Audiobooks arrive, AI phones multiply. Are you over AI?
Tech Things #57
If you’ve found Audible too expensive, good news is that Spotify South Africa has launched audiobooks in the country. If you’re a Premium subscriber, you can get access to 12 hours of listening time, with the option to top up to an additional 10 hours. There are some rules about which accounts get access, but users on the free tier can also purchase audiobook titles. Details here:
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.
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.
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.
Reads you may want to catch up on:
Till next time,
Nafisa
I understand the appeal of the in-flight WiFi (especially when it's free), but I just find it sad how we cannot escape the hyper-connectedness of life on the ground, particularly on a long flight. It's just another example of modern social conditioning to constantly flood us with inputs (entertainment, news, debate, etc) and reduce our ability to find solitude. Can't blame the airlines for simply following the trends, though...