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Speaking of videos, if you want to see Xiaomi’s Vision Gran Turismo electric hypercar, Honor’s robot phone with foldable 3-axis gimbal + 4mm foldable, robots that fight, paint or interact, Leica’s first Leitzphone smartphone by Xiaomi and Lenovo’s rollable XD laptop + Legion Go handheld concept, it’s all on video. I attended MWC Barcelona as a guest of Tecno South Africa.

@nafisaakaborCoolest concepts and gadgets at Mobile World Congress Barcelona. Which is your favourite? Ft the Xiaomi Vision GT, Honor Robot Phone, Magic V6, fighting robots, Leica Leitzphone, and Lenovo rollable and foldable screens.

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And back in South Africa, one of the most highly-anticipated Apple products has landed: the new 13-inch MacBook Neo, starting at R11 999. It is Apple’s first shot at an entry-level laptop, but powered by an iPhone chip, the A18 Pro and 8GB of RAM. I’ve been using it for a week now and I’m suitably impressed, as a MacBook Air M4 user. Because it’s entry-level, don’t expect upgrades, there are just 2 variants: a 256GB and 512GB with Touch ID; that’s it. It is made from aluminium like regular MacBooks and comes in four colours.

I’ve already edited videos, had Apple Music playing in the background, Safari opened with over 20 tabs from YouTube livestreams, to multimedia heavy social platforms, Gmail, Canva, Excel, Whatsapp, Instagram etc. The laptop did not stutter with all of that but, realistically, buyers of the laptop are not even going to use it that intensively.

So who is it aimed at? First-time Mac buyers, families, students and I’d go as far as to say writers and journalists. All the details are in my initial post when the Neo launched alongside the iPhone 17e, iPad Air M4, and new MacBook Pro M5 variants. A proper review + video on my TikTok will follow next week. Is there anything you want to know specifically about the Neo? Let me know!

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Still on the local front, FNB announced that its wildly popular eWallet feature is now available on Whatsapp, making it easier to access for South Africans without a bank account. Yes, this means new eWallet customers can use the service directly on Whatsapp. All the details on Recharged.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Lego Pokémon sets arrive in SA

• Review: Oppo Reno 15 Pro

• Review: Mario Tennis Fever

• Samsung unveils S26 Series

• Car insurance costs in SA in 2026

Till next time,
Nafisa

https://www.recharged.co.za/spotify-launches-audiobooks-south-africa/

And if you’re looking for a new phone, there’s never a shortage in SA. Recently, Vivo introduced its premium X300 Pro smartphone in SA, with an optional camera lens kit. It appears to be the first time a brand has officially brought a product like this into the country, so if you want to travel with one device and not an additional DSLR, check out all the deets on Recharged.

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And if you’re looking a regular smartphone, check out the Oppo Reno 15 range that became available a few days ago. Expect a high 512GB of storage, 80W fast charging, an AI powered 200MP camera, eSIM support and more on the Pro, alongside the Reno 15F. Both support underwater photography, and built-in AI video editing tools. Find more info here.

And on the ‘entry-level’ device front, the Honor X9d was released last week, which is referred to as the “unbreakable AI smartphone”, starting at R9999. It has a ridiculously large 8300mAh battery, 108MP camera plus 2.5m drop resistant. If you tend to drop your phones or your kids share it, it may be worth checking out.

On the review front, my long-awaited Oura Ring 4 review is out. It’s a very detailed review covering everything you may want to know about this popular smart ring that is number one globally. If you’re the type who weren’t drawn to smartwatches, but prefer luxury or analogue watches, this may appeal to you. I am confident that everything I shared will help you decide if you want one or not, which is available only through Discovery Vitality.

https://www.recharged.co.za/review-oura-ring-4/

And if you’re finding tech getting a bit pricey, plus there’s going to be hikes due to the cost of RAM and SSDs going up with the explosion of AI demands from data centres, check out Makro’s new offering to purchase pre-owned goods. Makro Restored will offer smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, desktops, audio (speakers and headphones), and gaming consoles on their new portal. All sellers are carefully vetted, plus there will be warranty on items purchased. More info on Recharged.

I was in conversation with SAfm earlier this week on the Market Update with Moneyweb show about WiFi in the sky, and Qatar Airways’ advanced rollout of satellite connectivity with Starlink. It was a general chat about connectivity in the air. If you’re a traveller, you may want to give it a listen.

Trending on my TikTok: How to get two passports in South Africa with cost implications and how it works. My second video is a bit niche: if you purchased a Louis Vuitton handbag between 2017-2021, certain canvas bags have a defect and you be maybe eligible for an exchange. LV South Africa exchanged my bag from 2018 at more than double the original cost, and could do the same for you.

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Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Review: Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch 2

• Charge to open 2 new solar chargers on N3

• Top EVs sold in South Africa in 2025

Till next time,
Nafisa

@nafisaakaborTop 10 EVs sold in SA in 2025 + total BEV and PHEV sales. Powered by @Naked

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I was also in conversation in the SAfm Market Update with Moneyweb about the NEV landscape, plus a bit about the Leapmotor C10 REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) I drove in December. My write-up will be in the March edition of Brainstorm. I’m looking forward to the upcoming Volkswagen Indaba and Toyota’s annual State of the Motor Industry in February. Stay tuned for that.

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This month I found another use for the Samsung Z Fold 7 foldable - I’ve been going on the treadmill daily and watch TV series to help pass the time! It’s definitely made it less boring. If you’re considering a book-style foldable for productivity, there’s a new versus article on Recharged with side-by-side specs for a better overview on the Z Fold 7 vs Honor Magic V5:

https://www.recharged.co.za/samsung-zfold7-vs-honor-magicv5/

I’ve also been sharing a bunch of tips on my TikTok if you want to catch up, like my AirPods cleaning hack; a quick look at the Xiaomi 165W power bank (useful for laptops); and how to charge your MacBook faster.

If you need an explainer on anything tech or travel related, leave me or comment or let me know via email or any platform you follow me on and keep an eye on my TikToks in February.

In other industry news, we have the first local smartphone launch of the year from Oppo with the Reno15 series, available on 7 February. Both models feature 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage and 5G connectivity. The base model Reno 15 F offers a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, 7000mAh battery and 50MP front and rear cameras for R13 999, while the high-end Reno 15 Pro has a MediaTek Dimensity 8450 chipset, 6200mAh battery and 200MP rear + 50MP selfie cam for R21 999.

If you’re looking for a more high-end Android, stay tuned as Vivo is launching their new X300 Series this evening.

Speaking about Android, if you don’t want Gemini learning or training its AI from your Gmails, here’s how it works and how to turn it off.

https://www.recharged.co.za/how-to-disable-gemini-on-gmail/

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• AirFrance partners with Apple TV

• Sony LinkBuds Clip: Open Design, Always On

• Review: Metroid Prime 4 - Beyond

• Tecno Smart Start Sale

Till next time,
Nafisa

While I was not in attendance, I followed remotely. It appears the biggest attention-grabbers weren’t just incremental upgrades, but products that felt like category shifts: Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold signalling the next era of foldables, while Roborock’s Saros Rover robovac with legs stole the show for pure “robots are here” shock value. Meanwhile, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas (owned by Hyundai) won a ‘best robot’ award - creepy or cool?

TVs also returned to being design statements with LG’s ultra-thin wallpaper OLED and Samsung’s RGB mini-LED tech pushing picture quality into absurd territory. Even Lego got its CES moment thanks to Smart Play, which blended physical play with hidden interactive tech, proving that innovation doesn’t have to mean more screens.

Other standouts to me were wearables that pushed into sci-fi territory with the brain-scanning Neurable x HyperX headset, while open-ear earbuds continued to dominate as the most practical everyday audio trend. Outside the house, the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD robot lawn mower looked like an outdoor EV rather than a garden gadget, and the show’s most CES-style headline went to a $20,000 massage chair that literally moves your limbs.

Smart home continued its “why not?” evolution with a smart toilet that can alert family (LOL), but the bigger picture was clear: robots are moving beyond factories and into human spaces, inching closer to doing chores, assisting, and reshaping what “home tech” supposed to mean.

It will be interesting to follow what makes it to production, what failed and what’s shipping first… like iPolish’s world first digital colour changing nails expected mid 2026. I may be sold if there’s a short set!

Do you think tech is going too far? What has stood out for you and what do you want to see come to life?

Fresh from Recharged today is our list of Top 5 Earbuds with Live Translate features. Whether you’re travelling or want to hear gossip about you at a nail salon (this is happening in the US and Europe), no matter your reason, here are five options available right now, with local pricing.

https://www.recharged.co.za/top-5-earbuds-live-translate/

Trending on my TikTok: I recently shared my top tip on how to lower your insurance premiums for Out and About items, using my laptop as an example. This works if you have some savings to tap into:

@nafisaakabor2026 money saving tip: how to lower your insurance premium for Out & About items. #moneytips #southafrica

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There was also a lot of interest in the Motorola x Swarovski partnership that introduces the Motorola Brilliant Collection to South Africa, which is a Vodacom exclusive. If you want a flip phone, the razr 60 and Bose earbuds adorned in Swarovski in Patone’s Ice Melt shade, this is the phone for you!

Till next time,
Nafisa

If you’re a long-time follower, you know I’ve been doing this annual round-up since 2010. This year marks 15 years that I’ve been sharing my annual self-reflection post. While I didn’t carry over my previous posts from my old blog onto Recharged, I shared my 2024: The Year That Was in this newsletter. And so a new tradition begins.

As always, feel free to do your own version and let me know so I can check it out, or if you don’t have an online platform, use the comments section.

1. What did you do in 2025 that you’d never done before?
I met the queen of the Netherlands, Queen Maxima to speak about my finances; went on an international group girls trip (as a non-group traveller); I flew first class this year by saving my miles and upgrading an international leg (last year I scored a free upgrade which I forgot to include in my round up!); ventured with an industry colleague to another city in China on the bullet train (it was not easy but such an epic adventure); went on my first travel brand trip with Club Med; kayaked somewhat deep into the ocean to watch a sunset in Mauritius in choppy waters; visited a state of the art EV plant in Hungary with BMW; finished my single longest hike at 10.25km, part of the 3-day Fynbos Trail; and finally, got a chance to contribute an EV piece on video for the Debrief Network (why I love this format: previously journalists asked experts in their field for comment for a story; now experts weigh in on topics/get spotlight through video, which is very in tune with where the media landscape is shifting towards).

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
While I work on improving myself all-year round, my intention was to spend more time on Recharged.co.za and I’m satisfied with how it turned out, but keeping the publications I contribute to, to a minimum. My goal for 2026 is similar: to put more time into my own platforms and spaces that I own vs. relying on others. I’ve always said: if you don’t invest in yourself, why should others invest in you?

3. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
For a change, in Johannesburg, ha! But I’m doing Rushda’s Glow Cleanse and have zero fomo about it being the festive season and not indulging. It’s been 7 days and I’ve not had sugar. Is there something wrong with me?

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, China, Germany, Hungary, the UK, and Mauritius, which was my 46th country. A lot of my holidays now are revisiting countries I’ve already been to. After I ticked off my 40 by 40 country list, my goals have changed. I still want to see new places but I also want to travel with purpose.

6. What would you like to have in 2026 that you lacked in 2025?
More down time. I’ve been wearing an Oura ring, and I can see the difference it makes when I prioritise rest, or sleep early, or read books (I’ll be doing a 3 month review of it early next year with the data I gathered).

7. What date from 2025 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
24 November stands out, I took a flight to Mauritius for my first international travel brand trip with Club Med. I got to experience what it’s like in an all-inclusive resort – it’s still such a weird feeling to walk out of a restaurant and not pay for anything! Or for any activity. I guess I never truly experienced all-inclusive. I’m now looking at their other resorts around the world, because I’d be keen to book at an exotic location.

Oh, here’s that sunset on a kayak deep into the ocean, while trying to avoid a section with choppy waters (I sent it to my sister and she reminded me that some jinn live in the ocean; iykyk).

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
To have a brand approach me to sponsor my videos and other work on my own platforms. As an independent writer trying to make it in a shrinking industry, this isn’t easy. Naked has been an incredible partner for Recharged, not just being a tech-first company but giving me creative freedom. I also partner with brands I believe in, which is why I’m a paying customer now; not subsidised.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not keeping up with my fitness. I’m nowhere near the levels I want to be at. I was not even fully prepared for the Fynbos Trail I did in the Western Cape earlier this month.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not in a typical sense as it’s not an ‘illness’ but I spent time at specialists towards the end of the year because I have a benign growth that’s gotten bigger near my thyroid that I need to have removed.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Travel experiences are priceless; the times I got to spend with friends through mutual interests, like over a multi-day hike, is unmatched. Even though I was not as prepared, the Fynbos Trail was the best money I spent this year. I also felt like I learned a bit about myself.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Travel. This year, there were more personal trips but unique experiences with many lessons learned and eye-opening moments along the way that I wouldn’t take back because experience is life’s greatest teacher.

13. What song will always remind you of 2025?
Golden - Huntr/x

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Read more books. I’ve recently got into Haruki Murakami’s books, I know, very late in life. I bought it on Kindle and went through his short stories first. I like his writing style.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Scrolling on social media. What a waste of time, ha!

16. What was your favourite TV program?
I didn’t get into anything gripping. You know when you watch new seasons of things. That said, Bad Influencer, a South African crime drama about selling fake luxury bags on Netflix deserves a shout out.

17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t but have no issues removing people from my life when we no longer align. The older I get, the less tolerant I am of behaviour that makes me uncomfortable.

18. What was the best book you read?
As mentioned, I started reading again but want to give a shout out to Qaanitah Hunter’s Why Am I Like This that I finished in a couple of hours over a day while traveling. I love fast-paced books, this was a page tuner. Plus something from within the community and South Africa, lots of things I could relate to.

19. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Another late discovery in life is Rosalia. A musical genius. The first time I heard Berghain I was obsessed. Understanding all the languages she sings in for this track is of course irrelevant.

20. What was your favourite film of this year?
I loved K-Pop Demon Hunters. Loved the strong female leads, fun music, adorable graphics/stunning visuals, and the identity and friendship theme. Worth a mention: I recently watched a thriller that came out last Christmas called Carry On, with Jason Bateman. If you like travel (or not, really), it’s a good watch.

21. What did you do on your birthday?
It was shortly after Eid and I had two work trips that same week, so I didn’t plan anything eventful like I normally do.

22. What kept you sane?
Safe spaces – the good people I have in my life to make sense of what was going on this year.

23. Who did you miss?
Given the year I had (Q25), all my friends and family who live in different cities. I’m very selective about who I give my time to, so the people that matter most to me are the ones I wish I could see more of, in person.

24.Who was the best new person you met?
I met a fair amount of people during my travels this year and while I’m not going to single anyone out, I’m always grateful to hear from others, gain insights in how they see life in their perspective as mine is usually different. This is also why I love traveling, it broadens my mind.

25.Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2025.
This year was centred around friendships. Not every long-standing friendship deserves lifetime access. This year forced me to confront dynamics I had previously tolerated: whether it was competitiveness disguised as concern or jealousy that doesn’t always shout.

I learned that how someone treats others they meet for the first time during travels, especially when you see the prejudice, is a clear reflection of their values and a glimpse into their character you’re not privy to. I do not stand for disrespect and condescending behaviour towards people I hold dear.

But the year also showed me that some friendships don’t end dramatically, they simply evolve. As lives move on and priorities shift, dynamics naturally change.

I learnt to take a step back from being the ‘organiser’, which wasn’t about disengaging, but allowing friendships to find a more natural balance, which highlighted the ones that felt mutual.

At 42, I no longer have the time or emotional bandwidth to manage other people’s insecurities, drama or lack of self-awareness.

The lesson? Protect your energy. Choose friendships that feel supportive, mutual, and grounded. And trust yourself when something feels off - you don’t need a bigger reason than that.

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Oppo has introduced its first Find X Series device in South Africa, the Find X9 Pro. This flagship is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, 16/512GB, a 200MP Hasselblad camera, and a staggering 7500mAh battery. It has full AI integration and Oppo’s proprietary SuperVooc fast charging, at a cost of R29 999. Oppo is throwing in extras worth R9 999: an 80W wired and 50W wireless charger, magnetic phone case, the Watch X2 and a VIP Care Package.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

Geely is almost ready to relaunch its brand in South Africa and I’m hoping to get behind the wheel of the Geely EX5 next week. It will launch in an EV and PHEV variant with ICE options coming in 2026. Geely’s parent company also owns Volvo, so expect similar safety features and advanced tech in the vehicles.

I came across this round-up on the top 5 most affordable EVs you can get in the SA market right now. What do you think? I’m also keen to see what GWM has up their sleeves with the relaunch the Ora brand next year.

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

Recharged contributor Marcé Heath recently shared her list of top low-tech gadgets she’d like her child to grow up with. I think these are nifty and may even catch the eye of adults alike. A simple drawing tablet, Kindle, and film camera is definitely appealing. Check her full list on Recharged.

Just a quick update on the Oura Ring, I’m waiting a full month before I share a review as it is a very data driven device, but in the mean time I’ve learnt about sleep debt and I can’t start my day without checking my Readiness Score. All this and more will be shared in detail soon.

📲 App-solutely Essential

It’s almost Black Friday, which means some of you have been saving for months to grab tech deals online. Have you seen the news of Alibaba coming after Shein and Temu in South Africa? It plans to open a hub in Durban, which means yet another shopping app, AliExpress, will be enticing us with cheap deals. I myself recently caved and bought my first item on Temu (it’s a gadget not yet available in SA) and will share more about it soon. I love finding a good deal and support local businesses where I can; it’s a balance.

PS before I close out this week, check out this cool initiative by Naked, who sponsors my TikTok videos, about a collab they did with local artists to create a collection of artworks and tote bags. Pre-orders are open till tomorrow before they get shipped. At R100 and R140 each, they make great gifts!

Till next week,
Nafisa

I recently travelled to London and managed to find an iPhone 17 Pro in a configuration I’ve been after, which involved checking stock for days. I had concerns with the phone during testing (a fail to move from titanium to aluminium), so I recommend you read my review of what I call the ugliest iPhone ever made, if you’d like to know more and why I bought it. I will also post a video about the iPhone 17 Pro this week, stay tuned.

https://www.recharged.co.za/review-iphone-17-pro/

I also fixed the ugly situation with the coolest cover I could find:

Speaking of London, I flew on Virgin Atlantic and if you’re familiar with that routing, you’ll be glad to know the airline has just announced an updated schedule for this route, with much better timings that let you maximise the full day between both cities. I just missed it as it came into effect on 26 October, but read more on Recharged.

The last time I shared tips from the Naked insurance app, I didn’t expect so many reads. Because of that, I’m sharing a very apt summer-ready post on how to prepare for the Highveld thunderstorms and unpredictable weather in relation to being road-ready. The checklist is available on Recharged in partnership with Naked.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Review: EA Sports 26

• Review: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X

• Vezo Pay Ring gets FNB support

• Spar and UberEats partner

• First Look: Mercedes-Benz EQV (partner)

Till next time,
Nafisa

The Oura Ring is not the only device that can be used for tracking sleep, but also a bunch of popular smartwatches. I am awaiting a ring to review and will also compare it to the Galaxy Ring. More on Recharged:

https://www.recharged.co.za/discovery-oura-ring-south-africa/

And now for the opposite end of the spectrum, Recharged recently published a review of the viral Ninja Creami, a 7-in-1 ice-cream maker. Former tech journalist Dave Greenway imported one from the UK (and paid less than what it goes for on a local site) and says: “I have a sweet tooth and I struggle to eat enough protein in the day for my training and dietary goals. This manages to solve those problems for me.” Full review here. A little birdie told us there will be other ice-cream makers entering the local market this year, stay tuned.

In other news, if you’re a small business owner, content creator or budding film-maker/videographer, I finally published my review of one of my best purchases this year: the DJI Mic Mini. It’s basically your new smartphone bestie. It caught my eye because it didn’t have a glaring logo; it’s discreet and weighs 10g. It connects via USB-C, has granular controls, and adds to productivity because you don’t have to worry about the hadedas in the background anymore!

Trending on my TikTok:

@nafisaakaborThe #BYD #DolphinSurf is South Africa’s cheapest #EV at R340 000. Would you buy one? ⚡️

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I’ve had a fair amount of messages about what happened to Stocard and if there is another app to use for loyalty cards. Good news, it underwent a rebranding after Klarna bought it a few years ago. You simply have to download the Klarna app, which supports all your favourite South African loyalty cards, airline and hotel ones, plus any other obscure card. Read why it’s our App of the Week.

Speaking about travel, did you notice that airlines have been enforcing a power bank ban rule lately? We break it down, and suggest what to do on-board.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Review: Borderlands 4

• The Edge opens at Wanderers

• Swapping screen time for play time

• 5 Reasons to buy the Honor 400 Pro [spon]

• Vivo V60 Lite 5G lands in SA

Till next time,
Nafisa

If you use Instagram, have you noticed they finally delivered on a promise? Views on stories used to be dismal if you post more than once, but now, I post 3x stories and all of them consistently get high views; and better than before. But, it is a Meta owned platform after all, who knows how long it’ll last.

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Speaking of IG stories, there’s some test shots from the new iPhone 17 Pro up on @nafisa that expires by 15h30 on 25 September from my review unit. Can’t say I’m a fan of the colours, they are too loud, however, I’m impressed with its battery life so far. And you can finally shoot in dual capture with both cameras now. I also published my much awaited review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and how it transformed the way I travel and working on-the-go. It makes me not want to take my iPad anywhere.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

The biggest EV news this month is the launch of the BYD Dolphin Surf, South Africa’s newest cheapest EV, starting at R340k. It’s significant because it breaks the R400k barrier, and interestingly, my queries are from those who would not have considered an EV before. But this is BYD’s goal, to make it accessible to all. It’s the EV that will take you from A to B without worrying about rising fuel costs. Worth checking out, including Dolphin Surf launch offers.

Earlier this month I went to Germany as a guest of BMW South Africa for the global unveiling of the Neue Klasse iX3, which promises 800km of range thanks to its new battery technology, plus its new Panoramic Vision, a display strip across the windshield with useful yet customisable info. I also got to check out its new EV plant in Hungary. Catch up on Recharged. I also published my long-term review of the all electric VW ID.4 Pro, which is set to launch in South Africa next year. Read all about it here.

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

Are USB flash drives a thing again? If you see the price of smartphone storage today, it’s more cost-effective to buy a flash drive instead of a higher capacity phone, if you factor cloud storage as well. SanDisk recently sent me the Ultra Luxe USB-C Flash Drive to check out, where I share more on TikTok [spon].

@nafisaakaborRunning out of phone storage? Check out the @SanDisk Technologies, Inc. Ultra Luxe USB-C Flash Drive. #SanDisk #IncredibleConnection

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If you’re into action-cams, DJI has entered new territory with the Osmo 360, its first dedicated 360° action camera. Yenziwe breaks it down for you, and the difference between its main competitor, the Insta360.

📲 App-solutely Essential

It was recently brought to my attention how difficult it is to redeem my affiliate Airalo codes, the global travel eSIM provider. In addition to my regular $3 code for each new user using “NAFISA1418” at checkout when you make your first purchase, I also have a code for existing users to get 10% off all your future purchases. Simply use the code “RZA10” at checkout for the discount. Saving in dollars goes a long way! I mean, I also use it for my own purchases!

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Tecno brings Pova 7 and Spark 40 to SA

• Review: Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV

• Geely Auto South Africa launch plans

• Smart EV to offer charging solutions

• Oppo Reno14 now in SA

Till next time,
Nafisa

I also had peace of mind in Rome knowing my devices were insured due to its notorious pickpocketing issue, so I share how to blacklist your phone if it gets stolen. It includes details for all the major networks and tips from the Naked blog on ways to protect yourself.

https://www.recharged.co.za/how-to-blacklist-a-stolen-phone/

On another important travel safety note, Uber South Africa now offers a “Women Drivers” option. It’s specific for women only, so if there’s a man with you, the driver has a right to cancel the ride. I’m wary of using Uber to the airport for late flights, I use Secure Express for those but it should bring peace of mind for women in SA.

This newsletter unintentionally became a travel edition. Air France recently introduced a fast track option for short layovers. As one of the major gateways to Europe, it is handy for business travel, which gets activated automatically, regardless of fare class. I experience this anxiety on my trips to Barcelona, so heads-up if you want a solution (and to avoid any German airport).

Still on the topic of airlines but closer to home, FlySafair will be introducing flights from Lanseria to the Eastern Cape (East London and Gqeberha) from 1 November. It’s also introducing flights from CT to Hoedspruit, and increasing the number of flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

And if you’re heading to Comic Con Africa in Johannesburg this week, check out what to pack in your (Cosplay) bag. There’s also another major event taking place this week: the Festival of Motoring. We’re expecting cool cars, EVs, track experiences and family fun. Stay tuned for updates.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Mafia: The Old Country review

• Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact review

• Review: Pokémon Friends

• Checkers pilots SA-first smart trolley

Till next time,
Nafisa

As a Vodacom prepaid customer, I can access the network abroad to receive SMSes (through its roaming partners) so naturally the USSD menu worked. But when I realised my R15 airtime wasn’t getting me anywhere, I remembered I had access to FNB's USSD menu for when you don’t have data and need a top up. I dialed *130*321# to recharge, before accessing Vodacom's USSD menu on *111# to buy a 1GB travel data bundle. It told me I needed to turn off SMS roaming first, which I didn't know worked outside the country (SMS “roamoff” to 123) and thereafter, I successfully purchased a travel data bundle.

And just like that, I was connected and less grumpy, but surprised I pulled that off. It helped pass time on the plane, in the middle of summer, in the desert, long before the air-conditioners could be switched on. Why am I telling you this? On the chance you’re with Vodacom and FNB, and may end up in a similar situation, of course. We know cash is still king, but so is USSD. There’s no app for that.

I’m typing this on a bus in China, making my way from Hangzhou to Linhai, as a guest of Geely South Africa. Stay tuned for updates as I learn more about its plans to relaunch in South Africa and what EVs we can expect to see, etc. Oh, that Vodacom travel bundle? Has a built-in VPN and works with your favourite apps in China (as does Airalo).

In other news, I recently published my review of the SmallRig Wireless Video Monitor, supplied by Orms. It’s an accessory that mirrors your rear camera, aimed at content creators, business owners or vloggers, who shoot exclusively on a smartphone:

https://www.recharged.co.za/review-smallrig-wireless-video-monitor/

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Review: Donkey Kong Bananza

• Capitec, FNB apps partner with Home Affairs

• Festival of Motoring returns to Joburg

• Google AI in Action Jhb Highlights

Till next time,
Nafisa

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

A trend I recently wrote about is Chat Commerce. It centres around South Africans turning towards their smartphones, Whatsapp in particular, as the definitive hub of everyday life. It's becoming the gateway to services like banking, utilities, healthcare, and AI-driven financial tools. With 93.8% of local social users on the app, chat commerce is on the rise. Read more about it in my latest for Forbes Africa.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

Have you ever wondered about EV sales figures in South Africa? I reached out to Naama, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa to see what sales looked like for the first half of the year. From January to June, there were 548 passenger EVs sold. Curious about the top 5? Some of these will surprise you. Video powered by Naked.

@nafisaakaborTop 5 #EV sales in South Africa from Jan to June 2025. Powered by @Naked.

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🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

I got my hands on some new accessories that I’m excited about. The first is the SmallRig wireless video monitor for shooting on the rear camera but with the ability to view it in real time. I’ve made an unboxing and quick look video about it, but you can buy it at Orms (for Android and iPhone through MagSafe). The other is getting into MagSafe wallets. I recently purchased one that has RFID blocking and two slots. I go through three that I own and why I won’t use a normal wallet again, especially for traveling.

📲 App-solutely Essential

If you have a toddler, check out how Sanobar Khan turns screen time into learning time. “I’ve found the Khan Academy Kids app engaging with its storytelling nature, challenges, and a much better alternative to most TV shows and videos that overstimulate children with massive dopamine hits turning screen time into ‘scream time’.” More on Recharged.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Samsung Vision AI powers new TVs

• Smart Kitchens are changing the way we cook

• Old digital cameras are trending

• Death on the instalment plan

Till next time,
Nafisa

This versatile kitchen gadget can cook, weigh, blend, whisk, mince, grind, steam, ferment, slow cook, juice, shred, and more. Whether you’re getting married or not, I recommend checking it out. It costs R19 995, replacing the Thermomix for around R34 000 (yikes). However, it does require a learning curve, which I’ve discussed in my latest review on Recharged. Food for thought:

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Never thought I’d be this excited to get my hands on a new foldable than Samsung’s new Z Fold 7. It’s ridiculously thin at 4.2mm open/8.9mm closed and now packs in a 200MP camera. Not sure how the 4400mAh battery will perform but I’m looking forward to putting it to the test.

Plus, have you seen the new Flip 7 (R24 999) and Flip 7 FE (R18 499)? Is the FE’s price point enough to tempt you? Check out the details on Recharged with full pricing options or you can watch my TikTok.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

I recently had the privilege of experiencing the Rolls Royce Spectre, the brand’s first electric vehicle, early last month. Fully equipped to the tune of R18 million, here’s a virtual tour of the most luxurious electric vehicle I’ve been in:

@nafisaakaborInside the R18 million electric #RollsRoyce Spectre in Johannesburg #EV

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🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

Rain recently launched a unique device in South Africa called the Loop. It’s an Android-powered handheld device that combines a 5G router, stereo music player, streamer, and camera. ‘Loopzones’ offer free unlimited access in your city. What do you think?

https://www.recharged.co.za/rain-launches-loop-for-music-and-wifi/

📲 App-solutely Essential

You know how I raved about using two WhatsApps two years ago, one for personal and one for business? Now, I’ve switched to two email apps. I have different email addresses for work and personal, but my smart devices (smart speakers, appliances, etc) and test phones have different ones for privacy reasons. Having separate email apps makes switching off easier. Try it!

Till next time,
Nafisa

As a creator who recently had two videos go viral, I truly appreciated its Creator Care feature that I had turned on, which filtered a bunch of nasty comments. I hope it makes people think twice before commenting. If you’re curious about the extent of support and features like guided meditation, read here and full list of new features here.

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Most major smartphone launches focus on high-end phones with AI but it only appeals to a niche percentage; not the mass market. With that in mind, I made a list of (smart)phones you can buy for R2000 or less, including the Spectra Mobile J1 Pro at R1 999, down to MTN’s R99 phone, with more about how it works.

https://www.recharged.co.za/smartphones-under-r2000/

That said, Honor recently launched its new 400 Pro and 400 with AI, so if you’re a fan, check out its features and launch offers. And next week, we’re tuning into Samsung’s second unveiling for the year, an update to its Z Foldables.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

I’ve been testing EVs for years now and it’s the first time I’ve received a car that offers a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature which lets you power your home. The BYD Seal comes with an extension cable so you can connect appliances to it. What do you know, I put it to the test! I used a Nutribullet, hair dryer, coffee machine, kettle and toaster. This awesome video is powered by Naked.

@nafisaakaborThe BYD Seal can power your home appliances with its vehicle-to-load feature. #ev #bydseal

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I also recently spent a week with the Mini Aceman SE and took it on a weekend away. It has a starting price of R802 000, just like the Mini Cooper SE, but offers more car for your money. I share all the practical aspects of it in my article:

https://www.recharged.co.za/mini-aceman-thoughts/

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

The new Nintendo Switch 2 was launched recently and resident gamer MJ Khan attended the launch, plus has now reviewed the console. If you’ve been waiting for a South African review, be sure to take a read at this in-depth Nintendo Switch 2 review that touches on everything you want to know.

📲 App-solutely Essential

If you find yourself attending live events at a stadium, listen up. Uber Eats has piloted a new offering Uber Eats Live where you order food from your seat and it gets delivered straight to you, without getting up! It includes a curated menu from the on-site vendors at the venue. After its successful trial, Uber plans to roll it out to music festivals, sports matches, markets and pop-ups.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• AirConsole and Audi bring gaming on the go

• Review: F1 The Movie [spoilers]

• Hey Google, Meet Your Replacement

• Asus Hosts Design You Can Feel event

Till next time,
Nafisa

I don’t often run opinion pieces from external contributors on Recharged, in fact I’ve only done it twice this year, one of it co-incidentally from the co-founder of Naked, Ernest North. I found value in his advice about buying a new or used car, including the pros and cons from both options, plus how to find the best deal. You can read more here if you’re in the market:

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

If you missed the keynote out of Apple’s annual developer conference last week on iOS26, you can see what it looks like in beta without bricking your phone via a round-up on YouTube that lets you jump to your interests.

If you don’t already have smartphone fatigue, Samsung’s mid-year foldable launch is around the corner, check out some of the leaks and predictions here. Closer to home, the Honor 400 Series is launching this week, so stay tuned for updates.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

I was recently invited to the Insider Exchange podcast with Jimmy Moyaha (who I chat to about tech on SAfm Market Update with Moneyweb) and Simon Brown from Just One Lap. My appearance is just one third of the full show, discussing the growing EV market and challenges in South Africa.

Separately, I’m now testing the VW ID.4 Pro over the next three months, an EV that is yet to be launched in SA, and currently have the Mini Aceman on test, so keep an eye on posts about theses vehicles.

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

I recently received a demo of a new kitchen gadget called the Tokit Omi Cook C2 and it looks like an incredible all-in-one gadget. It offers 21 functions from one machine, including a blender, kettle, electronic scale, and whisk, plus you can cook meals in it! I will be reviewing it soon, so stay tuned for that.

📲 App-solutely Essential

Kaspersky has launched a new eSIM store with access to over 150+ countries, while putting security first, which uses its Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection tool. It offers local and regional eSIMS, all without you having to hand over your passport info like you would to buy a physical SIM card. More here:

https://kasperskyesimstore.com

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Review: Split Fiction

• Cisco unveils tools for the AI era

• WeThinkCode secures $2m in funding

• New TikTok feed puts you in control

• Fourways Mall gets R400m upgrade

Till next time,
Nafisa

I didn't know this habit would one day reward me by climbing the ranks on Discovery Bank’s Vitality Money programme. It also rewards me for my tax-free savings account I have on FNB. Little did I know my unconventional ways would lead me to talking about my financial choices with the Queen of the Netherlands, on behalf of Discovery Bank. More about that on Recharged.

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Google recently previewed Android 16 at its Google I/O 2025 conference. It includes things like design, security features, WearOS and Gemini integration into more devices. You can catch up with those updates here. Google also announced that Gemini Live with camera and screen sharing is now free for Android and iOS users. Previously, I used multimodal AI features on my Ray-Ban Meta with a VPN, but it’s now easier to access on the Gemini app. A TikTok comment aptly described my iPhone demo it as: “Yowser. That’s nuts.”

@nafisaakaborAt Google I/O 2025, Gemini Live was announced free for Android and iOS. Here’s how to use it. #techtips

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🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

I recently completed my six-month long-term test with the Mini Cooper SE electric car. You may have been following my updates across my platforms.

I gained a lot of interesting insights, and can share more accurately on consumption figures, charging data, range, costs over long-term, and what paid features I used. Had I been a Cooper SE owner, it would cost R265.42 on average per month to run. I share this and other unique data on Recharged:

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

I’ve been testing the Galaxy Ring for more than a month, and also recently had time to share what that’s been like. I love access to data over long-term, and in the case with the smart ring, it is interesting if you were somewhat curious about it. I still think smart watches offer more functionality, naturally, and are more accurate. Read my review to see how that went:

https://www.recharged.co.za/review-samsung-galaxy-ring/

📲 App-solutely Essential

I recently had videos trending on TikTok about my purchases from that “yellow app” the hush hush one called DHgate. I shopped on it in April to make two test purchases to see what the fuss was about. I bought two “designer” handbags. I wrote a review after receiving the first bag, and subsequently, just posted video on TikTok about the second one. Catch up on the written piece here:

https://www.recharged.co.za/dhgate-review-south-africa/

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Thule Car Seat Launch

• Review: abxylute One

• AI vs. Search: the Ouroboros of the internet

• DJI Neo vs. DJI Flip

• FNB nav» Final Mission [partner]

Till next time,
Nafisa

I recently came across an article on the Verge about Apple using AI to optimise battery life on iOS19 for the new iPhone 17 line-up in September. I use this feature on Android and it’s handy. I’m keeping a close eye on Apple’s WWDC conference in June for updates and what’s headed to iOS19.

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Speaking about battery life, Samsung has just announced the Galaxy S25 Edge, a slim S25 Ultra, for those who asked for a “thinner phone”. Samsung also clearly wanted to beat Apple to it, who are said to be working on an “iPhone Air”, which is arguably going to be the new smartphone trend. Thinner phones naturally have smaller batteries, which impacts battery life. No confirmation if the handset is heading to South Africa, yet. Battery aside, I would prefer a phone with a smaller screen, vs. a thinner body.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

I used that opportunity over the public holidays to take my long-term Mini Cooper SE for a “mini” roadtrip, to the Charge solar charger in the North West. It was an interesting journey, which I documented on Recharged. I share info like how I made it from Sunninghill to Potchefstroom netting 20km of range for this 144km stretch. How wild is that? Alas my 6 months are up and the car goes back this week, but you can catch up with my written pieces here, with a few more to come. I will be receiving another long term EV later this month over 3 months. Hint, it’s not yet released in SA. Stay tuned to my platforms for updates.

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

I recently published my review of the Laifen Wave electric toothbrush. If you’ve never used one before, I think it’s the best option for first-timers. There’s no overwhelming features like some of the previous ones I’ve used, which grades your brushing. The Wave has various brushing modes you can preset, lets you choose speed, duration, and intensity, plus it has a Flight Mode option. Read my full review here on Recharged.

📲 App-solutely Essential

If you’re a Discovery Bank customer, have you seen its new AI feature, accessible via Whatsapp? I was on the testing phase before it rolled out and found the features useful. You can read about this refreshing AI approach here.

Speaking about apps, do you use ChatGPT? Recharged columnist and new mom-of-two Sanobar Khan shares how she uses it to lighten her load as a mum and more on the PROM method, which may be useful to all.

🎵 Trending on my TikTok

I haven’t purchased from Shein in a while (since the import duties drama) but this was my first for 2025. One of my favourite items here was an iPhone wallet, compatible with my MagSafe covers, for R33.

@nafisaakaborShein haul ft. tech, travel, hair and make-up accessories + first Sheglam items.

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Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Review: Oppo Reno13

• G20 TechSprint 2025 competition launched

• Disney+ Quiz Nights return to SA in May

• Qatar brings free Starlink WiFi to CT Doha route

• VW Golf 8.5 launched in SA

Till next time,
Nafisa

With that in mind, I published a handy travel tech list (checklist) ahead of any travels to make it a bit more safer and enjoyable. It covers 3 data options, essential travel apps and gadgets, offline access, and security.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

I was in Cape Town two weeks ago for the Volvo EX90 launch, the brand’s new luxury EV priced at R2.65m (not a typo) and if you want to know what you’re getting, head to Recharged for all the deets.

And last week I was in the Eastern Cape to check out the new (to South Africa) model Lexus GX. It brings together a bit of luxury, technology and off-roading. Catch up on this new niche Lexus offering here.

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Between traveling, I finally published reviews of two flagships: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Honor Magic7 Pro. These two premium phones go head-to-head against each other. Read my reviews to see what my experience was like, including the results of the all important camera.

Also, the highly anticipated one-of-its-kind Huawei Mate XT went on sale in South Africa for an eye-watering R70 000 (not a typo, either), making it the most expensive phone in SA. While launch allocation was undoubtedly small, a couple of hours after it went on sale, one had to join a waitlist to purchase it. All the deets on Recharged.

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

After months (years?) of teasing, the second-gen Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been unveiled. It is set to launch on 5 June and will head to South Africa. It has been listed for pre-order for R12 499 console only, and with Mario Kart Tour for R13 499, making it more expensive than the PS5! Catch up on the announcement here: https://www.recharged.co.za/nintendo-switch-2-launch/

📲 App-solutely Essential

I am beta testing Discovery Bank’s new Discovery AI feature through Whatsapp. It’s early days, but I'm enjoying the interaction purely because it understands my specific requests. I’m also trying to push its limits, and thus far, it didn't have an answer to only one of my queries. I’m also a fan of an AI product that gives you an option to chat to an agent. Stay tuned for my article when testing is over.

FNB customers, have you seen the nav» competition to celebrate 9 years of nav»? Lots of cool prizes up for grabs (PlayStations, iPhones, vouchers and fuel for a year), plus a grand prize of a Haval H6 GT! Catch up on round 1 of the competition on Recharged (partner content).

🎵 Trending on my TikTok

Unboxing the new Samsung Galaxy Ring, priced at R8 000, available in gold, silver and black, between sizes 5 and 15.

@nafisaakaborThe Samsung #GalaxyRing is now available in South Africa for R8000! #wearabletech #smartring

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Reads you may want to catch up on:

• First Impressions: Canon EOS R50 V

• Review: WWE 2K25

• Galaxy A56 vs Honor X9c vs Reno 13F vs iPhone 16e

• Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors brings Changan to SA

Till next time,
Nafisa

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

Samsung’s One UI 7 will be rolling out to more devices from 7 April, featuring a new design with more personalisation and control of the user experience, designed for AI integration. If you’re on a Galaxy S24 Series, Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, you’re up, with more to follow. Full list of features and phones on Recharged. In case you missed it, we also published our Honor X9c review, if you want to see if this R10 999 phone is worth it.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

Mini has launched their brand new model and its first crossover, the all electric Aceman. At the Johannesburg launch last week, I drove the Aceman SE for a quick 45km.

Pricing starts at R800 000 for the Aceman E, which competes directly with the Volvo EX30, last year’s best-selling EV, and the Cooper SE itself, with one key differentiator. Read more about what I think on Recharged.

https://www.recharged.co.za/launch-drive-mini-aceman/

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

I’ve been testing the Therabody Smart Wellness Goggles that helps you relax by lowering your heart rate. The goggles are suited for anyone who stares at a screen all day, suffers with headaches or anxiety and struggles to fall asleep. Would you use smart wellness goggles? Another product I’m waiting to get my hands on is Laifen’s new Wave electric toothbrush that is now available in SA (remember they launched a Dyson dupe hairdryer last year?). So if you’re in the market for one with new tech, stay tuned.

📲 App-solutely Essential

It was controversial when it happened, but DStv has now brought back its second stream after removing it nearly three years ago. Customers on DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact can now stream on two devices simultaneously, including smart TVs, laptops, smartphones or tablets. DStv Stream standalone customers will also benefit from an additional concurrent stream on any device.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• Google’s $1bn bet on Africa’s future

• David Blaine Do Not Attempt

• We’ve stopped thinking by Marcé Heath

• Traditional Tech with a Toddler by Sanobar Khan

• Everyone has a podcast, should you? By Yenzi Ngwenya

Till next week,
Nafisa

I was a guest of Honor at MWC, to hear more about its bold new Alpha Plan: to move from a smartphone company to an AI device ecosystem company, to the tune of $10 billion in the next five years. You can catch up on all its announcements at MWC, including a very crucial one: to offer 7 years of Android OS and security updates, matching Samsung and Google, here:

My post on discovering the Hearing Aids feature on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 garnered a lot of attention and emails. After communicating with a reader, I realised I gained access to the feature because I activated (and purchased) my AirPods in the US. He has since figured out a technical workaround to get the hearing aid feature on two devices. I’ve updated my original post to reflect this. I apologise for the lack of technical info when I received access.

📞 Talk of the Town: New Phones and Trends

In the last month, Apple, Honor, Oppo, and Samsung all released phones in South Africa. The Samsung Galaxy A Series just came out with Samsung’s AI version called Awesome Intelligence. The trio of handsets are from R4 999 - R10 999.

Then the iPhone 16e was released in SA, which has a single lens camera, Apple Intelligence and no MagSafe, starting at R15 999. Oppo also recently released its Reno13 with AI for R18 999 , and then the Honor X9c is also out, priced at R10 999.

🔋 Watt’s New in the EV space?

I had an opportunity to spend 48 hours in what is considered South Africa’s current “cheapest EV” at R399 999, the Dayun S5 Mini SUV. Please don’t fight with me about why there is an “SUV” in the name. It was an interesting experience to say the least, I didn’t expect to be overtaken by a Kwid on the highway, given its top speed is 110km/h.

I also posted a video on my TikTok, and people went crazy in the comments section, which you can view here if you wish. Read my review here:

https://www.recharged.co.za/driven-dayun-s5-mini-suv/

🕹️ Gadget Goals: Gear to Geek Out

Apple is bringing its new iPad Air M3 to SA, including the MacBook Air M4 and the Mac Studio in the M4 Max and M3 Ultra. The 13” Air starts at R22 499 but what caught my eye is the price of the M3 Ultra with 60 core GPU and 1TB: a staggering R90 999. Any takers? All the details on Recharged.

If you’re into robot vacuums and kitting out or building a smart home, the new Legee Q10 is now available for R7 999. Thule, one of my favourite brands, has come out with new sustainable travel gear. A clever toiletry bag with a clear insert to remove at airport security, structured packing cubes in 3 sizes, and upgraded Powershuttle. More info on Recharged.

Ok, I don’t want to make this newsletter any longer and bore you, so that’s it for this week.

Reads you may want to catch up on:

• FNB offers travel perks for businesses

• AI brings 115 years of Man United’s history to life

• Honor to rollout AI Deepfake Detection in April

• SA’s most popular Uber Eats requests

• Opinion: Generation Beta and Beyond

Till next time,
Nafisa