Samsung Sponsors Mettlestate eSports Gaming Championship

The Samsung Galaxy Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Championship, sponsored by Samsung, is currently underway and will conclude with the final match on 7 May 2017. The winning team of this multiplayer first-person shooter video game will be walking away with, not only the top honour, but also R1,000,000.00 - the biggest prize ever for a single eSports title in South Africa.

“Samsung shares the gaming thirst and with our vision, endurance and focus on strategy to improve people’s lives, what better way to do it than by getting involved and assist in building the future for gaming locally,” says Craige Fleischer, Director: Integrated Mobility, Samsung South Africa.

Counter Strike: Global Offensive has been the benchmark of game players’ skills worldwide, with global teams continually proving their ability and strategies in tournaments.

Organiser and host of the online gaming event, Mettlestate, has partnered with Samsung Mobile in this sponsorship deal to bring the local championship to realisation, offering South African gamers a larger platform to display their skills and to further create awareness of eSports and gaming possibilities.

eSport is an ever growing activity, not only as a pastime, but as an occupation. A great number of individuals are inspired to become professional gamers, developers, designers and writers, choosing the gaming industry as a career path. 

Worldwide eSports revenues are projected to reach approximately $1.1 billion by the end of 2019, according to a Newzoo market report*. It is a clear indication that there is a market for it and that consumers are interested. Compared to the international market, eSport is but an infant locally, but interest of South African gamers and brands in the competitive gaming scene is showing stable and speedy growth.

“It is great to see South African eSports starting to take off because of companies, like Samsung, lending their support and investing in the industry,” says Barry “Anthrax” Louzada, Director at Mettlestate. “With Samsung - a world-renowned technology brand with premium devices - as a partner, eSport can only go from strength to strenght. Samsung’s endorsement means that the company has growing intrest in the industry and the various opportunities it has to offer millennials.”

The Samsung sponsorship of the tournament is not only providing monitory assistance, but also sponsoring Samsung products that are relevant to the gaming fraternity. These devices are becoming sought after accessories as eSports expands and develops into a more involved practice.   

“Our mobile technology and flagship devices, such as the Samsung Gear VR, Gear 360 camera and our latest Galaxy S8 smartphone, allow consumers to have the ultimate gaming experience. Gaming is a serious business and gamers are looking to buy only the best devices possible to ensure them the best results. And Samsung is the best. Our immersive products amplify play by bringing fans and participants closer to the mettle of the game, capturing the spirit of gaming,” Fleischer concludes.

* https://newzoo.com/

This December Samsung Has You Covered

Holiday season is here and wherever you plan to go for your summer vacation, you want your holiday to run smoothly and free from worry.

Therefore, why not consider to download Waze or an equivalent map service from the app store, to ensure you find your destination with ease. Perhaps you want to consider loading the latest weather app, to be forewarned of the weather conditions for your holiday. You may even have obtained a calendar of the most exciting events in the region you are travelling to.

However, all this will be in vain if something happens to your mobile device and you find yourself far from home, requiring repairs. Unless of course, it is a Samsung product, as service assistance for all devices and appliances are available during holidays - via multiple channels - across the country.

Should you be staying in one of the major metropolitan areas, you will be able to make use of Samsung’s cyber-booking facility to quickly book the repair in advance. Cyber-booking is designed to expedite faster and more effective service and is available across the Samsung customer service plazas in Johannesburg, Midrand, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

“By using this facility, you provide the service centre with early notification, enabling it to ensure that the relevant parts or spares are in stock by the time you bring the defective product in. This means that the repair, if possible, should be done within the hour, so you don’t waste half your holiday waiting around for your device to be fixed,” says Richard Chetty, Director for SSA Service at Samsung South Africa.

He adds that if you are not near one of the major cities, you may still visit the Samsung website and seek out the service locations nearest to you.

Travel without concerns knowing that issues with any of your devices can easily be dealt with. But what do you do if, for example, your fridge experiences problems while you are away? You certainly don’t want to come home to a freezer full of spoilt food.

The answer is quite simple, explains Chetty. “Ensure that your house-sitter or emergency contact has the details for Samsung support channels, along with the warranty details for your Samsung appliances. They can then contact us for help on 0860 726 786.”

There are a number of options to choose from. They could utilise Samsung’s Online Chat service, where experts are available to talk the customer through a range of troubleshooting options. If this service could not assist in resolving the problem, the agent will then contact the service centre number to log a call for the customer, in order to provide Samsung’s in-home service. These repairs will be done free of charge, as long as the product is still within its warranty.

“Ultimately, Samsung is committed to breaking down barriers and deliver on our clients’ requirements as speedily as possible, even if they are not at home when these requirements need to be met. We have a committed service infrastructure in SA, backed up by multiple support channels. These include phone, e-mail, live chat, remote service and cyber service. This means that you are able to relax on the beach, comfortable in the knowledge that Samsung will provide the safety net for repairs on all your appliances and devices,” concludes Chetty.

For more information, log on to: http://www.samsung.com/za/support/ or 

call: 0860 726 786.

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 

Opportunity for Designers courtesy of Samsung

Inspire Design, a search to discover South Africa’s Top Talent

Creating real opportunities, through the power of technology

Inspire Design is a new campaign launched by Samsung Electronics South Africa - with the purpose of discovering South Africa’s best up-and-coming designers from a spectrum of creative industries and helping to turn their dreams into a reality.

Samsung will run its first ever design talent search programme in South Africa, based on the company’s global strategy to strengthen its commitment to unleash the dreams, passions and potential of individuals with brilliant ideas through innovative technology. In order to ensure the success of this initiative, Samsung has partnered with some of the country’s most esteemed designers in the creative space, to help identify talent.

The campaign aims to unearth creative talent across five design categories: fashion, furniture, homeware and décor – and was launched during Africa's first international design fair The GUILD, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The four judges chosen to search and ultimately choose, South Africa’s best emerging design talent include successful Jewellery designer Kirsten Goss, premium artist in Homeware and Décor, Susan Slee of Maneki, internationally celebrated Fashion designer, Shaldon Kopman of Naked Ape, and CEO of premium Furniture store Bakos Brothers, Ryan Bakos.

Globally, the brand is associated with similar programmes that unleash potential of individuals in various creative categories which encourage individualism, from music to film. Locally, as an icon of originality and true self-expression, Samsung is using the design platform to find the creative talent of these four disciplines.

Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications, explains, “Samsung’s culture of innovation is reaching beyond product to help people everywhere realise their potential. With beautiful design at the heart of Samsung’s philosophy, we are proud to partner on an initiative that will discover and showcase our next generation of upcoming artists.”

The search will unfold in two phases: the national recruitment, entry and judging process will take place between March and May. The four  judges will then select eight winners – comprising the top two designs in each category of the five disciplines. These candidates will then have the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase their talent through extensive media exposure and network with distinguished South African buyers.

“The South African design industry has gained huge momentum in recent years, and now some of our best designers compete on a global stage with their peers. Samsung’s Inspire Design will provide a sustainable and credible platform to some of South Africa’s top talent, and offer a unique and exciting opportunity for designers already working in the various design spheres. It’s not only about technology, but about realising the potential of people with dreams and passion,” concludes Potgieter.

For more information on how to enter visit http://www.samsung.com/za/inspire_design/. T&Cs apply.

Meet the Inspire Design Judges:

Kirsten Goss - Jewellery design:

A style icon in her own right, Kirsten cites her Scandinavian heritage and South African roots as important influences. It is her rare talent for tapping into contemporary lifestyle trends that has seen Kirsten Goss jewellery becoming one of this country’s most talked about designer brands. Kirsten’s flagship boutique is nestled in leafy Kensington, while design and production are headquartered in a state-of-the-art design studio in Durban.  A truly global business, with African roots servicing an international clientèle.

Shaldon Kopman - Fashion design:

Shaldon Kopman is a well-recognised name in the fashion Industry. His career to date has spanned the globe. He is director and founder of the bespoke men’s brand Naked Ape. Shaldon’s comprehensive knowledge of the fashion industry as a whole is complementary to his creativity and uses this experience to conceptualise in a refreshing and artistic way. He has a special talent for interpreting trends and his passion for Africa is manifested in his designs.

Susan Slee - Homeware and Décor design:

Susan Slee is the owner of Maneki van Staal, a well-known jewellery designer and manufacturer. Her fascination with the simplicity of instant drawings led to the birth of Maneki van Staal, an instant success with an engaging story behind each product and character. In the last five years, Maneki have opened three outlets in South Africa. Currently the Maneki product range includes sugar spoons, teaspoon sets, salad and cutlery sets, ceramic tableware, leather handbags and jewellery.

Ryan Bakos – Furniture Industry Leader:

Ryan Bakos was born into the Bakos family business and took over the reins in 2008.  The first step in this process was the recent opening of a 4500m2 factory in Wynberg, a brave move that has enabled Bakos Brothers to compete on a larger scale, as well as cut out the middlemen. The factory buys fabrics and leather in bulk, direct from the wholesalers, which has dramatically reduced costs, resulting in reduced prices on its sofas especially. Ryan has also introduced a new, cutting edge internal information system, which disseminates information and enables interaction between employees, creating a sense of family for the 100 staff located around the country

To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Samsung WOW App connects millions to Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Samsung WOW App Connects Millions Worldwide to
Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games

Samsung’s WOW (Wireless Olympic Works) now available; offers personalised experience, athlete cheering feature and tutorial on all 15 sporting events for Sochi 2014 

Samsung Electronics has launched its Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games mobile app, Wireless Olympic Works (WOW), turning the world’s Android devices into mobile sports stations that fans can use to personalise their own Olympic Winter Games experience.

Samsung’s Public WOW app provides sports fans with real-time access to event schedules, latest reports on results, medal standings and Olympic records, consistently and fast. Public WOW is an extension of Samsung’s custom WOW for the Olympic Family, which is a wireless communications platform developed to ensure smarter communications and smoother, wireless operations of the Olympic Winter Games by offering news and information about the Games to officials and staff.

“Samsung is offering fans around the world the most direct access to Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and allowing them to design and personalise their experience in ways that are most relevant to their interests and passions,” said Michelle Potgieter, Director, Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “Our dedicated teams are hard at work year-round to ensure that the WOW technology is ready for use throughout the Games, both for consumers looking for the ultimate Olympic Winter Games experience, and for the Olympic Family utilising our technology to support Games-time operations.”

All Android users worldwide can download Samsung’s Public WOW app via the Samsung App store and Google Play, at no cost, obtainingunprecedented access to the excitement of the Olympic Winter Games.

Components of the Samsung WOW app allow fans to design their own Olympic Winter Games experience in the following ways:

Personalise your own Olympic Winter Games updatesSamsung’s WOW app for Sochi 2014 offers highly personalised, live Games-time updates ranging from medal counts to big moments that can be pushed to users’ phones in real time. A new cheering service will allow fans to send cheers to support their favorite athletes and countries. 

Share your celebrations with social network featuresUsers can upload text and images instantly to share with other WOW app users and with their social networks, creating a global community around collective interests in the Olympic Winter Games and winter sports. Languages supported for the Public WOW app include English, French, German, Korean, Russia, Chinese and Spanish.

Learn about Olympic sports with an interactive, visual guideThe app offers information on all 15 winter sports at Sochi 2014 through a highly visual and engaging graphic user interface. A Visual Sports Guide will provide tutorials on each sport, including rules, equipment details and many other points of interest, bringing people closer to the excitement of the Olympic Winter Games.

Get the most out of your Sochi visit with an Olympic Winter Games venue guideFans attending the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi will have access to a location-based Olympic Winter Games venue guide through theSamsung WOW technology. The guide offers Olympic venue information and navigation services so visitors can feel truly integrated into the Olympic Winter Games experience on the ground.

“With its advanced technology in wireless communications, Samsung has played an essential role in the successful operation of the Olympic Winter Games. We believe the WOW app for Sochi 2014 will once again benefit the Games with more efficient and faster communications for the Olympic Family as well as fans around the world” said Timo Lumme, Managing Director, IOC TMS.

As part of the “Samsung Smart Olympic Games Initiative”, Samsung will provide around 18,000 mobile devices to the Olympic Family, including executives, staff and officials from the IOC, National Olympic Committees and organising agencies in Sochi. They will be connected to Samsung’s WOW service which will provide essential, up-to-date Games Time data and connectivity that is crucial to the Olympic WinterGames operation.

The Samsung WOW service was first launched during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games for the Olympic Family and has since evolved into a must-have resource for officials, attendees and fans worldwide.

(Source - Samsung) 

Tech News around South Africa

Samsung introduces Daily News with their Smart TV's

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – November 22, 2013  – Building on Samsung’s innovative Smart TV experience, Samsung Electronics South Africa today announces the launch of the NewsON panel, providing easy access to timely news information and content straight to Samsung Smart TVs in South Africa. With a click of a remote users have immediate access, even in low bandwidth environments, to the day’s most popular news and weather reports, ensuring Samsung TV consumers are well informed.

NewsON is freely available for Samsung Smart TV owners via the Samsung Smart Hub. This new feature offers a snapshot of the latest news and weather via Yahoo - the first partner for the NewsON panel. Allowing users to click through, see story summaries and full articles or streaming news video clips. This interactive interface provides the most important local stories as well as weather reports for all the main cities in South Africa, with Flickr photos in the background. By updating the Smart TV firmware to version 1112.6 higher, consumers will be able to access the new NewsON panel.

"Samsung believes in making solutions that are not only technologically innovative but provide its customers with convenience that enriches their lives. NewsON is another example of this and will keep consumers updated with local and international news in the comfort of their living room," says Lance Berger, Head of Product Marketing TV/AV at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

"By enhancing the Smart Hub, Samsung is further providing innovative capabilities to its products that give users immediate benefits that positively impact their daily lives” continues Berger.

NewsON gives users a more connected life by providing readily accessible and relevant local content. This new feature is part of Samsung’s commitment to expanding the TV experience beyond simply watching television and movies, and to bring knowledge, news and the most immersive entertainment experience to everyone, everywhere.

(Source - Samsung) 

Vodacom recognised as Best Performer on JSE SRI Index

Vodacom, South Africa’s largest mobile operator, was one of six companies recognised as a Best Performer company on the JSE’s Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Index. 

Vodacom is the only ICT company to be recognised as a Best Performer on the SRI Index.

The mobile operator qualified as a Best Performer in the low environmental impact category. The index recognises those companies that regard society, governance and environment as an integral part of their corporate strategy, and ultimately share this information transparently in their reporting.

(Source - Vodacom) 

Bringing home the “Holiday Magic” this December

A rugby trip to New Zealand and an opportunity to meet Pat Lambie is up for grabs

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – November 26, 2013 – Samsung South Africa has launched an exciting promotion to bring the ‘Holiday Magic’ to its consumers this Festive Season. The promotion provides great added value when purchasing any Smart TV, wireless audio product, Blu-ray DVD player or home theatre system at Samsung Experience Stores and leading retail outlets, nationwide.  

“The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to buy gifts and spoil loved ones. We too at Samsung would like to reward our loyal consumers by adding a little extra Holiday Magic to their lives. Consumers will receive 10 free movie rentals from Samsung Video Hub and the free NewsOn panel with every Smart TV purchased. With the purchase of any wireless audio product, consumers will receive three months free unlimited access to Simfy Africa; and with the purchase of any Samsung Blu-ray or home theatre product, they will receive four free movie rentals from Mr Video,” says Lance Berger, Head of Product Marketing for TV/AV at Samsung Electronics South Africa.    

When purchasing any of the above mentioned products, consumers also stand the chance to win a trip to New Zealand valued at R70 000 and the opportunity to meet and share the experience with rugby star Pat Lambie, who has become a much loved rugby icon to many South Africans. As one of its Brand Ambassadors, Samsung wanted to give fans the opportunity to stand a chance to meet Lambie and enjoy the experience of watching a live rugby game with him in New Zealand.

The Samsung Holiday Magic competition was launched on the 15 November 2013, and ends on the 15 January 2014

(Ts & Cs Apply) 

(Source - Samsung) 

Samsung Unveils Rhino Crime Fighting App

Using Smart Technologies to combat rhino poaching with the eRhODIS™ App

Johannesburg, December 04, 2013 – Samsung Electronics South Africa is the exclusive technology partner for the Rhinoceros DNA Index System (RhODIS®) - established by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria. RhODIS® was developed as a forensic tool to assist in addressing the current rhino poaching crisis in South Africa by linking recovered rhinoceros horn to poaching cases which has supported in the successful prosecution of poachers and wildlife crime syndicates.

The mobile application, which provides the information technology backbone to support RhODIS®, was unveiled at the recent international DNA training workshop held at the South African Wildlife College in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC).

South Africa is currently facing a crisis as the number of rhinos killed has increased drastically. This can be seen in the large leap from 333 rhinos poached in 2010 to 860 this year. The report further showed that the Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of rhino poaching, as reported by the DEA this month. The continued fight against rhino poaching has united the nation – with valiant and well-coordinated efforts implemented by government, law enforcement agencies, South African National Parks and private organisations.

Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa explains, “The availability of eRhODIS™ will enhance data accuracy, increase access of information to authorities and have a positive impact in convicting criminals of these crimes. Samsung is honoured to be in a position to contribute innovative technology solutions aimed at supporting this great cause and assist in protecting South Africa’s wildlife, and more specifically the rhino.”

The eRhODIS™ mobile app is used to gather DNA evidence, geographical data and upload photographs. Collected information has already been used as evidence to support several cases involving poachers and traffickers. It links the suspect to a specific crime scene through matching DNA from recovered horns and weapons used to kill animals. The database also includes DNA profiles of live rhinoceros and horn in stockpiles, which further provides a powerful tool for authorities to trace and link each animal and horn individually. The archive presently includes over 10 000 samples from black and white rhinoceros from all over Africa.

The eRhODIS™ app has been designed to guide the user through the standard procedure of collecting samples and completing required data fields. It is intended to support the use of the rhinoceros sampling kits developed as part of the project and is available to all investigators, the environmental management inspectorate, veterinarians and officials trained and authorised to use the RhODISÒ kits.

During a rhino poaching investigation, data is initially collected at the crime scene. Equipped with a Samsung GALAXY Note 8 loaded with the application, investigators are able to collect data related to the DNA evidence and upload information to a secure cloud server as soon as the device is within network range. The laboratory receives this information instantly and is able to view who submitted the report. A completed sample collection form, in PDF format, is emailed to the investigator which is then printed and added as a paper copy to the evidence bag with samples for submission to the laboratory.

Dr Cindy Harper, Director of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria, said, “RhODISÒ continues to play a vital role in fighting rhinoceros crime in South Africa and its implementation and utilisation internationally could play a key role in bringing people and syndicates involved in wildlife crime to book.”

“There is an urgent need to curb rhino poaching in South Africa and we are proud to be associated with this project that assists with the prevention and combat of environmental crime. Conservation success depends on innovative private and public sector partnerships which offer accelerated access and exchange of information to link groups involved in environmental offences to specific offenses,” concludes Fleischer.

(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)