EVs, porting, tech deals and more
Tech Things #12
After months of patiently waiting for the all-electric Ora to launch in SA, it happened last week. If you’ve been reading my newsletter since the first issue, you may recall I received an exclusive first drive, posted on Tech Things #2.
LET’S TALK EVs
GWM have made good on their promise to not only launch the cheapest EV in SA, starting at R686 950, but with an off-grid solution. Customers can charge their Ora through its hybrid inverter and battery bundle offering. There are two options: one for the car and one for the home, to be included in the vehicle’s finance.
I hope the Ora sells; it falls below the R1m mark that is still commonplace for EVs. You can read more about the Johannesburg launch, including bits about winning the ‘economy challenge’ with my driving partner:
https://www.news24.com/citypress/trending/gwm-ora-four-models-of-cheapest-electric-car-in-sa-confirmed-20231115
Speaking of, I recently judged the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards where an EV category was introduced. It is now my sixth year judging, and took part in a fun Q&A with the company on what it’s like being a ‘veteran’ judge. You can also see my predictions for all 13 categories. Catch up here: https://www.cars.co.za/motoring-news/nafisa-akabor-whats-it-like-to-be-a-carsawards-judge/191866/
PORTING TO ANOTHER NETWORK
I cover mobile network testing a lot; I’ve tested 5G, eSIM set-ups, and new services. Given that I have so many test numbers, it may not come as a surprise that I ported my number. It’s the first time I’ve ever done it, which entailed an eSIM to eSIM swap. I wrote about the process of moving from Telkom to Melon Mobile (MTN backhaul), along with how to port to any mobile network in South Africa. It’s not that intimidating, I promise… And that’s my tech tip for this issue:
DATA AND BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Speaking about data, there’s a bunch of data deals from several mobile networks leading up to Black Friday. One of them has caught my eye, which I’ll likely be using till the promo is over next year. See them all here: https://www.recharged.co.za/data-deals-sa-nov2023/
For the first time, I’ve also shared tech deals for Black Friday. I’m often approached for tech buying advice, and “If I should wait for Black Friday” so I thought to put it all in one place. If you were not in a hurry to upgrade, peep what’s on offer this year. This compilation covers phones, smart home gadgets, TVs, gaming, back-up power, and some retailer offerings: https://www.recharged.co.za/black-friday-tech-deals-2023/
The tech year is not yet over, I may still have interesting updates to share. Keep an eye on my first post on the Power4Less IHP Geyser I’m testing, early in December. There are two Tech Things editions left for the year, would you like one more giveaway for 2023?
Other reads you may want to catch up on:
Have you been following the OpenAI drama? Catch up here:
https://www.recharged.co.za/unravelling-the-openai-drama/Are you ready for a screenless future? Marcé has more in her column:
https://www.recharged.co.za/humane-ai-pin-screenless-future/Showmax has a new look, content partners + first mobile stream of the Premier League in Africa: https://www.recharged.co.za/showmax-reveals-new-identity/
Better late than never, FNB introduces a personal solar loan:
https://www.recharged.co.za/fnb-personal-solar-loan/
Till next time,
Nafisa