led Graham Beck into award-winning status on more than occasion. Her first harvest in fact, which she claims to be her pride and joy, produced the Pheasants Run Sauvignon Blanc in 2005. This wine remains to be the only one featured in the Wine Magazines Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 Awards since 2007. Her Ad Honorem earned a five-star Platter rating as well as landed her the title of the Landbouweekblad South African Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2008. She began her career in 1999 at Kleine Zalze, where she worked for five years with trips to France, America and Australia. She joined Graham Beck in 2005, a few days before harvest and took over the terroir insisting on getting to know it like the back of her hand. She describes her style as elegant, earthy yet touched with finesse. She makes use of the old world elegance of wine making and delicately pairs it with new world fruit, styles and sunshine.

For more information, visit www.cybercellar.com

 

Cheers!!!

 

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

@SamsungSA Welcomes New #BrandAmbassadors Across Product Categories

Hi Guys,

Samsung South Africa has announced five new celebrity Brand Ambassadors who epitomise Samsung ideals and characteristics across a range of product categories.

“At Samsung, excellence and innovation are key and we believe these local ambassadors embody our corporate identity in appearance, demeanour, values and voice,” says Michelle Potgieter, Director of Brand and Communications at Samsung SA.

The five new Brand Ambassadors include Olympic swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, actor and TV presenter Maps Maponyane, celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, renowned Afrikaans singer and actor Bobby van Jaarsveld and former Miss South Africa and businesswoman Jo-Ann Strauss. “These Brand Ambassadors are all leaders in their respective fields and Samsung South Africa is proud to be associated with them,” says Potgieter. 

Samsung is specifically partnering with these five individuals because of their qualities that are embroiled in the company’s character. Each of these Brand Ambassadors are also highly respected and just as Samsung, enjoy an outstanding reputation - an ideal fit with the brand.

Swimmer Cameron van der Burgh, is an exceptional athlete. He combines top performance in his sports with elegance and power and represents precision and excellence in the Samsung TV and audio-visual categories. As an Olympic gold medallist and budding businessman, Van der Burgh perfectly suits the Samsung Television and audio-visual image. “Like me, Samsung puts a lot of effort into being the best and staying ahead of competitors,” says Van den Burg.

Maps Maponyane, representing pioneering style in the Samsung integrated mobility and wearables category, is an actor, presenter and entrepreneur and has been voted GQ’s Best Dressed Man and Cosmopolitan Magazine's SA’s Sexiest Man. “I’m proud to be a Samsung Brand Ambassador,” he says, “because Samsung is all about engineering excellence and style.”

Award-winning celebrity chef and restaurateur Reuben Riffel, has an incredible talent and a genuine passion for food. Being a chef keeps him constantly on the go in the kitchen, managing his restaurants and consistently pushing the boundaries of possibility in his field. These qualities ad his relentless innovation and sense of discovery makes Riffel the ideal person to represent Samsung’s cooking appliances category. “Samsung constantly surprises and delights with quality and originality that raises the bar in the consumer technology space. In my book they are leaders in this market,” Riffel says.

Bobby van Jaarsveld, representing innovation and creativity in the Samsung integrated mobility and wearables category, is known as a dynamic, creative singer, songwriter and actor. He says: “Samsung believes in technology that supports creativity on the go and enables work and play easily and reliably, something I, as a musician, is always in need of.”

Jo-Ann Strauss, epitomising multi-functionality and sophistication in the Samsung Business-to-Business (B2B) category, is a businesswoman, model, former Miss South Africa, a mother as well as a champion for children’s rights. Her ability to successfully manage various vocations and projects effortlessly sets her firmly in place to represent the Samsung B2B business unit. “I’m proud to be a Samsung ambassador, because Samsung offers businesses solutions that not only makes these organisations more productive and successful, but also holds children’s rights and socio-economic development through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects close to its heart,” she says.

“Samsung stands for innovation, excellence and the freedom to work smarter, live better and create a greener tomorrow. Our new local ambassadors exemplify these core values. We are a global and local leader in Consumer Electronics and Mobile Products and in our constant pursuit to lead, we are helping to make this possible for our customers,” concludes Potgieter.

Cheers!!!

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

@SamsungSA #MixedTalents Competition #Winners Beat the Dragon’s Den

Hi Guys,

Samsung Electronics South Africa is proud to announce that three exceptional young entrepreneurs have triumphed in the company’s Launching People - Mixed Talents competition. Ten finalists undertook a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style grilling at the hands of six judges, to determine the winners, who received funding as well as other business support tools and services.

After undergoing a series of pitching their various concepts to the judges - Michelle Potgieter, Director for Brand and Communications at Samsung South Africa; Lisa Illingworth, Entrepreneurial Host and Journalist at Hot 91.9 FM; Ian Wright, Founder of METIME; GG van Rooyen, Deputy Editor of Entrepreneur Magazine; Fahmeeda Cassim-Surtee, Director of DStv Sales and Marketing; as well as Garth Gaffley, Owner of Garth Gaffley Consulting and Mixed Talents – three winners were ultimately chosen.

Kyle Dodds’ Cognition Online, which has developed an application designed for the tutoring industry and enables tutors, parents and students connect was the first winner announced. They were followed by Neo Hutiri’s Technovera Lockers, a smart locker designed to enable chronic patients to obtain their medicines securely, without having to wait in queues. The final winner was a mobile child safety seat designed by Trenton Carr.

According to Potgieter, the Mixed Talents initiative was born of a desire to have a positive impact on the high youth unemployment rate in the country.

“The Mixed Talents competition and Ideas Bank tool were designed to provide entrepreneurial youngsters with a forum to adequately express their ideas. Part of the global Samsung Launching People initiative, Mixed Talents offers local South African millennials a platform through which they can turn their entrepreneurial ideas into a reality. The ultimate goal is to make a real impact in youth unemployment in South Africa,” she says.

The three winners will each receive R50 000 in start-up capital, as well as access to over R 300 000 worth of invaluable business support tools from Samsung’s partners. This includes serviced office space for each organisation through Work Central and world-class coaching through Winning Edge.

“This is the second time we have created a platform for three entrepreneurs to take their business ideas to the next level through the Mixed Talents competition and the strength of the entries was even greater than during the previous wave. It is really exciting to see just how talented young South African minds are and how many unique ideas they have. It is important that corporates get behind start-ups like these and we would like to encourage other organisations to get actively involved in developing this type of entrepreneurship.”

According to Potgieter, the biggest take away from tonight for other young thought leaders is that if you have a vision, follow it through with passion and make it come true. To South African millennials, she adds that they have to follow their dreams and the Ideas Bank is still available to them as a tool to do so. “This is a means to help you launch your business and make your particular dream come true,” concludes Potgieter.

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@TelkomZA Customers to Receive Superior e-learning Service @ExtramarksEdu

Hi Guys,

Telkom announced it will offer Telkom e-Education, a new value-added e-learning service at no charge to existing and new mobile and fixed post-paid customers.

The online service, provided by Extramarks, is the most structured and interactive of its kind currently in the marketplace. It covers English, Life Science, Physical Science, Natural Science and Maths from Grade R to matric and is structured into multimedia-rich ‘Learn’, ‘Practice’ and ‘Test’ modules.

The Extramarks’ offering is aligned to the official school curriculum in South Africa, and offers live chat functionality for additional assistance. The learners also benefit from other services such as daily study schedule, group study, progress tracking and mentor-guided learning.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with Extramarks to offer this service to our customers. This collaboration shows that we are committed to providing quality products which are easy to use and give extra value to customers,” said Attila Vitai, CEO of Telkom Retail.

“Today’s generation of learners have a natural flair for technology devices such as tablets. It is time we transform their digital instincts into providing anytime-anywhere access to quality education. Our collaboration with Telkom will help us achieve this objective,” said Tanay Kulshreshtha, Country Head of Extramarks South Africa.

Qualifying customers will receive an SMS with a voucher number and a link to the Extramarks website. They will have to register on the Extramarks website in order to access education content, and can use their Telkom data to do so.

Extramarks is a new-age digital learning solutions company that provides the best of pedagogy and technology to create an engaging and child-centric teaching-learning environment in classrooms and at home. It offers 360o education support to learners and teachers of Grades R to 12 through CAPS-aligned digital learning solutions. These learning solutions are used by schools for day-to-day classroom teaching and the learners use them at home after school hours in self-learning mode.

Keeping pace with today’s globalisation and technological changes in education, Extramarks empowers young learners to step up with the latest technology and have anytime-anywhere access to quality learning. Globally, Extramarks has become extremely popular with over 8 000 schools and 9.1 million learners adopting its digital learning solutions in South Africa, India, South East Asia and the Middle East. For more information, visit: www.extramarks.co.za

Cheers!!!

 

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

If ‘Gandhi’ Was Made In #2016 @ZeeClassic #Movies #Remakes

Hi Guys,

With its proposition of 'Woh Zamaana Kare Deewana', Zee Classic is India's only Hindi movie channel that endeavors to recreate the magic of iconic classics and new age cinema by showcasing not just the films that shaped Indian cinema but also acquaint viewers with the creative talent who were a part of that timeless era. In order to mark the occasion of India’s 70th year of independence, Zee Classic premieres One of the most iconic films of all times, Gandhi (1982) was produced and directed by Richard Attenborough and written by John Briley. Starring Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, Edward Fox, Roshan Seth, amongst others. The story is that of an Indian lawyer who returned from racially segregated South Africa to drive the British out of his home country through successive acts of non-violent protest. The portrayal of how simplicity and the power collectivism can throw over a whole British empire bringing them to their knees.

As Zee Classic gears up to premiere ‘Gandhi', this Saturday, on 13th August at 8 PM in ‘India’s Finest Films’ and on Monday, 15th August at 9:30 AM, we wonder who would be a part of this classic if it was to be re-made in 2016!

Director
1982 : Sir Richard Attenborough had the ability and talent to accommodate a person’s entire lifespan in a couple of hours. He did a phenomenal job right from the research to bringing alive the legacy of the father of our nation on big screen.
2016: Ashutosh Gowarikar known for his love for historical films and bringing lost eras to life with Lagaan, Jodha Akbar and Swadesh, is undoubtedly our choice to direct this film today.

Mahatma Gandhi

1982: Ben Kingsley played the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the movie.
2016: Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan is the man for the job. Known for his chameleon skills to adapt to various roles and characters combined with his attention to detail, Aamir Khan should play the role of our beloved Baapu.

Kasturba Gandhi

1982: Rohini Hoattangadi, beautifully portrayed Kasturba Gandhi, wife of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
2016: Kajol, one of India’s most acclaimed actresses can easily pull off the role of Baa.

General Dyer

1982: Edward Fox is etched in our minds as the dreadful and shrewd General Dyer who was hated by all for his infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
2016: Tom Alter with his international looks and versatile talent can be General Dyer in ‘Gandhi’.

Jawahar Lal Nehru
1982: Roshan Seth played the role of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to perfection.
2016: The Nawab of Bollywood, Saif Ali Khan wins hands down with his charming royal looks.
 

Sardar Patel
1982: Saeed Jaffery pulled off the role of The Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel flawlessly.

2016: Paresh Rawal’s known for his diverse character roles makes him our choice to play the part.

Mohammad Ali Jinnah
1982: Alyque Padamsee brought to life an important historic figure, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, popularly known as the father of Pakistan in history
2016: Irrfan Khan, a global Indian will surely cut ice in this role.

Lord Mountbatten

1982: Peter Harlowe played the part with the sternness of a bureaucrat and an attitude on his face.
2016: The suave, Rajat Kapoor has our vote to play the last viceroy of the British Indian Empire.

I am sure when you will see the movie on the television on these dates, you will certainly feel that these are some of the right choices that can help us recreate Gandhi in 2016. If you find someone more interesting to play the other roles, do comment and let's relive that era once again! Whether it was 1982 or 2016, the story of the man who brought India independence needs to be told and needs to be heard! And we are celebrating our 70th Independence Day right on 15 August 2016 this year.

Tune-in to Zee Classic to watch Richard Attenborough directed ‘Gandhi’ on this Saturday, 13th August at 8 PM and Monday, 15th August at 9:30 AM. Follow Zee Classic on twitter and facebook.

 

Cheers!!! 

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

Mythos Launches Bespoke #Restaurant: #Nostimo Waterfall Estate #Johannesburg

Hi Guys,

Family-run eatery Mythos launches its brand new bespoke restaurant in Waterfall Estate, combining its popular contemporary Greek cuisine with a family-friendly focus, making it the ideal venue for a quick weekday bite or a leisurely Sunday lunch with the whole family.

Nostimo, meaning “tasty” in Greek, has something for everyone - a strong family focus with features that include a pottery studio, nature-themed kids play area complete with an organic playground. In addition to its exclusive Mediterranean recipes, Nostimo will be serving freshly baked artisanal bread, piping hot pizza fresh from their new wood burning oven and a variety of luxury, homemade ice creams.

The contemporary, barn-style structure overlooks the latest Keith Kirsten venture, the Waterfall Wilds Nursery. Quality is paramount, evidenced in the development of the children’s area. While visiting the restaurant, children can be entertained on the organic playground facility, which has been designed to solely incorporate natural materials.

“In conceiving Nostimo, we’ve taken the best of Mythos and added additional elements to create a unique dining experience in an exceptional contemporary setting. Design-wise it speaks to the sophisticated diner but is equally welcoming for families or a romantic interlude,” says George Kutra, owner of Mythos. “Uppermost for us is to ensure that the Greek passion for life, beauty and food, which is so central to our culture, is strongly reflected in the Mythos brand, and we know that customers will experience all this and more at Nostimo.”

You can find Nostimo at Waterfall Wilds on the corner of Maxwell Drive and Country Estate Drive. For more information call 011 517 2349. 

Cheers!!!

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

#BeoVision14 Picture Perfect HD TV @BangOlufsenSA #LikeNoOneElse #Craftsmanship

Hi Guys,

Televisions do not come more beautiful than this. The delicately crafted oak wood lamellas on the front create a warm organic contrast to the dark cool glass panel and the square aluminium frame that encloses all sounds and visions with clean precision. The new 4K Ultra HD TV honours the iconic design tradition and craftsmanship of Bang and Olufsen. BeoVision 14 presents a timeless elegance that matches its supreme sound, perfect picture and advanced connectivity options.

Anti-reflection glass and optimized images
BeoVison 14 comes with a 40- or 55-inch LED-based LCD screen with anti-reflection front glass, which dampens disturbing reflections with more than 98%. Furthermore, the TV includes sophisticated technologies to ensure optimum image and sound, whether you are watching films, listening to music or playing games.

Powerful sound and delicate craftsmanship
The construction of the ultra-thin oak wood lamellas that cover the three-way custom build speaker of BeoVision 14 requires extraordinary precision work that stretches the limits of the material and only the finest flawless oak will do. The warm wooden ambience of the speaker cover draws upon acoustic learnings from the iconic BeoLab 18 loudspeaker that displays similar oak lamellas.

Easy access to your most loved content
BeoVision 14 is powered by the Android TVÔ platform, which provides fast, and easy access to an endless amount of web based content and exciting apps for entertainment, news and gaming.

The integrated Google Cast technology enables streaming of movies, photos and music straight from the mobile phone or tablet at the touch of a single button. BeoVision 14 also handles new formats such as HEVC, which allows streaming of 4K content directly from online sources.

One-touch BeoLink Multiroom
BeoVision 14 will of course integrate seamlessly with all the other BeoLink Multiroom products from Bang and Olufsen.

Simultaneously with the launch of BeoVision 14 Bang and Olufsen introduces a new version of the iconic BeoRemote One. The new BeoRemote One Bluetooth presents a button layout that includes four MyButtons that allows to take a snapshot of a setting and then revert to the exact same at the touch of just one button.

Enjoy BeoVision 14 – any way you want it
The new iconic TV from Bang and Olufsen offers total freedom in terms of placement options. Choose a motorised floor stand for intelligent adjustability using only the remote control, hang the TV on the wall like a work of art – left or right hinged, or place it casually leaned back on a fixed easel stand.As an alternative to oak lamellas, cloth fronts are available in multiple colours to customise the appearance of BeoVision 14 to your interior décor.

BeoVision 14 will be available in Bang and Olufsen stores from end September at the below recommended retail prices – excluding a motorised stand, easel or wall bracket.

BeoVision 14, 40” w/oak Lamella and Easel stand: R 145 000, 00
BeoVision 14, 55” w/oak Lamella and Easel stand: R 199 900, 00 

Cheers!!!

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

South Africa’s oldest #eCommerce Site Is 18 years Young @Cybercellar #Wine

Hi Guys,

Cybercellar.com, the oldest eCommerce company in South Africa, is officially of legal drinking age as it celebrates its 18th birthday. Founded in 1998 by Fiona Phillips, the company has established itself as the spirited leader in online alcohol sales in the country. By developing close connections with the wine industry, and surrounding themselves with wine experts, the company has taken dominance of the online wine retail industry by offering a unique experience to the customer and by bringing happy hour right to their door.

Cybercellar.com started making its presence felt in South Africa around the same time that the internet started gaining momentum. David Muller, current MD, bought the business over in 2012 along with Silvertree Investment Holdings and began building up the company from its base. He has always claimed that “You don’t choose the wine industry, the wine industry chooses you,” and he took this belief straight into the core of the business.

David’s vision was to move the company past the usual tradition that included purchasing a case of wine online and having it delivered to the address listed. His vision forced him to ask himself the essential question “How would I buy wine online?” and his answers led him to rerouting the strategy of the company. He insisted that customers were more interested in having their alcohol needs fulfilled instantaneously and moved to create a situation where customer could:

• Buy mixed cases instead of 6 bottles of the same wine
• Have a quicker and more efficient delivery time
• Receive better prices and get great deals on wines
• Have a generally better experience with the company and feel personally looked after

It was for this reason that Cybercellar.com introduced the non-wine products to the site. It began with craft beer and whiskeys in February 2015, opened up to accessories in July 2015 and eventually started including all non-wine alcohols and mixers by November of the same year. Suddenly the customer could order their full alcohol list online and have it delivered straight to their door. Whether it be for the rugby game happening over the weekend, a dinner party, or the monthly shop; customers were now spending more time on the site, picking and choosing from the great deals offered to them on their favourite beers, wines, spirits and accessories .

Gavin Forsyth, Chief Marketing Officer of Cybercellar, has had a strong background in the eCommerce industry and has built his career around ensuring the online customer keeps coming back for more. No longer is online shopping merely just a luxury, it is now becoming a part of daily life. He states that “A key challenge for eCommerce sites is not only competing for wallet share with other eCommerce sites, but the traditional brick & mortar store too”.

According to Gavin the success of Cybercellar lies in the effortlessness of buying online and having your product delivered. This, together with the fact that the site offers great deals, monthly specials and unique wines that one cannot easily find in your local shop. The site also features great investment wines and absolute ‘must haves’ like the Meerlust Rubicon and Vin De Constance from Klein Constantia, which is a simple click away and within a few days, you can be the proud new owner of these legendary wines. For more information on Cybercellar.com, follow them on twitter and facebook.

 

Cheers!!!

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

@HuaweiZA Outperforms The #Smartphone Industry #Financial Results #HY2016

Hi Guys,

Huawei Consumer Business Group announced its 2016 half year financial results: Sales revenue in the first half of 2016 increased by 41% year-on-year to USD $11.6 billion. Smartphone shipments stood at 60.56 million, a year-on-year increase of 25%. According to IDC, global smartphone shipments in the first half of 2016 increased by just 3.1%, indicating that Huawei’s growth has significantly outperformed the market.

Huawei Consumer Business Group Chief Executive Officer Richard Yu said, “We saw particularly fast growth in traditionally high-end smartphone markets such as Europe and emerging markets including North Africa, Central Asia and Latin America.”

“We have continued to maintain healthy growth within the highly competitive smartphone market, which is testament to Huawei’s long-term commitment to innovation, anticipation of consumer trend and dual strategy of focusing on both domestic and international markets. Looking to the future, we will continue to work with our industry partners to offer consumers excellent levels of service and develop innovative new products that combine technology, quality and style.”

Optimized revenue structure sees overseas growth surpassing domestic growth
In the first half of 2016, Huawei Consumer Business Group further optimized its revenue structure, resulting in overseas markets seeing 1.6x faster growth growth than that of in mainland China. According to GFK, by the end of May 2016, Huawei’s share of the global smartphone market reached 11.4%[1]. Among the USD $500-$600 smartphone range, Huawei’s share share increased by 10%[2].

Particularly strong results were recorded in European smartphone markets as well as significant breakthroughs in the high-end market. According to GFK, Huawei’s smartphone market share has reached over 15% in some European countries. In the traditionally high-end market, such as UK, Germany and France, Huawei has achieved breakthrough in high-end market as well.

In key countries from North Africa and South Pacific, Huawei saw significant market share growth. In Egypt, Huawei’s smartphone market share has reached over 20%. While in South Africa, Hauwei has grown by 38% when compared to the same period last year (January to May 2016) according to GFK.

“Following European trends our growth has largely been in the G, P and M series in the $200 -$700 price band. We will continue to innovate at the high end and capture premium users says Charlene Munilall, GM of Huawei Consumer Business Group South Africa.

Strong sales growth was also achieved in emerging markets in Latin America and Central Asia where in some countries, Huawei’s year-on-year smartphone sales have doubled.

In China, Huawei continued to cement itself as the industry leader with a smartphone market share of 18.6% according to GFK report in June.

Huawei is focusing on meaningful innovation
Having consistently demonstrated significant sales growth, Huawei Consumer Business Group continues to show a deep commitment to innovation in research and development from its R and D centers around the world, alongside repeated breakthroughs with its products, channels and brands.

Huawei’s flagship products, such as the P9, Mate 8, Honor V8 and MateBook, have been well-received by consumers worldwide. Sales volume of the Mate 8 increased by 65% when compared with sales of the Mate 7 during the same period in 2015. Furthermore, 4.5 million P9 and P9 Plus devices have also been sold, of which the number of devices sold internationally increased by 120% when compared with sales of the P8 during the same period in 2015. MateBook, Huawei’s first 2-in-1 notebook product, has been made available in many countries worldwide and it is expected to be available in the Middle East Africa by the third quarter of 2016.

Huawei Consumer Business Group continues to uphold its strategic commitments worldwide. As of May 2016, there were 35,000 retail stores around the world offering Huawei products, an increase of 116% on the same period last year. And according to GFK, Huawei global shops coverage has reached about 150 thousand globally.

Additionally, Huawei is continuing to emphasize the importance of their customer service offering. With 394 service centers located around the world and 21 across the MEA region including the newly opened Kuwait, Qatar and flagship UAE centers, customers are ensured quality, direct and transparent communication with Huawei.

The brand has endeavored to continue investing marketing resources in sports, lifestyle, fashion and entertainment, amongst other categories, which helps to bring the brand to life and connect with consumers across the globe, increasing awareness and recognition of Huawei worldwide. Huawei also continues to work with many market-leading partners including Leica, Swarovski, Harman Kardon, Audi, Google, Microsoft and Intel, amongst others, to offer consumers advanced industry innovation.

In 2016, Huawei was once again named in the BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands. Huawei’s value of US$18,652 billion saw the brand leap from 70th position in 2015 to 50th in 2016.

Huawei is well-positioned to continue its presence in the smartphone, wearable, smart home and cloud markets, becoming itself into an end-to-end solutions and platform service provider, and offering consumers a more convenient and intelligent way to connect their lives.
[1] Source: GFK, May
[2] Source: GFK, June

Cheers!!!

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

@SamsungSA Unveils New #GalaxyNote7 Intelligent #Smartphone that Thinks Big

Hi Guys,


Samsung Electronics South Africa continues to drive the smartphone market with the Galaxy Note7 by building on the company’s category-defining leadership with innovative features that set a new standard for large-screen devices. The Note7 is the gateway to a Galaxy of possibilities with the most advanced security features and S Pen capabilities.

“The Galaxy Note7 combines productivity and entertainment, with strong security features. The device strikes a balance between work and play, enabling people to achieve more than what they thought possible on a smartphone. Powering a robust ecosystem, it is the ideal device for those who want to achieve more in life,” says Craige Fleischer, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

With refined craftsmanship, premium materials and a unique, symmetrical edge design, the Galaxy Note7 features:

• Top-of-the-line security that combines Samsung Knox with biometric authentication including a new iris scanning feature;
• A water resistant body and S Pen (IP68)*; and
• Immersive entertainment features with HDR video streaming capabilities.

Advanced Security: Now in the Blink of an Eye
Samsung understands the importance of keeping content on users’ phones protected. Coupled with Samsung Knox, an industry-leading security platform, the Galaxy Note7 provides heightened security and privacy, with highly advanced biometric authentication, including fingerprint scanner and iris scanning technology. The Galaxy Note7 offers more authentication options that can be used interchangeably depending on how people use their phones, no matter where they are or what they are doing.

The Galaxy Note7 instils a new level of user confidence with Secure Folder, a separated folder that adds an extra layer of authentication to keep private and personal information safe.

Galaxy Note7 S Pen: Quickly and Easily Bring Ideas to Life
The enhanced 7th generation S Pen is more than just a writing tool – it is the gateway to getting more done efficiently and accurately. Users can bring ideas to life the moment inspiration strikes without unlocking the screen by using Screen off memo and simply pinning the memo to the Always On Display. The S Pen gives users the ability to easily create and share. Access the best of the S Pen’s creative abilities with Samsung Notes, a new unified app allowing users to make handwritten notes, draw, or edit memos from one location.

The new S Pen writes with ease and precision. The smaller 0.7mm tip and improved pressure sensitivity provides a real pen-like feeling. With the peace of mind that IP68 water resistant provides, the Galaxy Note7 S Pen lets users write down their thoughts without interruption, even when the screen gets wet.

Best-in-Class Entertainment
The Galaxy Note7 features a gorgeous, curved 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED screen delivering a bold and immersive picture on a smartphone. It is ready to stream HDR video, enabling a cinema-like environment including brighter colours and a deeper black, which ensure users get the full perspective that the filmmaker intended. In addition, the Galaxy Note7 features Game Pack, available through Google Play, including top game titles, an easier redemption process and new user benefits.

Creating Connected Experiences
For people who live to create, tell stories and transport people to entirely new worlds, the Galaxy Note7 can be used with the new high-resolution (3840x1920) Gear 360 camera, to capture, edit and share 360-degree images and videos on the go. These memories can then be shared with friends via platforms including YouTube 360 and Facebook and can be relived with the ultra-immersive Gear VR. By pairing the Galaxy Note7 with the new Gear VR powered by Oculus, users can explore premium virtual reality almost anywhere. Galaxy Note7’s incredible Super AMOLED screen and powerful processor for ultra-immersive viewing.

“With the Galaxy Note7, Samsung continues to defy boundaries of engineering to perfect the user experience through innovative design and technology. We are extremely excited about bringing the Iris scanner security technology to the mass consumer market through the Note7. This is an example of Samsung pushing the frontier of what’s possible. The Galaxy Note7 is more than just a smartphone; it’s a connection point to Samsung’s ecosystem of devices, software and services,” concludes Fleischer.

The Galaxy Note7 will be available locally from September.

Cheers!!!

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com