Travelling, podcasting + cheapest Android with eSIM
Tech Things #24
I was in London last week for an event with Oppo South Africa to hear more about its AI strategy. It will bring AI to all its smartphones this year, not just flagships, starting with the new Reno12 this month. If you’re interested in how it’s integrating with smartphones, you can read my piece in the City Press.
On the same topic, Apple made its highly anticipated AI announcement yesterday at WWDC called Apple Intelligence plus a partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to all iPhones. It will arrive later this year on iOS18, including iPad and Mac, powered by GPT-4o, which will be free to iPhone users; no OpenAI account needed. Apple says privacy will be at its forefront, but do you trust OpenAI? You can catch up on its 13 biggest announcements via The Verge. What are you most excited for?
It’s been a week since the Recharged in 30 podcast went live, and we’re thrilled with the feedback so far. Apart from my co-host Samina Anwary sounding a bit faint in episode 1, which we’ve addressed in future episodes, we’re excited for you to hear the latest on the tech savvy traveller. It was a highly requested topic from those who knew we were recording a podcast, including our sponsor, the Naked Insurance app. And you’re in luck, we publish new episodes every Tuesday, which went live earlier today:
If you listen on Apple, Amazon Music, Pocket Casts, etc, click here. Would love to hear your feedback and if you want to rate us, please use any of the platforms you listen on.
Still travel-topical, Samsung released its new Galaxy A55 5G, which is currently the most affordable Android with eSIM support. It is a well-priced mid-ranger at R10 999, however, you may find it cheaper on Takealot. I made a quick TikTok about why you should pay attention to it, otherwise, I wrote a piece about everything you should know about an eSIM, including its travel benefits.
In other news, if you shop at Shein and Temu, there will be a big hike in taxes next month. SARS will be adding an import duty of 45% to all clothing orders starting 1 July. Previously, orders under R500 were exempt from VAT, and only carried a 20% import duty. Under the new rules, as explained by MyBroadband, a R300 order will now cost R500.25, whereas previously it was R360. You can see the breakdown here.
Other reads you may want to catch up on:
iStore offers one hour deliveries:
https://www.recharged.co.za/istore-one-hour-deliveries/Review: Planet Buddies Bluetooth Speaker:
https://www.recharged.co.za/review-planet-buddies-bluetooth-speaker/
Till next time,
Nafisa