Join the FNB and ITWeb Google Hangout with Arthur Goldstuck and Kim Gibson van der Walt & Samsung is looking for lifestyle bloggers

FNB and ITWeb Google Hangout to discuss the future of banking.

Guests will be Kim Gibson van der Walt and Arthur Goldstuck.

9 July 2014

12pm

Link to the Hangout page: https://plus.google.com/events/cu2afb4ihrhpbsau7jkfmcqcqrc

#FutureBanking

Samsung is looking for Lifestyle Bloggers could you be the one?

A Samsung Smart LED TV is up for grabs and this challenge is open to all sports, entertainment and lifestyle bloggers.

If you think your blog is on the ball, then this one is for you -  enter now! >>> http://www.samsung.com/za/promotions/mission_samsung/

Note that in order to participate, a valid TV license and an Internet connection is required.

#MissionSamsung @SamsungSA

Deadline: 2 July 2014 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

All About The Red Light And Blackberry

INSIGHTS OF A BLACKBERRY

People’s heads are always down and not because they have depression but because they have a Blackberry in their hands and their eyes are glued to it. One of the dominant names in the global smartphone market that hit the app world by storm considered to be the most purchased smartphone globally and still has the largest market share over its leading competitor iPhone. Knowing very well that majority of students own Blackberry smartphones, this is what University of Johannesburg students had to say.

‘Blackberry messenger is my favourite because it is a convenient way for me to always stay up to date with what my friends are getting up to via their status updates, they can be really juicy too. Gone are the days when we would send each other text messages and not even be sure whether or not your friend has received it. BBM shows you the minute your message has been received and read, so my friends cannot lie and make excuses saying that they didn’t receive it.’   

A lot of students said they find picmix very interesting because it is an exciting and a great app for editing pictures, the filters it has gives pictures the perfect lighting, it blurs out any imperfections and it can crop out whoever you don’t want in the picture. With picmix you can also share the picture directly to Facebook. Students emphasized the fact that picmix is the new age revolution to collaging because now they can juxtapose different pictures of different moments or people close to them in different frames and in one picture. Meaning users can share their #BBMoments with the world and for a chance to have their stories featured on Inside Blackberry.

What do you use your Blackberry mostly for… A lot of people use it for social media because Blackberry comes with a lot of social media integrated apps. When you click on the social media icon on your home screen, it is a direct link to the site meaning you do not have to go to your web browser and you receive the messages directly to your phone. Other people will use it mostly for receiving emails on their phones and it is very convenient because now you do not have to wait till you get to your laptop in order to check your emails. BBM plays a major role in how we communicate with each other, and this is a great way to share the various ways iPhone, Android and Blackberry users leveraging BBM to communicate with their loved ones.

What do you do when your BIS expires? ‘I panic because I’m so used to receiving notifications and the red light flickering for me to attend to my texts. And I feel like my life is over and I have to rush to buy my Blackberry Internet Service as soon as possible.’ 

Article by +Molly Dimpho 

Tech News Around South Africa

New Version of BBM for Android and iPhone 

A new version of BBM is available for Android, iPhone and BlackBerry customers, giving them lots of exciting new features. Android and iPhone customers will now be able to make free voice calls to BBM contacts over a Wi-Fi or data connection with BBM Voice, as well as access BBM Channels. In addition, BBM customers on Android, iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones will have more to chat about with fast one-click sharing of photos, documents, voice notes and more. BBM customers will also be able to share their live location for a specified amount of time with other BBM contacts by using location sharing, powered by Glympse, and will have 100 new emoticons available to help them say what’s on their mind.

Get the best local deals via smartphone with vouchercloud and Vodacom

JOHANNESBURG, 13 February 2014 – Vodacom today announced the launch of vouchercloud, a geo-location enabled app that seeks out the best local deals and displays them via smartphone.

Through vouchercloud, Vodacom has partnered with a range of top brands to deliver instant exclusive deals across a range of categories including shopping, eating out, leisure and entertainment. Some of our partners include Edgars, Jet, Makro, Game, Planet Fitness, Doppio Zero, Nu-metro Cinemas, McDonalds, Adega, Billabong and Pizza E Vino.

Hemmanth Singh, Managing Executive: m-Commerce at Vodacom said: “In the current economic environment, we’re all looking for ways to save money. Why not get your smartphone to work for you? It’ll locate all the nearby deals, sift through them and show you only those relevant to you, and then it’ll give you step by step guidance right to the door. With our extensive partner network, we’re confident you’ll be saving money from day one.”

Vouchercloud uses the inbuilt GPS (Global Positioning System) in smartphones to pinpoint the user’s location, searches for all relevant discounting retailers in the vicinity, displays the deals and then guides the customer to the shop's front door using the smartphone's digital mapping application. The voucher is downloaded to the smartphone screen with a single tap, which is shown to the sales assistant in store to redeem the discount. There is no need to print the voucher.

While the vouchercloud app has been developed exclusively in conjunction with Vodacom, smartphones on any network can download the app and use the service.  The App offers Vodacom customers even better value on deals exclusive to them.

The app is free and available on, iTunes, Blackberry App World and Google Play. There is no monthly subscription fee for consumers to use vouchercloud.

Lyndon Munetsi, Managing Director of vouchercloud South Africa says "Since vouchercloud launched in the UK back in 2010, it has become the leading consumer app in Europe with over 6 million active users in the UK, Germany, Netherlands and Ireland. South Africa is the first emerging market to launch vouchercloud. We’ve seen it work in other markets and we’re excited about the opportunities for South Africa. I’ve no doubt that vouchercloud will deliver amazing value to both merchants and consumers. On-going brand awareness and promotion for merchants will drive real feet through the door and consumers can expect a wide selection of the best deals from our partners.”

For more details contact the vouchercloud contact centre on 1089 free from a Vodacom cellphone or 082 1089 from any other phone (standard rates apply) or visit www.vouchercloud.co.za.

(ER 24 Staff and Doug Mattheus of Cell C) 

Cell C shows appreciation for the men and women who save lives

In the spirit of the Believe campaign and an extension of our current sponsorship, Cell C donated 800 SUPERCHARGE vouchers and starter packs to ER24 paramedics nationwide.

The Cell C SUPACHARGE vouchers and starter are worth R250 each and will be the first private cellphone number some of these hardworking men and women who witness some of the toughest circumstances in the country, will own.

“Emergency workers like the ER24 paramedics work all hours of the day and night to save lives. This donation is a way for us to show them how much we value their hard work and dedication to making South Africa a better place,” says Cell C Executive Head of Marketing, Doug Mattheus.

“These paramedics have shown real dedication to our nation and we hope that this token will allow them to keep in contact with family and friends”, says Mattheus.

Edition by +Fred Felton 

Look out for Find Friends on your BBM

Starting today*, BBM is being updated with the Find Friends on BBM feature for iPhone and Android, allowing users to easily find their friends and contacts already using BBM. The Find Friends feature is something that BBM users have been asking for and we’re now bringing it to them in this latest update to BBM for iPhone and Android.

The Find Friends feature will detect which contacts in your smartphone’s contact list are already using BBM, and allow you to quickly choose who to send a PIN invite to. For those contacts that don’t yet have BBM, you can invite them to download the app with an email or SMS invite.

The Find Friends feature will detect which contacts in your smartphone’s contact list are already using BBM, and allow you to quickly choose who to send a PIN invite to. For those contacts that don’t yet have BBM, you can invite them to download the app with an email or SMS invite.

*BBM update rolling out from today and tomorrow.  

(Source - BlackBerry) 

BBM Meets LG Smartphones

BBM MEETS LG SMARTPHONES

The G Pro Lite Will Be the First LG smartphone to Offer BBM out-of-the-box

Lauren Immelman

Smartphones these days have everything, and now, all soon to be new, Black Berry Messenger™ (BBM) will be included preinstalled on the LG G Pro Lite from LG Electronics Inc. all over the world. BlackBerry® has announced a bundling agreement with LG Electronics involving both standard and virtual preloading (using the LG App Manager) and have confirmed that BBM will also continue to be available as a free download from Android app stores, including Google Play™.

“BBM is widely used throughout the Middle East, Africa and Indonesia where smartphone users tend to engage heavily in social networking,” said Kevin Shin, Vice President of Marketing for Asia, the Middle East and CIS countries of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. Shin also states that the LG G Pro Lite offers an optimized BBM experience with its large, high quality display and embedded easy to use Stylus Pen.

“People across the globe are using BBM to connect with each other and the enthusiasm has been phenomenal,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President for BBM at BlackBerry. “We’re extremely pleased that LG Electronics will help bring their customers a more seamless experience with BBM by preloading the app, starting with the G Pro Lite in key markets.”

In the next few months , Android and iPhone®  users will be able to have the BBM experience which is a premier mobile communication service that not only gives customers privacy, but also control and immediacy as they chat with their friends on their contact list. Users can either chat one-to-one, in multiple chats or as part of a BBM Group and now, as a new feature in the recent upgrade can become a part of a channel that allows uses to communicate with others who have similar interests in an engaging and familiar manner. BBM’s ‘Delivered’ and ‘Read’ statuses, as well as message-in-progress notices, allow people to stay connected and active in all of their conversations. 

BBM lets users share files such as photos and voice notes, as well as updating their profile pictures and statuses with ease. Up to 30 people can connect as a BBM Group to chat and share photos, files and documents and even calendars.

Anybody who uses BBM has a unique Pin connected to their Blackberry ID to secure their privacy. Users never have to give out their phone number or email address to begin chatting with a new or casual contact, it is as simple as only giving your pin to people only you want to talk to.

When BBM was introduced in 2005, it became one of the biggest private social networking mobile sites known today.  The BBM experience, which is known and enjoyed by customers for its immediacy, control and privacy, will evolve for Android and iPhones which includes new updates such as the new BBM channels, BBM Voice calling and BBM Video calling.

To help beginners with knowing all about using BBM for Android and IPhones you can use the Getting Started Guide as well as the How-To Videos to learn how to use BBM on your no- longer- Black Berry phone.  Or for more information about using Black Berry apps, visit www.blackberry.com.

(Source - Blackberry) 

BBM Channels Launching and Samsung partners with Danny K

Today BBM Channels, a forum for active, real conversations between people, brands and communities, will be made available for BlackBerry users on BlackBerry OS 5 and above and BlackBerry 10 through BlackBerry World. BlackBerry users can simply update to the newest version of BBM to have access to the BBM Channels beta when it becomes available later today.*

BBM Channels builds on BBM’s strengths of engagement and communications and gives BBM users a rich community-building tool that will allow them to connect with brands, influencers and people of shared interests.

BBM Channels maintains the BBM core value of giving users’ control over their content by allowing users to join or opt out of channels at their discretion and gives channel owners the ability to deliver content their communities are looking for. Channel owners can post messages, share pictures, spark discussions, post animated GIFs and chat directly with subscribers.  Integrated live chat allows channel owners to offer “scheduled chat hours” where BBM users can directly engage with their favorite channels one on one.

During the limited beta for BBM Channels that began on May of 2013 we have seen people creating channels based on their passions and building communities with each other. This broader beta will give BlackBerry users the chance to try out a growing number of channels and build their communities, either through their own channel or through new contacts made through shared interests on other channels.  

This beta period is also a great time for notable brands to test content and engage with users. For instance, Toronto Maple Leafs fans can go behind the scenes via the Leafs’ BBM Channel to get up close and personal with the team and engage in genuine conversations around their shared passion for Leafs hockey. In return, the Maple Leafs are seeing strong user engagement on BBM Channels.

Another example is PriceCheck, which lets its customers do fast and relevant searches of product listings from trusted brands and credible vendors. Through PriceCheck’s BBM Channel bargain hunters can stay up to date on featured offers and competitions. Customers can also engage by sharing online shopping tips and great bargains.

BBM Channels for iPhone and Android devices will launch in the coming months.

For more information on BBM Channels, please visit us.blackberry.com/bbm/bbm-channels.html

(Source - Blackberry) 

Samsung Partners with Danny K 

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – November 22, 2013 – Samsung Electronics South Africa has partnered with music maestro Danny K on the release of his new album “Good Look”. The multi-award winning artist’s latest album will be available from 25th of November, and Samsung GALAXY smartphone users will have direct access to the album through the Danny K Good Look app, at no cost. This initiative makes Danny K the first South African musician to launch an album through a mobile application.

“Technology has changed the way people interact, discover and listen to music and Samsung is proud to be at the forefront of the mobile experience that pays tribute to local artists,” says Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

Samsung SA has purchased twenty thousand copies of “Good Look” and loyal music fans are able to download the full Danny K album for free, exclusively to their Samsung Galaxy devices for one month. This is Danny K’s sixth album, including hits such as Brown Eyes - that rocketed to the top of the 5FM, YFM, MTV and Trace charts in South Africa.

“Not only will this innovative launch set the backdrop for upcoming collaborations, but similarly break new ground in the way music is embraced and consumed in South Africa,” concludes Craige.

Danny K Good Look app is compatible with GALAXY smartphone devices that run Android 4.0 (Ice-Cream Sandwich) and above. Data charges may apply, as determined by local operators and service providers. T&C’s apply.

(Source - Samsung) 

Look out for the Samsung Photography Club Roadshow in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 26, 2013 – Samsung Electronics South Africa, a leader in digital media and convergence technologies, in partnership with award winning and internationally acclaimed photographer, Michael Meyersfeld will be hosting the Samsung Photography Club roadshow. These events will showcase the NX Range including the newly launched Galaxy NX, while sharing insights and trends with photography enthusiast. The roadshow will kick off today 26 November in Johannesburg and will extend to Durban on the 3^rdDecember and end in Cape Town on the 13^th December.

The GALAXY NX is the latest and most connected compact system camera (CSC), with an Android operating system offering Wi-Fi connectivity to allow uploading, sharing and users are able to post directly to social media sites from the device.  The camera helps you to deliver the most out of your photography with mirror-less technology - encompassing faster, smarter, lighter and smaller features that personify ’BLISS’ in photography.  

“The art of photography is one that is constantly changing and with innovative technologies, we are able to meet these dynamic changes. Samsung is proud to bring this advanced digital technology to Photography Clubs around the country and offer the ultimate experience in compact system cameras,” said Michael Gibson, Business Leader: Digital Imaging at Samsung Electronics South Africa. 

The Photography Club roadshow will include informative discussions with Michael Meyersfeld and the digital imaging team from Samsung, showcasing a wide range of demonstrations – including not only the GALAXY NX but the entire Samsung NX range, namely: the award winning NX300, the NX1100 and NX2000. The technical team will also be on hand to answer questions and offer practical advice.

Advanced sensor technology will bring pictures to life and engineered with Hybrid Autofocus (phase detection plus contrast), the GALAXY NX’s 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers high-quality images and lifelike colors with the highest resolution in its class. The sensor in the mirror-less system lens produces incredible depth-of-field and out-focusing effects. Measuring 23.5mm x 15.7mm, the sensor captures the most light to create beautiful, noise-free pictures and video.

“Through these roadshows we hope to provide valuable insight for photo enthusiasts and amateurs alike. Samsung empowers consumers to be able to capture great moments, to create everlasting memories, anywhere and anytime. With this range of cameras, photography is truly fun, pleasurable, rewarding and pure bliss,” concludes Gibson.

(Source - Samsung) 

Over 10 Million Downloads of BBM for Android and iPhone in First Day

BBM achieved top ranking in the App Store in over 75 countries within the first 24 hours.

·         A reminder that for Samsung customers in Sub-Saharan Africa, BBM is available to download from the Samsung Apps store. iPhone and other Android users in Africa will be able to download the app from 20h00 on 24 October 2013. 

·         Additional Resources and Information: To help new, and previous, BBM users, we have posted some how-to videos on the BlackBerry YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/blackberry) to help people get familiar with, or re-familiarize themselves with, BBM.

(Source - Blackberry)