Making the Difference in the Ultra-Definition TV Era @SamsungSA #UHDtv

Hi Friends,

As displays get bigger, the quality of the picture becomes more important. Big screen TVs are the main source of growth in an otherwise flat market. And with large TVs come higher resolutions.

No matter how big the TV is, if it doesn’t have the necessary picture quality, users won’t be able to realize the power of the screen. That’s why large-sized TV has inevitably led to the increase in demand for Ultra High Definition (UHD). UHD is a 4K (3,840X2,160) picture quality, which is applied to TVs that measure over 65 inches. The technology is about to take yet another step up as 8K (7,680X4,320) TVs are ready to be commercialized.

But this is an era where even the number of pixels isn’t enough in isolation. To produce the best picture quality possible, it’s also important to consider the environment this content will be viewed in and the quality of the original content itself.

Reginald Nxumalo, Director of Consumer Electronics for Samsung South Africa, says, “The paradigm is shifting and it’s vital that all considerations are taken into account to produce an experience that everyone will enjoy.”

Worldwide UHD TV sales surpassed FHD (Full High Definition) TV for the first time last year, according to market researcher IHS Markit. It is expected that 100 million UHD units will be shipped this year, which is about 45% of the total TV market. In 2022, the proportion of UHD TV is expected to reach 60%.

Samsung UHD TV sales volume is also on the rise. Sales of Samsung UHD TVs in the fourth quarter of last year already exceeded 50% of the total Samsung TV units sold globally. In the first quarter of this year, Samsung UHD TV sales also increased by more than 35% compared to the same period last year.

In the ultra-high-definition TV market era, standards for judging picture quality are further developing. For example, is a TV able to reproduce colors with real-life brightness, particularly when the normal TV viewing environment is brighter than many would expect? According to the DOE survey, consumers in the U.S. and Europe usually watch TV in a bright environment with an average home illuminance level of 79 lux. Can a TV react and provide an accurate picture in these and other common viewing use cases?

Experts advise consumers to look beyond the high resolution to see the different factors that cause the difference in brightness, contrast, and content when consumers watch TV. The way consumers view TV and the way experts gauge a TV’s ability to deliver is much more sophisticated than it ever has been. The TV needs to be more versatile because it’s used for more than just viewing a TV show. That means Samsung has to be stringent to make sure its QLED products perform not just according to the specifications but also according to real life usage.

“A new criterion for picture quality is color volume, which can measure minute color changes, three-dimensionally, according to varying degrees of brightness,” adds Nxumalo.

Verband Deutscher Electrotechnischer (VDE), a well-regarded certification institution in Germany established in 1893, certified QLED TV for 100% color volume for two consecutive years, which is the world’s first and only time a TV has received such a distinction.

QLED TV, based on the metal quantum dot technology, can accurately represent detailed colors that can be hidden from dark or bright images. Brightness can be expressed up to 2,000 knits, which is 3 to 4 times that of conventional TVs, giving a more vivid look to scenes such as sunlight reflecting texture and white snowy landscapes.

Indeed, this year’s Samsung QLED TVs achieved the highest level of contrast ratio by improving the quality of blacks on-screen while maintaining brightness. To create an even more stunning contrast ratio, the TVs feature new Direct Full Array technology, which puts backlit LEDs behind the panel for precise brightness control. By making the LED blocks more than ten times the number of conventional TVs, the light can be adjusted individually to create a subtler difference in black colors. Moreover, it applies the black algorithm that perceives and precisely adjusts black colors, successfully delivering the original detail even in particularly dark scenes.

“When watching a dark scene in a bright environment, the reflection of objects around the screen can cause discomfort. QLED TV solved this problem by using Anti-reflection technology. Even under daylight or bright lighting, an anti-reflective screen dramatically reduces glare, allowing one to be more immersed in images regardless of the surroundings,” says Nxumalo.

Along with this, Samsung is also working to expand the ecosystem to upgrade HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, which is an integral function of ultra-definition TV. Since last year, Samsung has been developing HDR10+, which is one step more advanced than HDR10, a standard for realizing HDR video. HDR10+ is a technology that shows the optimal contrast ratio for each scene through ‘Dynamic Tone Mapping’ technique which applies different contrast to each scene. The company is expanding its HDR10+ content in cooperation with global companies such as Amazon, 20th Century Fox, Panasonic, and Warner Bros.

High-quality content is as important as the ultra-high definition TV specification. Many of the most recognizable names in video content such as Netflix, YouTube, and various cable companies already provide UHD content. However, due to the burden of production cost, consumers are not able to enjoy 4K UHD broadcasting content on TV unrestrictedly yet.

The problem here is that if the low-quality content is shown on a big screen, the pixels are usually enlarged artificially, causing the picture to shake or lose clarity. Samsung Electronics has solved this problem by installing the ‘4K Q Engine’ based on semiconductor technology on its QLED TV.

‘4K Q Engine’ is a technology that upgrades SD (400,000 pixels) and FHD (2 million pixels) class image to 4K (8 million pixels) class. Based on artificial intelligence, it applies a 5-step algorithm (Image Signal Analysis ▷ Noise Reduction ▷ Improved 1st Detail ▷ 4K Upscaling ▷ Improved 2nd Detail) to improve image quality and express hidden details. What’s more, 8K AI Technology will be introduced in the latter half of the year and will offer an even better picture and sound expression.

QLED TV’s dramatically improved picture quality this year has been widely praised by many media outlets including Tech Radar, What Hi-Fi and AVS Forum. Trusted Reviews gave Samsung’s QLED the Highly Recommended mark and said: “The Samsung QE65Q9FN is the most impressive TV I’ve reviewed in years. It effectively combines the strong brightness and color of Quantum Dot LED (QLED) with the deep blacks and almost the lighting precision of OLED. That’s a huge deal in a world where you generally choose one or the other.”

Doochan Eum, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, says: “As TVs gradually get larger in size and the competition for premium picture quality becomes fiercer, detailed and subtle image rendering performance is growing in importance. With Samsung QLED TV’s enhanced brightness, contrast, content, we are continuing to provide consumers with a superb immersive viewing experience.”

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On @SpotifySA Playlists Have No Borders - Broadening Reach for Local Artists #SpotifySouthAfrica

Hi Friends,

The launch of Spotify, the largest global music streaming subscription service, into South Africa in March provided a ‘game-changing’ opportunity for the local music industry, according to Claudius Boller, Spotify MD for Middle East & Africa.

Globally, Spotify has enhanced the way artists connect with music fans by introducing individual artists and their music to millions of people around the world. With a worldwide community of over 180 million music fans across 65 countries, the introduction of Spotify to the South African market extends the potential global reach for local artists. The benefits of having a dedicated local music curator on board for South Africa has ensured that local artists are supported across Spotify - promoting these artists to a broad audience who otherwise may not have been exposed to South African talent.

This was the case with South African megastar AKA, where tracks from his latest sell-out album Touch My Blood, featured on global Spotify playlist We Everywhere. To date, AKA’s Beyoncé track holds the highest first-day streaming record for a South African single, in the country.

A key feature of Spotify’s commitment to artists and their careers is Spotify for Artists, a powerful free resource for artists and their managers to track the global performance of their music in real time. In this way, artists can better understand and build their audiences, with invaluable statistical data and insights into who is listening to their music, which music is performing the best, and where those fans are located.

With this resource, artists can access a range of analytics including; the demographics of their listening audience, listeners’ anonymized geographical locations, similar artists that their fans listen to, the number of real-time listeners, song performance data, playlist data and playlist notifications.

Spotify for Artists provides the analytical support that artists need to optimize their performance and focus on doing what they do best - creating music to share with fans around the world. This data provides strategic insight to direct how artists promote themselves and the potential to explore different market and audiences based on who is listening to their music.

The latest data reflects that local artists such as DJ Maphorisa have more Spotify listeners in Paris, Toronto, London, Montreal, and New York than in Johannesburg while most of Babes Wodumo’s Spotify listeners come from Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Chicago, and New York. Nasty C’s key Spotify listenership originates from Paris, Toronto, London, Montreal, and New York, with additional listeners in Japan and Mexico, which certainly helped propel his latest track King to the spot of second highest first-day streaming record for a South African track since launch. Most streamed South African female artist Shekhinah, also has listeners in the US, Canada, and Sweden among her top 10 listener countries. Overall Jeremy Loops is the most streamed South African artist since launching.*

Educational empowerment is a key focus of the Spotify for Artists platform, with a host of useful and informative video and editorial content to better understand Spotify, music streaming and the music industry in general. The Spotify community, made up of industry experts and musicians, has a wealth of music industry knowledge. To ensure this knowledge is accessible to artists at all stages of their career, Spotify for Artists launched The Game Plan, an original video drawing on the expertise of the Spotify community, to provide tips, tools, and strategies that can help artists build their careers, both on and off the Spotify platform.

The Spotify for Artists platform launched in April 2017 and has since expanded to include a variety of new features and analytics updates and is constantly improving and developing new products and services to better suit the needs of artists at all stages of their career. The Spotify for Artists app also recently launched on both iOS and Android platforms, improving the real-time access for artists allowing them to directly control their profiles from their phones, wherever they are.

Download the Spotify app via the Android or iOS app store or by heading to www.spotify.com - to embed Spotify into a website - right click on any playlist, go to 'share' and copy the embed code.

#SpotifySouthAfrica - Facebook: @Spotify |Twitter: @SpotifySA | Instagram: @spotify

 

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Collective Culture - Captured on a @SonyXperiaZA #XperiaXZ2 Smartphone

Hi Friends, 

Local creative visionary, and Sony Xperia influencer, Tuelo Nguyuza – owner and lead designer for TNCollectiv , releases a behind-the-scenes video for his latest bridal collection, ‘Collective Culture’, captured on a Sony Xperia XZ2

The collection – inspired by the diversity of South African cultures, used the fabrics, prints and artistic detail from indigenous South African traditions. Tuelo’s ‘Collective Culture’ concept came from the fact that so many local brides love the idea of a ‘white wedding’ yet their cultural roots run deep, so the traditional African weddings also tend to ensue. “My ’Collective Culture’ collection combines both the traditional, African gown as well as the more popular Western type wedding dress that is designed and made by someone who too, embodies the customs of their culture, as opposed to an International designer who simply takes inspiration from our beautiful and creative cultural diversity” says Tuelo.

Like the pleating detail on the Sepedi ensemble called ‘Ele’ – essentially a ‘box dress’ with a wrap around fabric detail on the waist, Tuelo has interpreted this piece into a gown using similar Sepedi trimmings in the detail, modelled by the gorgeous Gail Mabalane who, according to Tuelo, was a natural choice for us as she has been our brand ambassador for the past 3 years and embodies what the TNCollectiv woman is sophisticated and graceful.

The entire behind-the-scenes shoot was captured using Xperia’s 4K HDR recording capabilities and the HD super slow-motion feature of the Xperia XZ2. “I love what this phone can do for me – I didn’t need any additional professional photographers to capture the essence of the message I wanted my brides to receive through this bridal showcase,” concluded Tuelo

To follow all updates keep an eye on the Sony Mobile Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

 

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The Importance of Hygiene for your Mobile Device with #Whoosh! @Gammatek

Hi Friends,

Some people are less concerned with hygiene and germs than others. If you are one of those people that like wiping the handle of your shopping trolley, then you need to pay attention!

Gammatek, the leading distributor of mobile technology and accessories has concluded that the hygiene of your mobile device is more important than you think.

The first important thing to note is: Your phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat!

A recent survey showed that over 17000 copies of different bacteria are present on the phones of the average student! This is 10 times more than the average toilet seat!

We check our phones over 40 times per day and do not consider the fact that bacteria and germs get transferred from our fingers to our phone on every touch! A good way to try and avoid harmful germs from getting onto your phone is avoiding using your phone when going to the bathroom. When toilets flush, for example, it spreads germs everywhere and if you were on your phone, those germs are now going out of the bathroom with you!

According to professors of public health, using your phone in the bathroom and then leaving with it is like going to the toilet and then leaving without washing your hands, it is the same principal. Studies have found serious pathogens on cell phones, including Streptococcus, MRSA and even E.coli. When you are sick, you also use your phone and after you have healed up, the germs and bacteria remain on your phone!

The second important note is – You hold your phone against your face!

So just consider all of the above facts and think about how many times you have touched your phone without washing your hands. Many of us like to catch up on our social media feeds during bathroom time and only wash our hands AFTER! The germs are then already on your phone! Then you get a call, and put your phone, on your face! “I believe that cleaning my phone with a disinfectant, at least once daily, is a must.” – says Zev Cherniak from Gammatek.

Luckily Gammatek has a solution that can solve this nightmare for you. It is called Whoosh and it has been proven to remove 99% of germs on your phone and give you peace of mind that you are now not putting toilet germs on your face anymore. Whoosh is safe to use and will not compromise any part of your device. It is time to get clean with the whoosh!

This product is available in three package sizes: Compact (8ml) which delivers about 100 sprays for R149, Go (30ml) which delivers about 250 sprays for R199, and Duo (100ml and 8ml) delivering a combined 900 sprays for R399. Each Whoosh! pack includes an antimicrobial microfiber cloth. The Duo pack comes with two cloths, one for each bottle


Whoosh is available at Incredible connection and selected Vodacom stores. You can also get it online on Takealot.com

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Enjoy A Proudly South African Celebration with @SpotifySA #HeritageDay #SpotifySouthAfrica

Hi Friends,

Monday, 24 September marks the 23rd annual celebration of Heritage Day in South Africa. Also known as National Braai Day or Braai4Heritage, over the years, it has evolved to become more inclusive of South Africa’s growing diversity.

We can all see it already, the sun, braai stands, chops sizzling and some of the best local tracks playing in the background. To celebrate, Spotify has curated playlists that celebrate our local music heritage.

The playlists Made in South Africa and SA Gold, featuring artists such as Johnny Clegg, Brenda Fassie, Gold Fish, Nasty C, Shekhinah and more, are a great way to celebrate our country’s diversity through one of the biggest unifiers: music.

Download the Spotify app via the Android or iOS app store or by heading to www.spotify.com.

To embed a Spotify playlist into a website - right click on any playlist, go to 'share' and copy embed code.

#SpotifySouthAfrica - Facebook: @Spotify |Twitter: @SpotifySA | Instagram: @spotify

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@AcerAfrica #RedBullMediaHouse Continue #eSports Content Partnership @RedBullza

Hi Friends,

Acer and Red Bull Media House announced the renewal of their content partnership. Having worked together for over 12 months already, the two companies will continue to bring the most exciting and interesting stories of the emerging gaming and eSports world.

The collaboration began last year in May with a joint goal to offer gaming fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the personalities, places, and technologies in the fascinating world of eSports.

With documentaries such as ‘eSports Unfold’ and ‘Part of the Game’, the content has reached millions of viewers since the launch.

“Forming powerful partnerships is an important part of our gaming strategy. Acer and Red Bull Media House share a deep commitment to supporting eSports fans and gaming communities with premium and authentic content. By combining Acer’s expertise in gaming through its state-of-the-art Predator products and Red Bull Media House’s immersive storytelling capabilities, we see a natural fit in offering the best-in-class product and viewing experience,” says Hajo Blingen, Vice President, EMEA Marketing, Acer Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “We look forward to continuing the successful team play with Red Bull Media House to further enhance brand premium synergies with high relevance.”

For the upcoming year, Acer and Red Bull Media House have finalized exciting new content ideas to continue building and engaging the gaming community. ‘Prism’ is set to launch which will go behind the scenes to explore what drives people to love eSports. A second installment of ‘Part of the Game’ also returns, that captures the influence of gaming culture in four more cities across the world. For all stories and a recap of content, click HERE

 

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Off The Shelf And On Trend @SamsungSA #QLEDTV #2018QLEDtv

Hi Friends,
 

Interior design trends come and go and it’s not easy to ensure a home remains fresh instead of dated. Soft furnishings can only go so far in adding those ‘pops’ of colour so favoured by interior decorators. A splash of paint here and there can help spice up a room’s look, but it’s the layout of the room as well as the larger pieces of furniture that need to be addressed when it comes to keeping up-to-date.

One of the biggest problems in the past has been the ubiquitous television set. If it is wall mounted, then there are cables to contend with. If it sits on a shelf, table or TV unit so the cabling can be discreetly installed out of view, then that becomes yet another piece of furniture to UltraViolet and place.

Reginald Nxumalo, Director of Consumer Electronics for Samsung South Africa, says, “Not only are Samsung’s TVs highly advanced technically, but we’ve also solved design dilemmas. Cables are simply not an issue any longer; the One Near-Invisible cable merges everything into one and allows you to place your TV wherever you want. Coupled with that, the One Connect Box gathers all your connections, with just the One Near-Invisible cable connected to the television.”

With cables out of the way, the next challenge comes up when the TV isn’t in use. Usually, when the TV is off, the black square simply doesn’t fit into the décor, unless of course it’s a black and white minimalist theme and even that’s debatable. Samsung’s Ambient Mode solves that as well – it elevates your television room or living space with decorative content, useful information, your own photographs or even by mimicking the texture of the wall behind it.

With greys still a popular base colour, but more moody and darker accents coming into play, the Samsung’s Ambient Mode feature can play a major role in introducing a new colour into the room or creating a whole new style focus.[i] For example, Pantone’s Ultra Violet is 2018’s colour of the year. If displayed on a television screen either as a block colour or an appropriately themed and shaded artwork, it could update a soft grey palette to a richer and more dramatically provocative style, in line with current interior trends. Much like Samsung’s drive towards innovation, Pantone’s Ultra Violet has been touted as communicating originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.[ii]

“Only Samsung removes the black screen, allowing your TV to seamlessly blend into the room and enabling you to completely personalize your space,” concludes van Nxumalo.

Solving the issue of a blank screen dominating whichever room it’s in makes an immense difference to the way interior designers will view the television. In the past, it’s been about hiding the screen, but now it’s about how best to display it, integrating the TV into the décor theme and style. Additionally, connecting the television to a smartphone means a room’s ambience can be seamlessly changed to address moods and activities – from a serene image with soft background music to an invigorating scene with upbeat music to match; making the television an interior décor game-changer.

[i] http://www.idealhome.co.uk/news/home-decor-trends-2018-191244
[ii] https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2018

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Get Ready for SA’s First AI Four Camera Smartphone @HuaweiZA #HuaweiMate20lite

Hi Friends,

South Africa’s first AI four camera smartphone – the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite is here. This Selfie Master is also the first smartphone in the country to bring the power of AI to your selfies.

The HUAWEI Mate 20 lite features a massive 24+2 megapixel selfie camera packed with AI features to enhance every selfie you capture. Not only does the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite harness the power of AI to enhance your facial features through portrait lighting but can recognize, eight categories including sky, plants, flowers, beach, stage and night.

Huawei’s new AI and beauty algorithm with facial recognition ensures you are always able to capture the best possible version of yourself. In any scenario, the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite’s HDR Pro functionality, offers real-time effects preview and light fusion for better night shots, while decreasing backlighting.

The front-facing camera features the new Qmoji which mirrors your facial expression. Featuring seven exciting characters, Qmoji provides the user with a fun and playfully animated alter-ego to take selfies and share with friends.

While the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite’s front-facing camera makes anyone a selfie legend, its rear camera performs like a champ as well. The smartphone’s rear camera is loaded with dual 20+2 megapixel AI-driven lens to ensure every moment is picture perfect.

The HUAWEI Mate 20 lite’s rear camera also offers AI-bokeh effects, AI-assisted composition, and slow-motion video at up to 480 fps. The HUAWEI Mate 20 lite’s power is brought to life by the new Kirin 710 chipset with an AI engine, which makes AI operations off the device possible, without impacting the performance of the smartphone. Graphics on the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite are now supercharged through the device’s GPU Turbo functionality which accelerates graphics performance by optimizing utilization of the smartphone’s already-existing software and hardware resources.

The HUAWEI Mate 20 lite also delivers a larger display with a 6.3-inch FullView notched screen fulfilling an innovative and enhanced design aesthetic. Bring content to life on the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite with its Full HD+ resolution and 19.5:9 aspect ratio, which rivals a cinematic experience. A smartphone that can last all day is essential in today’s day and age - the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite offers its users extended usage with its 3750mAh battery that rivals most smartphones available on the South African market.

 

Keeping the elite design elements of the Mate series, coupled with sophisticated craftsmanship - the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite features a symmetrical body with flowing 3D glass effect. Disappearing edging back glass adds to the smartphone’s allure, as it seamlessly connects to metal for distinctive aesthetic appeal. Available in the timeless colors of Black and Sapphire Blue – the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite will make a statement where ever it is.

 

The HUAWEI Mate 20 lite is available from the October 5 at a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of R8999.

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The World Celebrates Freddie Mercury’s Birthday – Freddie for A Day @20CenturyFoxZA

Hi Friends,

The late musician Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the ground-breaking and iconic band Queen, would be celebrating his 72 birthday on Wednesday 5 September this year. Freddie Mercury died in 1991 at age 45 due to complications from AIDS.

Fans around the world honor Freddie Mercury every year on September 5th (Freddie’s birthday) with a global charity celebration called “Freddie for a Day.” Many celebrate his life by donning a white vest, his famous yellow jacket and sporting a trademark mustache to dress up like the late singer. The event, celebrated across the globe, raises money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDs charity set up in his name in 1992.

20th Century Fox will be releasing BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY - THE CELEBRATION OF FREDDIE’S LIFE & QUEEN’S MUSIC nationally on Friday 30 November 2018.

FUN FACTS ABOUT FREDDIE MERCURY

• Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania).
• He adopted the name Freddie while at St. Peter’s, the English boarding school he attended in India before he and his family moved to England. Freddie became a table tennis champion at the school.
• As a child, between the ages of nine and 12, Freddie enjoyed collecting stamps. His personal album contains stamps from Britain, Monaco, Eastern Europe, Aden (now part of Yemen) and Zanzibar. The collection was bought by The Postal Museum (in the UK) in 1993 and proceeds of the sale went to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the charity that was set up in Freddie’s memory.
• Freddie was posthumously remembered on one of a special series of stamps that Britain’s Royal Mail produced to mark the millennium.
• Freddie once had a part-time job working as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport.
• Freddie co-owned and ran a stall in Kensington Market in London with Roger Taylor, which opened in the summer of 1969. They sold Freddie’s own artwork as well as second-hand clothes. The two of them kept up the running of the stall, even after Queen released their first album in 1973.
• Freddie had four extra teeth on his upper jaw, which were pushing on the front ones. He never considered ‘fixing’ them because he believed that they contributed to the special sound of his voice -- the legendary four-octave range.
• While the lyrics of ‘Killer Queen’ mention Moët & Chandon, Freddie’s own favorite champagne was Louis Roederer Cristal. His other favorite drinks were Stolichnaya vodka and Earl Grey tea – with milk and two sugars. His favorite champagne cocktail was a Bellini (Cristal and peach puree).
• Freddie never needed an excuse for a party. For one celebration, he had a cake made in the shape of the Swiss apartment block where he’d bought a flat – complete with towers and turrets.
• In 1979, Freddie performed ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ with the Royal Ballet.
• Freddie loved reading magazines such as Architectural Digest, House & Garden, and auction catalogs.
• One of the most technically accomplished singers to work in pop music, in a list of the greatest English language singers of the 20th century, compiled by BBC Radio, Freddie was ranked No.10. The list included Frank Sinatra, Billie Holliday, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole.
• Freddie came second in MTV’s list of the 22 greatest singers of the past 25 years – he was beaten by Mariah Carey.
• In 2016, a research team undertook a study to understand the unique appeal of Freddie’s voice. The Austrian, Czech, and Swedish researchers studied archival recordings. They noted the singer’s faster vibrato and use of subharmonics, particularly in comparison to opera singers.
• Other than his passion for music, one of Freddie’s favorite hobbies was shopping, mainly for other people. Generous to a fault, he loved buying expensive perfumes, cologne, watches, and jewelry.
• Despite not believing in astrology, Freddie designed Queen’s crest using the astrological signs of the four members: two Leos, one Cancer, and one Virgo.
• Freddie studied graphic design at Ealing College of Art.
• Freddie loved cats and owned several - some exotic long haired cats were gifts from friends and others were rescued from a shelter. One of his cats, Delilah, was the inspiration for Queen song of the same name.
• Freddie was a big fan of the Spanish operatic soprano Montserrat Caballé. The musicians teamed up to record an album together in 1987 called ‘Barcelona’ and a hit of the same name. Though Freddie didn’t live to see it, ‘Barcelona’ was featured at the Olympic Games in 1992, going on to become the best-known song of any Olympics.
• Queen wasn’t going to release ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ as a single until Michael Jackson convinced them. It became the most successful American single of their career.
• Despite the popular song lyrics from ‘Bicycle Race’, Freddie didn’t like riding bicycles.
• Freddie’s final home, Garden Lodge, 1 Logan Place, is a 28 room Georgian mansion in Kensington, London, set in a quarter-acre manicured garden surrounded by a high brick wall. It was picked out by Mary Austin who had been his girlfriend, then became his best friend.
• In his will, Freddie left his London home and the contents to Mary Austin, his lifelong companion, and she continues to live there.
• An asteroid was named after Freddie to commemorate what would have been his 70th birthday in September 2016. The International Astronomical Union designated asteroid 17473 as Freddie mercury. The asteroid was discovered in 1991, the same year Freddie died. It orbits the sun on a path between Mars and Jupiter. Announcing the news, Brian May said ‘Asteroid 17473 Freddie mercury’ is “just a dot of light, but it’s a very special dot of light.”

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY SYNOPSIS
Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. Despite being diagnosed with AIDS, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.

 

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@MontecasinoZA Stays Ahead of the Gaming Game #GottaLuvMonte

Hi Guys, 

 

Changing consumer trends and a tough economic environment for the majority of the population impacts many industry sectors. Gaming is one of them, says Kamal Parbhoo, Montecasino Slots Manager. “To stay ahead of the game, we must constantly monitor and manage every corner of the casino floor to ensure optimal turnover and maximum customer enjoyment and entertainment.”

The Montecasino gaming floor (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/gaming) is divided into three sections – the main casino floor, the smoking casino, and the Privé (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/gaming/salon-prive) for high rollers – with a total of 1 700 slot machines (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/gaming/slots), which account for about 70% of the casino’s revenue.

Parbhoo has a staff of 182 and is responsible for ensuring that the slots department achieves its targets and maintains growth and that it remains in line with Tsogo Sun’s strategic objectives, while also maintaining ‘game integrity’ for players.

He says trends in slots playing have shifted over the last few years, which is driven by our customers who ultimately dictate the supply and demand on offer, primarily to higher volatility slots games where the stakes tend to be a bit higher and the wins bigger. “Overall, the cost of a spin, which is variable and based on the customer's risk versus reward strategy, and the number of lines on slot machines have increased, which has impacted turnover in the casino. The trick for us is to make sure that we have the right balance of machines in the right positions at all times,” says Parbhoo.

It remains fascinating that some of the older slots games – Geisha, Queen of the Nile, Pompeii – have continued to have high appeal on the casino floor for decades.

In the Privé, which accounts for a large percentage of the casino’s turnover, the ‘entertainment’ value is on big wins from the slots machines, rather than on the games, the graphics, the stories, and the flashing lights and ringing bells.

The smoking casino too attracts the more serious gamer and is a popular area, with only 25% of the floor space, which is according to gaming legislation. “Regulations restrict the space we can allocate to a smoking section, which means we need to optimize every square centimeter to make sure it delivers a great experience and that we have the best product in the area and as much product as possible.”

“As with all businesses, we need to prioritize on our budget and available capital to make sure that we are getting the optimum returns. Based on close analysis of monthly stats, we make decisions to eliminate inefficiencies throughout the floor, which are where our customers are not playing due to no longer enjoying a particular product,” Parbhoo says.

Another area that is an absolute non-negotiable and is crucial to the casino’s ongoing success is compliance. “Gaming is an exceptionally regulated environment and we need to stay on top of compliance with every machine all the time, or we run the risk of compromising our gaming license. Every machine must be set exactly according to what we applied for – it means that we are strict with our self-regulation and conduct our own internal audits to make sure there is no chance of human error.”

Parbhoo, who has been Slots Manager at Montecasino since January 2015, first joined Tsogo Sun at Suncoast in 2002 as a Surveillance Specialist. He worked his way up to Slots Manager at Suncoast in May 2011, before moving to Montecasino.

He says, “I have been fortunate to have played a role in the transformation of the gaming floor at Montecasino, which is fresh and appealing and accessible, and with the Privé, which in my mind is probably the most valuable piece of gaming floor per square meter in this country.”

Parbhoo adds that with a complex such as Montecasino, Tsogo Sun’s flagship entertainment destination, the business must be viewed holistically. “All the offerings and management of the property work together, with different events and attractions bringing feet in, who are then likely to extend the entertainment into other areas, such as in the casino. Likewise, a massive casino promotion offering big prizes will bring players in, who are then likely to stay for a meal or a drink. Being aware of the ‘big picture’ of events, offers, festivals, and promotions at Montecasino ensures smoother planning in the casino.”

For more information go to www.montecasino.co.za, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montecasino or follow us on Twitter at @MontecasinoZA.

 

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Entertainment To The Extreme With @SonyXperiaZA and @TelkomZA #XperiaXZ2 #JOOX

Hi Friends,

Sony Mobile Communications , in partnership with Telkom is excited to bring you the most entertaining deal that will have you go to any extreme to get your hands on! Purchase an Xperia XZ2 from Telkom from 20 August 2018 and receive a free set of Sony SBH24 headphones, a Sony SRS-XB10 speaker, a 6-month VIP subscription to JOOX music streaming service and a Made for Xperia cover.

This incredible offer means you can use your Xperia XZ2 to download all your favorite tracks on JOOX, listen to your music on the Sony SRS-XB10 speaker AND take a call on your wireless Sony SBH24 headphones – all at the same time!


Built around the concept of bringing you the most immersive entertainment experience yet, the Xperia XZ2 touches your senses in every possible way. Whether you’re lost in an HDR movie or capturing hidden details with the new advanced Motion Eye™ camera, this smartphone will keep your sensory needs regaled.

The Sony SBH24 headphones is a small clip-style Bluetooth headset that combines durable design, quality audio, and hands-free functionality - all in an impressively premium feel. Once paired, you can listen to quality audio and talk with total wireless freedom, anywhere.

The Sony SRS-XB10 speaker is compact and wireless and has an impressive battery life so will allow you to conveniently listen to your favorite tracks for extended periods at a time without worrying about running out of power.


To top off this great deal you will also receive a 6-month subscription to JOOX, the music streaming app that enables South Africans to conveniently discover and listen to music wherever they are and is packed with various playlists for any mood. The app offers a free as well as paid-for, VIP option that enables users to download their music and listen offline to save their data.


This offer, exclusive to Telkom, is valid from 20 August 2018 – 31 December 2018 and can be redeemed through the Xperia Lounge app on the Xperia XZ2.


To follow all updates keep an eye on the Sony Mobile Facebook, InstagramandTwitter pages.

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Education Solutions for Real World Problems is the Future @AcerAfrica #acerforeducation

Hi Friends,

A society lead by technology is rapidly transforming the way the youth use and digest digital transformation, both socially and on an educational level. As part of Acer Africa’s commitment to bring e-learning into the classrooms, together with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted a 12-week technology crash course which was held as part of the university’s Workplace 4.0 Project, enabling students to think digitally, create and develop from their lecture rooms.

The Project
Entitled the FridayClub, these classes encouraged and taught students to code and learn the basics of the 4th Industrial revolution. Every week lecturers as well as Acer Africa met to work through various aspects of digital technology, with a specific focus on the Acer CloudProfessor as a teaching device. The students used the Acer CloudProfessor and Gigo kit to build various mechanical robotic items and program them to perform basic functions.

For example: Building a lift, or rack and pinion motor and then using the CloudProfessor to program it to perform a task. Students majoring in the Public sector were given first-hand experience in understanding how sensors and IoT will impact and benefit administration. One student who is currently doing her masters in farming crickets for food security used the CloudProfessor as a prototyping tool and designed a model of a cricket farm that could be controlled through a mobile app to turn the heat on and off as needed.

Glenn du Toit, Acer Africa BYOC Digital Business Development explained, “The lessons focused on transformation and education around what is possible with the standard of technology we have available to us today. We conducted various practical lessons with students which demonstrated Blockly and Javascript as coding languages.” He adds, “The FridayClub at execution was as an experiment for the teachers and tech experts deploying this into the classrooms. Average classes run for 45 minutes up to an hour, so we had to monitor what we were able to achieve in this time and how much could be taught and learned, in order to adapt our execution on a more permanent basis.”

Technoculture - Where the need lies
‘Technoculture’ as described by Dr. Arno Louw, Centre for Academic Technologies Laboratory at the University of Johannesburg (CATLab), is based on a mix of visual, written, and social media data that could be used in innovative ways to find solutions to emerging global problems. The question asked by many educators is whether students are sufficiently equipped to find these solutions and apply a trajectory to the process.

Acer Africa believes that transformation is needed in higher education among staff and students, where technology becomes an equalizer for 21st-century survival in our Afro-technoculture.
 

Louw explains that “The student’s backpack has been replaced with a smart device − the electronic device which provides the tools for access, teaching, learning, assessment, discovery, communication, leisure, etc. The use of electronic devices also encompasses the ability (skill set) to master and manipulate these devices over and above the digital skills needed to merely access e-content. Consequently, the art of e-learning is here to stay, and has evolved from future aspiration to daily habit.”

Acer CloudProfessor
The reason why the CloudProfessor was deployed as the programming tool for this project is due to the fact that it ticked all the correct boxes needed for the experiment and class structure:
1. Easy to use for beginners
2. Lessons can be made more complicated for learners who have used technology before
3. It's durable, functional and tough to be used by kids with hard grips
4. The lessons were available and skill appropriate (i.e. easy to understand)
5. A full lesson was accomplished in under 45minutes

“CloudProfessor is aimed at making technology accessible to everyone and moreover educating the current generation on how to code and use sensors and motors to build a digital solution for everyday problems,” explains du Toit.

He adds, “With CloudProfessor, we are able to give everyone the opportunity to see how easy it can be to design the next great innovation by combining actual sensors and motors and then choosing between a variety of programming languages, including JavaScript, as well as Blockly, to get their innovation programmed and working. This provides younger learners with the building and visual interface they need to start innovating in the new Internet of Things era.”

The Future of Education

Education solutions for real-world problems are the future. The education system is the grass root level where these solutions are born and bred in an open learning environment.

“Electronic device manipulation skills, currently required by the workforce industry, entail customized coding and adding accurate moving parts to devices. The combination of these two skills is generally known as robotics. The CAT Lab established in 2017, endeavors to assist students and educators to learn and experiment on basic computer coding. This programming includes basic robotics,” says Louw.

“The biggest takeaway for UJ from the FridayClub was the learning how technology fits into the various careers learners have chosen to pursue and not limiting the education of the 4th Industrial revolution to only the engineering IT faculty and science faculties. The understanding that IoT and digital technology plays a role in every faculty needs to understood fully in order to bring in a new area of learning,” says du Toit.

While the 12-week project has ended, the Acer CloudProfessor and the CAT Lab team aims to extend the FridayClub to the wider community and to enthusiastic school learners in Soweto. Future endeavors for 2018 will include 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), holograms, and augmented reality (AR) in teaching and learning. A CAT Lab training room and open working space are also available for lecturers with WiFi access.

For more information:
Follow Acer Africa on Facebook, InstagramandTwitter
Acer for Education website – click here or follow #acerforeducation on Facebook, InstagramandTwitter.

 

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All Roads Lead to #OppiKoppi, Take the Music with You @SpotifySA #SpotifySouthAfrica

Hi Friends,

One of South Africa’s biggest multi-day music festival, OppiKoppi is coming up, and as any festival veteran will tell you it’s essential to get yourself Oppi ready beforehand.

While your survival pack should include a strong flashlight, sunscreen, a bandana mouth/nose guard against the dust and a great pair of plastic wellies for when the dust turns to mud, the key ingredient to a great weekend is assembling your top squad to share in the fun.

For most of the 20 000 strong crowds the journey to Oppi is based on how quickly you can get there and get the party started. This time round turn your Oppi drive into a scenic road trip by journeying through one of the country’s best road trips routes - the Valley Route - and start the Oppi experience as soon as you get on the road.

Start off your journey by creating a Spotify playlist, featuring some of the OppiKoppi Nomakanjani 2018 line-ups, gearing up for what’s ahead.

With multi-stages during the 3-day festival, the best part of Oppi is the range of musical talent available, with something for everyone. From favorites to discovering new artists, the 2018 line-up includes award-winning rapper Kwesta, legendary rock band Wonderboom, electronic music sensation GoodLuck, alternate Afrikaans rock band, Fokofpolisiekar, skater kid turned electronic music producer Muzi and more including the 2018 tribute artist, iconic Zimbabwean human right activist and musician extraordinaire, Oliver Mtukudzi.

All users can enjoy listening to some of the 2018 OppiKoppi artists in the line-up for free on Spotify. And if you have upgraded to Spotify Premium, then you can download your playlists to listen offline wherever and whenever you are and don’t need to worry about adverts interrupting your listening. Consider creating a collaborative playlist (click the ‘more button’ (…) and select the collaborative playlist, make sure there is a tick next to it, you have the option to share your playlist as a link), where everyone can contribute their musical choices.

Best of all, the weekend doesn’t need to end as you drive through the gates. It’s easy to update and add to the playlist ensuring your journey home with some great Oppi memories.

Alternatively, you can take a listen to the already curated The Sound of OppiKoppi playlist, with

To enjoy music the way you want it, download the app today via the Android or iOS app store or by heading to www.spotify.com. To embed Spotify codes into a website, simply right click the playlist you wish to embed, go to ‘share’ and copy the embed code.

#SpotifySouthAfrica - Facebook: @Spotify |Twitter: @SpotifySA | Instagram: @spotify

 

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@MontecasinoZA Growing Women Through The Ranks #GottaLuvMonte

Hi Friends,

“We need [women] role models who are going to break the mould.” Carly Simon

Montecasino’s woman-rich environment has always strongly encouraged career growth, with many of the property’s departments and two of the three hotels run by women. Caroline Naidu, Tables Manager at Montecasino (https://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino) with a team of 500 people, has risen through the ranks and is a powerful role model to other women in her team and on the property.

Naidu says she considers that “the opportunity to mentor and develop a number of people who’ve subsequently achieved great successes in their roles” to be a major achievement in her work life.

She grew up in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal and joined the local Monte Vista Casino as a croupier straight from high school almost 20 years ago, intending to earn money for her tertiary education, but she was captivated by the casino world – and she remains so today.

Naidu quickly has moved around among South African casinos, steadily moving up the ladder. From Dealer, she became Supervisor, Pit Boss, Duty Manager, Assistant Tables Manager, and then Tables Manager.

She worked at Montecasino briefly in 2000 as a Dealer, at Emerald Casino in Vanderbijlpark, Suncoast in Durban for about 11 years until 2013, Golden Horse in Pietermaritzburg, Silverstar in Krugersdorp in for two years, and was appointed to her present position at Montecasino in 2017. All in all, she has spent 16 years of her career at Tsogo Sun casinos and says she will always be impressed by and grateful for the excellent training and support the group has given her over the years.

Naidu is thriving in the Montecasino environment, describing her current role as the pinnacle of her career in gaming, and everything she has aspired to achieve for many years. Her own personal achievement is certainly a reality for Naidu, but her goals are far wider and extend to all the members of her large team, supporting, guiding, encouraging, and training them to an “ultra-high level of performance.” Through her steady rise through the ranks of the casino industry, she has gained strong leadership skills which she hones and uses to facilitate growth. “Montecasino is Tsogo Sun’s flagship casino and it must lead the way in every aspect of its business, including gaming. Staying ahead of the game can only be achieved with a focused and hard-working team and a never-ending supply of passion for doing what we do better than we did before.”

Naidu’s life beyond Montecasino is also demanding but extremely rewarding. She is a single mother of three, a 20-year-old son and two teen daughters, aged 15 and 14 in high school – and her spare time is devoted to family activities.

For more information visit www.tsogosun.com/montecasino

 

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@CanonRSA Revolutionises The Future of Photography and Filmmaking #EOSR #Liveforthestory

Hi Friends,

Canon Europe, the world leader in imaging solutions, has redefined the frontiers of photography and filmmaking with the launch of the pioneering EOS R System. Over thirty years on from the original, era-defining EOS launch, the bold, new EOS R System will once again expand photographic possibilities in countless ways. The new RF lens mount has been engineered with the perfect blend of optical, mechanical and electronic design to capture unique moments in previously impossible ways.

A pioneering lens mount, built from the best of EOS legacy
Since its inception in 1987, the EOS System – including Cinema EOS – has grown into the most recognized imaging system in the world. Today’s introduction takes the EOS platform to new heights, incorporating the best from the existing system, with even greater levels of performance, lens design possibilities, and creative flexibility. The new RF mount has been built on the strengths of the existing EF mount and is the result of detailed research by Canon engineers, who have designed an impressive optical system with a flange back distance of 20mm and a wide 54mm diameter lens mount - allowing for even greater freedom when designing lenses. The new mount’s 12-pin connection enables enhanced communication and power transmission between the lens and camera body, further enhancing lens design options, resulting in higher image quality and enhanced usability.

Mr. Yuichi Ishizuka, President, and CEO, Canon Europe, Middle East & Africa, commented: “When we launched the EOS System 30 years ago, we sent a clear message that the future of photography was here. Now, as one of the most iconic imaging systems in the world, our commitment remains. Canon will continue to invest in the unrivaled EOS world with cameras, lenses, and accessories that set new heights in image quality, optical excellence, and performance, all while satisfying the ever-evolving needs and demands of its customers.”

Exceptional quality in every detail
Built from the ground up, the new System has been re-engineered with invaluable input during the System’s development from professional and enthusiast photographers and filmmakers. The EOS R System with RF mount and Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers unrivaled optical excellence, the world’s fastest autofocus[i] and faster communication between camera and lens. Features that are synonymous with EOS – fast performance, superb ergonomics and superior, uncompromising, image quality – remain at the heart of the EOS R System.

Featuring innovative technology for photography and filmmaking alike, the EOS R System allows all users to shoot and film in extremely low light with accurate focusing, thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Small and discreet, the EOS R System gives flexibility, plus the advantage of silent shooting. It also offers the highest standard of movie output from any Canon EOS System camera, outside of the Cinema EOS range, enabling filmmakers to take their storytelling to the next level in 4K with output in 10-bit over HDMI. The whole system has refined handling and enhanced ergonomics, including an electronic viewfinder and extensive customization, allowing the user to the focus on the subject rather than the camera.

A system designed with lenses at its core
The EOS R System inherits all the existing system advantages, importantly full compatibility with existing EF and EF-S lenses and accessories[ii], when using one of three newly-developed lens adapters, expanding the boundaries of image capture. Canon has today also launched four new lenses, compatible with the EOS R System – the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM. Building on Canon’s lens heritage, these high-performance lenses will push forward the frontiers of creative capture thanks to the new cutting-edge optics and advanced image processing for both stills and video. Additionally, users of existing Canon EOS full frame or APS-C DSLR cameras can enjoy the EOS R System with their existing EF and EF-S lenses thanks to the adapters, while retaining the same performance as when used on a DSLR, as well as access to EOS accessories and Speedlite flashes.

Adding to the full frame family
Adding to the EOS full-frame line-up, Canon has today unveiled the first camera body to carry the EOS R name and RF lens mount - setting the new standard for the camera of tomorrow. With the world’s fastest autofocus[iii], it is also the world’s first camera with the ability to focus in light conditions as low as -6EV[iv] and totally silent shooting, providing stunning quality results every time. The EOS R redefines photo and video performance with unrivaled image quality, state-of-the-art connectivity, refined ergonomics, and responsive handling.

Further expanding the existing EOS System, Canon today also launches the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM – a new 32mm lens for the EOS M mirrorless system – and the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM, two revolutionary, lightweight professional super telephoto lenses for the EF System.

[i] Correct at time of launch (5th September 2018) and based on testing of available full frame mirrorless cameras
[ii] Compatible with all lenses, except the Canon EF 35-80mm Power Zoom lens
[iii] Correct at time of launch (5th September 2018) and based on testing of available full frame mirrorless cameras
[iv] Among all the interchangeable lens digital cameras incorporating the 35mm full-frame equivalent image sensor with phase-difference detection AF on the image plane. As of September 4th, 2018 (researched by Canon). According to the Canon standard. (During still photo shooting, f/1.2, Center AF point, One-Shot AF, at 23°C/73°F, ISO100 

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