SOUTH AFRICA, 29 September – As South Africa gets ready for warmer days, longer nights and a summer filled with good music and even better company, Sony is bringing a fresh new look to its compact ULT FIELD 1 wireless portable speaker. The new Smoke Blue colour joins the existing Black, Off-White, Forest Gray and Orange options, adding a nature-inspired earth tone that is as at home on a beach day or summer road trip as it is at a poolside get-together, braai or laid-back gathering with friends and family.

With a powerful bass packed into a compact, portable design, the ULT FIELD 1 is made to keep the music going wherever summer takes you – from amapiano and afro-house to South African classics and the latest local hits.

The ULT POWER SOUND series is built for music lovers who enjoy powerful deep sound designed to make your heart tremble. ULT FIELD 1 is equipped with the ULT button, which enhances the music and delivers dynamic bass when turned on.

With the press of the ULT button, listeners can amplify the low-end frequencies and add greater depth and impact to their music, making it ideal for bass-heavy playlists and tracks that are meant to be felt as much as heard. Whether it’s setting the mood at a backyard braai, bringing music to a day at the beach, adding a soundtrack to a weekend road trip or simply enjoying a favourite playlist at home, ULT FIELD 1 is designed to fit effortlessly into summer plans.

Bring your favourite tunes anywhere with ULT FIELD 1. Designed to be portable with up to 12 hours of battery life^*1, the speaker also features a multi-way strap, IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating^*2, and shockproof design^*3. It can also be used either vertically or horizontally, making it ideal for limited spaces.

You can find more details below:

https://www.sony.com/za/wireless-speakers/products/ult-field-1

The post Sony Introduces New Smoke Blue Color to ULT FIELD 1, Delivering Powerful Bass in a Compact Design appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

• Judges for the 20th edition of the Sony World Photography Awards announced
• 2027 exhibition opens at Somerset House, London from 15 April – 3 May 2027
• 2026 travelling exhibition is open in Milan until 4 October, in Johannesburg until 22 January 2027, and opens in Berlin on 8 October

SOUTH AFRICA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026- The Sony World Photography Awards announce today the jury and London exhibition dates for the landmark 20th edition.

In their two-decade-long history, the Sony World Photography Awards have become the definitive reference point for contemporary visual storytelling, honouring the remarkable creativity and dedication of photographers working today. A celebration of the stories and images shaping our culture, the Awards show the diverse possibilities of the medium.

Organised by Creo, the Awards form the core part of its photography programming strand, the World Photography Organisation. Sony supports the Awards to give an international platform to artists working in photography, and to push forward the global discourse on the medium today.

2027 JUDGES

Following the success of the 2026 edition, which received over 430,000 images, and now entering their second decade, the Awards are open for entries and free to all photographers.  For the landmark 20th edition, the Awards welcomes back Monica Allende as Chair of the Jury for the Series competition and curator of the London exhibition at Somerset House.

Allende is accompanied by a panel of specialists in the visual arts from across the globe, all contributing their unique expertise, insights and perspectives. The 2027 jury comprises:

Series Competition:

• Monica Allende, Independent Curator and Photography Consultant, Chair of the Jury, UK
• Santiago Escobar-Jaramillo, Photographer & Editor at Raya Editorial, Colombia
• Peipei Han, Director of Exhibitions, Fotografiska Shanghai, China
• Candice Jansen, Manager, New Archival Visions Programme, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
• Amanda Renshaw, Independent Curator, Writer and Publishing Consultant, UK
• Pauline Vermare, Phillip and Edith Leonian Curator of Photography, Brooklyn Museum, USA

Single Image & Youth competitions: Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen, Managing Director, Copenhagen Photo Festival, Denmark

Student competition: Menno Liauw, Founder and Director of the FUTURES Foundation, Netherlands

NEW IN 2027

The 2027 edition broadens the Awards’ range through new categories across the competitions, presenting expanded opportunities for fresh perspectives on visual storytelling. The Series (previously Professional) and Single Image (previously Open) competitions are re-named, further defining and clarifying their scope. Photographers are welcome to enter different projects to both competitions, enabling those with diverse portfolios to enter work from across their practice, be it a series or a striking single photograph.

New Series competition Category

Histories: This category invites photographers to explore how histories – personal, cultural, and collective – shape our world today, from traditions and everyday rituals to the events and forces that have left their mark on nations and peoples. This category is for projects that engage, explore, or re-examine the past, as well as work that looks at the contemporary through a historical lens. We welcome archival and found image interventions that revisit, re-contextualise, or breathe new life into the past.

New Single Image competition Category

Animal Portraits: This category celebrates the beauty, personality, and spirit of animals through portraiture. Judges are looking for images that capture the subject’s expression and character, from beloved pets to majestic wildlife and marine life, to reptiles and insects; portraits that honour and showcase the remarkable diversity of the animal kingdom.

2027 LONDON EXHIBITION AND 2026 TRAVELLING EXHIBITION DATES

The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 exhibition begins its international journey at Somerset House, London, from 15 April to 3 May 2027. A fixture of the cultural calendar in London, the acclaimed exhibition, curated by Monica Allende, features a selection of winning and shortlisted images from the 2027 Awards, as well as special presentations by the Photographer of the Year 2026 Citlali Fabián and the Outstanding Contribution to Photography 2027, to be announced in November.

The Sony World Photography Awards 2026 is currently on view in Johannesburg, South Africa (until 22 January 2027), at the Roger Ballen Centre for Photography, marking the Awards’ debut presentation in South Africa. The exhibition then continues to travel to other destinations:

• Milan, Italy, 10 June – 4 October 2026
• Berlin, Germany,  8 October 2026 – 7 February 2027
• Matera, Italy, 14 November – 10 December 2026
• Bisceglie, Italy, 12 – 30 December 2026

To find out more about our exhibitions, please visit worldphoto.org

2027 DEADLINES AND PRIZES

The Sony World Photography Awards opened to submissions on 1 June 2026. Full competition and category descriptions can be found at worldphoto.org

Deadlines for submission to the four competitions are as follows:

Series: 12 January 2027 16:00 GMT

Single Image: 5 January 2027 16:00 GMT

Student: 27 November 2026 16:00 GMT

Youth: 5 January 2027 16:00 GMT

All category winners of the Series, Single Image, Youth and Student competitions receive Digital Imaging equipment from Sony. The prestigious Photographer of the Year receives a cash prize of $25,000 (USD) as well as a solo presentation of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London the following year. The Single Image Competition Winner and the winner of the Sustainability Prize each receive $5,000 (USD). All winning and shortlisted photographers’ projects are exhibited at the annual Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London, and will then tour internationally. The winning images are also published in the annual Awards’ book, sold at the exhibition and available online. Series competition category winners and finalists are invited to Insights, a day of tailored sessions with leading industry figures in London. Coming from commercial, curatorial, and institutional backgrounds, these experts offer the photographers specialised guidance on expanding their network and practice.

For more information about the Sony World Photography Awards and upcoming announcements and events, please visit worldphoto.org

The post 2027 JURY AND EXHIBITION ANNOUNCED appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Every September, we get very good at celebrating. The flags go up on the profile pictures, the shirt comes out of the cupboard, someone is put in charge of the braai and immediately told they are doing it wrong.

What makes Heritage Day worth the effort is everything it is built from. The recipe your grandmother measures by eye. The song your father plays when he is in a good mood. The story your aunt tells every year, slightly better each time. This is the good stuff, and there is far more of it around us than we tend to notice. Celebrating heritage is something you do for a month. Preserving it is a choice about what gets passed on. Sony’s audio and imaging range is built for the second job, and here is how to put it to work.

Hear what you inherited:

South African music is heritage in its own right. Maskandi, Sophiatown jazz, kwaito, gqom, amapiano: each one is a record of who we were at the time, made by people who were living it. Most of us absorbed it through car speakers and kitchen radios, which means most of us have never actually heard it properly.

The WH-1000XM6 closes that gap. Developed in collaboration with mastering engineers, it refines every note for studio-level accuracy, so a record arrives the way the people who made it intended. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 runs seven times faster than its predecessor, fine-tuning 12 microphones in real time for a dramatic leap in noise cancelling and sound quality. Everything sitting between you and the original recording simply goes. Put on a song you have known your whole life and there will be something in it you have never heard. Built for all-day wear, it runs for 30 hours, and three minutes of charging buys another three. Available for R10 999.00 at Sony World.

Pass it on out loud:

Music only gets inherited when it gets played in a room with other people in it. That is what makes the ULT TOWER 9AC more useful than its party-speaker billing suggests.

Hit the ULT button for two bass modes, ULT1 for deeper low-frequency bass and ULT2 for punchy impact, then let 360° Party Sound carry it into every corner. Four tweeters push clear sound to the front and rear of the speaker, with two mid-range drivers keeping vocals intact, which matters when the lyrics are the point. The karaoke and guitar inputs are where the real work happens: this is how an uncle’s era gets handed to a nephew, one badly sung chorus at a time. Available for R17 999.00 at Sony World.

Frame the things worth keeping:

Some images deserve to be made properly. The landscapes, the wildlife, the portrait of a grandparent that ends up on a wall long after they are gone.

The Alpha 7 V integrates the AI processing unit into the BIONZ XR2 engine, with up to 30% improvement in Real-time Recognition AF that identifies your subject and holds it with high precision. That is the difference between photographing a bird and photographing a blur where a bird was. The enhanced partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor brings 33.0 megapixels, and internal 4K recording at up to 120p produces 5x slow motion at full 4K resolution. Shoot at this quality and you are making an archive.

Record the ordinary days:

The trouble with big cameras is that people perform for them. The ZV-E10 II is small enough that they forget it is there, which is exactly what you want when you are filming a kitchen rather than an occasion.

It carries Sony’s most advanced sensor technology in an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, while the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine brings up to eight times more real-time processing power for detail and sharpness across stills and movies. A standard ISO range of 100 to 32000 keeps noise low when the light goes, which covers most kitchens and every evening on a stoep. Cinematic Vlog Setting handles the complicated settings for you, the vari-angle LCD monitor lets you shoot from almost any angle, and the supplied windscreen reduces noise outdoors so the voice you are recording arrives intact.

Then the detail that matters most here: 5 GHz Wi-Fi and a SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2) Type-C® port move footage off the camera quickly. Files that sit forgotten on a memory card are not preserved. Files you have sent to your cousins are. Available for R25 499.00 at Takealot.

Celebration is a day on the calendar. Preservation is a habit. Somewhere in 2056, someone will want to hear how their great-grandmother laughed and whether they can, depends on whether anyone thought to press record this September.

The post Ways to capture, share and preserve your heritage this September appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

(SOUTH AFRICA, 16 September 2026) – Sony announces two new G Master™ super telephoto prime lenses for the Alpha™ full-frame E-mount system, the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS with a focal length of 400mm and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS with a focal length of 600mm, both are the world’s lightest¹ lenses in their respective categories.

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS weighs approximately 994g^[ii] and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS approximately 995g², achieving the world’s lightest¹ design in their respective categories. Their lightweight design makes them suitable for dynamic shooting styles that involve exploring the environment to identify and capture photographic opportunities and subjects. In addition, their carefully optimised weight balance provides excellent control during handheld shooting, including situations that require photographers to continuously keep subjects framed or track moving subjects. These features broaden the flexibility of super telephoto photography for subjects such as birds, wildlife and sports.

The lenses deliver the exceptional resolution and beautiful bokeh that define the G Master series across the super telephoto range, capturing distant subjects in fine detail. In addition, fast, precise and quiet AF performance enables photographers to quickly capture fast-moving subjects.

Availability

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS will be available in South Africa from mid November 2026, at a retail price of R59,999. The FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS will also be available in South Africa from mid November 2026, at a retail price of R84,999.

For more information on the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel400f45gm.

For more information on the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel600f63gm.

Key Features of the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS and FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS

Lightweight and Compact Design with Excellent Handling for Super Telephoto Shooting

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS weighs approximately 994g² and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS approximately 995g², achieving the world’s lightest design¹ in their respective categories.

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS measures approximately 108 mm in maximum diameter and 242 mm in length, while the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS measures approximately 108 mm in maximum diameter and 263 mm in length. Their compact dimensions enhance portability and enable comfortable handling and control during handheld shooting.

In addition, a weight balance designed to shift the centre of gravity closer to the camera body makes it easier to maintain framing on a subject, track moving subjects and perform panning shots. The lightweight design and ease of handling increase flexibility in super telephoto photography, making it easier to search for subjects while shooting handheld especially even in environments where a tripod or monopod may be difficult to use, as well as during long handheld shooting sessions.

High Resolution and Beautiful Bokeh Characteristic of G Master

The latest optical design incorporating three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one ED glass element effectively suppresses chromatic aberration and other optical aberrations that commonly occur at super telephoto focal lengths, delivering high resolution from the centre of the image to the edges.

Sony’s proprietary Nano AR Coating II significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.

In addition, an 11-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration during both the design and manufacturing processes achieve the beautifully smooth bokeh characteristic of G Master.

Fast, Precise and Quiet AF Performance and Optical Image Stabilisation for Stable Super Telephoto Shooting

Two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors and a control algorithm optimised specifically for these lenses deliver fast, precise and quiet AF performance. This enables reliable tracking of fast-moving subjects such as birds, wildlife and sports. The lenses are fully compatible with Alpha 9 III continuous shooting at up to 120 fps with AF/AE tracking.^[iii]

The lenses incorporate built-in optical image stabilisation, helping to reduce camera shake during handheld shooting at super telephoto focal lengths.

The lenses also support the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilisation and coordinated image stabilisations control^[iv], enabling high-quality still-image and movie shooting with reduced blur, even when shooting handheld. Furthermore, it supports the camera body’s breathing compensation function^[v], which corrects changes in angle of view caused by shifts in focus position during movie recording.

Operability, Reliability and Expandability for Super Telephoto Photography

Aiding in the excellent operability, four customisable focus hold buttons are positioned around the lens barrel.

The lenses are also equipped with a function ring, focus range limiter, Full-time DMF switch, focus mode switch and image stabilisation mode switch, enabling intuitive operation according to different shooting styles.

Compatible with Sony’s optional teleconverters^[vi], the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS can achieve focal lengths of up to 800 mm, while the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS can achieve up to 1200 mm.

The lenses feature a dust and moisture resistant design^[vii] and a fluorine coating on the front lens element that helps resist contaminants, supporting use in a variety of outdoor shooting environments.

The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS & FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS product video can be viewed HERE.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS & FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at https://www.alphauniverse-mea.com/, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

The post Sony Announces New 400mm and 600mm G Master™ appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Compact, lightweight lens delivering fisheye perspectives from circular to diagonal with high resolution across the zoom range

(SOUTH AFRICA, 9 September 2026) – Sony introduces the FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G, the company’s first fisheye zoom G Lens™ for full-frame Alpha™ E-mount cameras.

The 8 mm to 14 mm zoom focal range covers circular fisheye at 8 mm through diagonal fisheye at 14 mm. Built for landscapes, architecture, sports, and video production, the lens pairs a compact, lightweight body with G Lens resolution, fast and precise autofocus, and refined operability for stills and movies. In a dual-lens configuration with the VENICE Extension System Mini^[i] it also supports spatial content production.

The FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G brings new creative fisheye perspectives to Sony’s E-mount lineup for photographers, cinematographers, and content creators.

Availability

The The FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G will be available in South Africa from mid-November for a retail price of R81,999.99.

For more information, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/e-mount-lenses/sel814g

Key Features of the FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G

Fisheye zoom coverage from circular to diagonal fisheye

The 8 mm to 14 mm range delivers a broad set of fisheye perspectives in one compact lens. At 8 mm it shoots circular fisheye with a 180-degree angle of view projected as a circular image on a full-frame sensor. At 14 mm it shoots diagonal fisheye across the full frame with a 180-degree diagonal angle of view. You can match the angle of view and composition to the subject and creative intent, across landscapes, architecture, sports, and video production.

High-resolution G Lens performance across the zoom range

An optical design with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical elements suppresses chromatic and other aberrations across the image area, holding high resolution throughout the zoom range. A minimum focusing distance of 0.15 m and maximum magnification of 0.22x at the telephoto end enable dramatic close-up fisheye perspectives for stills and movies.

Compact, lightweight design for high mobility and spatial content production

The lens measures approximately 63.1 mm in maximum diameter and 82.8 mm in length and weighs approximately 314 g, giving it mobility for handheld, gimbal, and rig-based shooting. An inner zoom mechanism minimizes shifts in the centre of gravity while zooming. Using two sets of the VENICE Extension System Mini and this lens, side by side, positions the optical axes approximately 64 mm apart, close to the average interpupillary distance of human eyes supporting spatial content production, including VR, with a natural sense of depth and distance.

Autofocus performance and operability for stills and movies

The lens delivers fast, precise autofocus and Linear Response MF while suppressing focus breathing and operating quietly for movie production. Controls include a focus mode switch, zoom lock switch, and an aperture ring with switchable click stops. A dust- and moisture-resistant design^[ii] and a fluorine coating on the front element support use in outdoor environments.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 8-14mm F3.5 Fisheye G and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at www.alphauniverse-mea.com a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

The post Sony Introduces Its First Fisheye Zoom G Lens™ appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Sony strengthens its wireless headphone portfolio with premium, mid-range and entry-level options designed for music, travel, work and everyday listening

• WH-1000XM4C is based on Sony’s popular WH-1000XM4 offering legendary 1000X Series noise cancelling and premium sound performance as well as new colour option
• WH-CH730N wireless headphones deliver great sound quality paired with effective noise cancelling now with a lightweight and foldable design, improved call quality and longer battery life
• WH-CH530 is available in six playful colours to match any style, combines lightweight comfort, long battery life and improved call quality for everyday wireless listening

(SOUTH AFRICA, 8 September 2026) – Sony today announces it is refreshing one of its most popular over-ear headphones. WH-1000XM4C wireless noise-cancelling headphones build on Sony’s popular WH-1000XM4, combining legendary 1000X Series noise cancellation, trusted premium sound and the timeless design loved by many. The WH-1000XM4C now features updated sound tuning that matches the latest trends as well as personalised sound settings with a 10-band equalizer and available in refreshed colour options to suit individual preferences.

WH-1000XM4C

Updates to Sony’s mid-range wireless headphone range are also added with the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530. The WH-CH730N offers noise cancelling technology and everyday versatility at a more accessible price point. The WH-CH530 delivers reliable wireless audio, offering an easy and accessible way to enjoy Sony quality every day.

WH-CH730N in Black and WH-CH530 in Pink

Fumihiro Zaima, General Manager from SEA Marketing Department, APMEA Division, Sony Corporation said: “The release of the WH-1000XM4C reflects continued consumer interest in a headphone model recognised globally for its combination of noise cancelling performance, sound quality and comfort. Together with the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530, as well as the recently announced 1000X THE COLLEXION and well-regarded WH-1000XM6, we are now pleased to offer a clear progression of wireless headphone options that serve a broad range of customer needs and budgets.”

Pricing and availability

• WH-1000XM4C

Availability: November

Price: R6,999.00

• WH-CH730N

Availability: October

Price: R2,999.00

• WH-CH530

Availability: October

Price: R1,299.00

Key features in detail

WH-1000XM4C: Premium Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with 1000X Series legendary noise cancelling and premium sound performance

WH-1000XM4C in Lavender

Since the launch of Sony’s flagship noise cancelling headphones range in 2016, the 1000X series has helped define the premium wireless listening category by combining industry-leading noise cancellation, high-quality sound and intelligent features designed around everyday life. The WH-1000XM4 remains one of the series’ most celebrated headphones thanks to its combination of exceptional noise cancelling and its classic design. Now Sony is introducing the WH-1000XM4C, based on the popular WH-1000XM4, with updated sound tuning to match the latest music trends as well as new colour options, bringing flagship performance to an even broader audience.

WH-1000XM4C in Platinum Silver

The WH-1000XM4C wireless headphones are ideal for frequent travellers, commuters, remote workers, music enthusiasts and students seeking distraction-free listening.

Key features include:

• Legendary 1000X Series noise cancelling delivering rich immersive sound, dulling everyday noise such as crowds, travel noise and city chatter
• Trusted 1000X Series premium sound quality now with latest sound tuning and 10-band equalizer to meet modern listening tastes
• Comfortable over-ear design with a polished timeless style
• Available in Lavender, Black and Platinum Silver – three colour choices to match individual preferences
• Lightweight foldable headphones making the WH-1000XM4C a great choice for travel and commuting

For more information visit: https://www.sony.com/za/headphones/products/wh-1000xm4c

WH-CH730N: Everyday Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with comfortable fit and new foldable design

The WH-CH730N wireless headphones deliver great sound paired with effective noise cancellation, cleverly priced and simple to operate. Designed for commuters, hybrid workers, students and casual music listeners, the WH-CH730N are crafted for all-day comfort and now feature a new lightweight and foldable design as well as improved call quality and longer battery life compared to the predecessor model. 

WH-CH730N in Pink and Blue

Key features include:

• Superior noise cancellation powered by Dual Noise Sensor technology
• Lightweight and comfortable over-ear design
• Available in white, pink, blue, black plus new beige, this selection of colours blends style and comfort with a handy foldable build
• Long battery life of up to 50 hours (with noise cancellation on), plus quick charge (3 minutes gives 1 hour of listening playback)
• Great sound quality with fully customable audio settings
• Clear call quality even in noisy environments with Precise Voice Pickup Technology, combining beamforming microphones, optimized microphone placement and AI-powered noise reduction.
• Practical daily features for convenient use such as LE Audio for seamless connection, Multipoint connection and Fast Pair/Swift Pair

For more information visit: https://www.sony.com/za/headphones/products/wh-ch730n

WH-CH530: Playful Entry-Level Wireless Headphones for all day use

The WH-CH530 wireless headphones are lightweight, comfortable and available in a range of playful colours to suit every look. The headphones come with improved battery life compared to predecessor model with up to 55-hours and AI noise reduction for crystal clear calls for online lessons and meetings. The WH-CH530 are designed for consumers seeking dependable wireless listening at an accessible price, making them the ideal choice for first time purchasers of wireless headphones, online learning and everyday listening and streaming.

WH-CH530 in Cobalt and Mint

Key features include:

• Six playful colours including new on-trend colours Cobalt, Coral, Mint, as well as Pink, White and Black to compliment any style
• Compact and lightweight on-ear wireless headphones with soft head cushion to deliver lasting comfort for extended wear
• Clear, balanced sound with customisable EQ settings
• Long lasting battery offering up to 55-hour playback plus quick charge (3 mins for 1.5 hours)
• Maximum volume control offers adjustable 5-step volume level for hearing protection
• Clear heads-free calls with AI noise reduction 
• Smart and easy operation with intuitive button controls, built-in voice assistant, Multipoint connection, Fast Pair/Swift Pair and LE Audio compatibility

For more information visit: https://www.sony.com/za/headphones/products/wh-ch530

The post Sony Introduces WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones and Updates Popular Mid and Entry Level Wireless Headphones with WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Developed with hip hop creators, the new ULT TOWER lineup delivers deeper bass, higher sound pressure and true-to-life party features in a bold new design under the tagline “Massive Bass. Ultimate Vibe.”

• ULT TOWER MAX delivers the most powerful bass in Sony’s ULT POWER SOUND series yet, pairing overwhelming deep bass and sound pressure with a DJ setup, karaoke features, and a portable design for the ultimate party
• ULT TOWER 7 fills any space with deep bass and stage-worthy sound, with a portable design that makes it easy to move for parties, DJ setups, karaoke and everyday listening
• ULT TOWER 5 packs impressive bass, DJ input and karaoke features into a compact, portable design for smaller gatherings and easy on-the-go use

(SOUTH AFRICA, 2 September 2026) – Sony today unveils three new speakers to its ULT POWER SOUND^[i] series: ULT TOWER MAX, ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5. Whether you’re hosting a party, DJing, dancing or singing karaoke, the new party speakers of ULT POWER SOUND series are designed for music lovers who want to feel every beat and combine deeper bass, higher sound pressure and deep party features to create an unforgettable party experience.

Built around newly developed large circular woofers, large capacity speaker cabinets and ULT DUCT, the next generation ULT POWER SOUND series lineup delivers stronger low-frequency bass performance than ever before. The speakers’ bold new robust and versatile design brings the energy of a live event into any space.

Co-created with Hip-Hop Sound Creators

The new ULT TOWER lineup is refined through co-creation with acclaimed hip-hop sound creators, including Grammy-nominated producer Dot Da Genius, award-winning drummer, producer and musical director Daru Jones, record producer, songwriter and DJ Dready, and audio engineer and producer Dennis “ROC.am” Jones. Drawing on insights from these artists and producers, Sony tuned the speakers with their valuable feedback in mind. As a result, the speakers deliver deeper low frequencies, greater impact and clearer vocals, helping listeners connect with the music the way it was meant to be felt.

Bigger Bass. Bigger Impact.

Every model features Sony’s signature ULT button, with ULT1 and ULT2, plus two new modes – FLAT and LIVE^[ii] – giving listeners instant access to multiple sound profiles:

• ULT1 enhances deep bass for a rich, low frequency sound that makes your heart tremble.
• ULT2 boosts even greater power, delivering body-to-shaking bass and strong sound pressure.
• FLAT reproduces music exactly as intended, delivering a true-to-source listening experience.
• LIVE recreates the spacious feel of a live performance while preserving vocal clarity.

For even more personalisation, the sound can be fine-tuned with Custom EQ in the Sony | Sound Connect app.

At the heart of the new lineup is Sony’s new circular woofer design for the ULT POWER SOUND series lineup. The woofer works alongside the large cabinet volume and ULT DUCT to help each speaker reproduce deeper, more powerful bass with greater authority.

The ULT TOWER MAX features three woofers — two front-facing and one rear-facing — for powerful bass and sound pressure that can be felt throughout the venue, supported by a high-powered amplifier that delivers up to 2150 watts of output. ULT TOWER 7 delivers powerful bass and sound pressure, with up to 420 watts of output. ULT TOWER 5 delivers impressive bass and sound pressure from a compact design, with up to 300 watts of output.

360° Party Sound – Powerful Surround Sound that Fills the Room

ULT TOWER MAX and ULT TOWER 7 feature 360° Party Sound, projecting powerful audio all around the space so everyone can enjoy clear vocals and powerful bass from virtually any position around the speakers. On the ULT TOWER MAX, four tweeters, mid-range speakers and rear woofer work together to deliver rich, room-filling sound with deep, impactful bass.

Flexible Placement and Optimized Sound in Any Environment

Enhanced Sound Field Optimization analyses both speaker placement and surrounding noise levels, then adjusts the overall sound balance across the full frequency range, not just the bass, to maintain clear, balanced sound wherever the party takes place.

The new range of ULT TOWER speakers also supports flexible positioning, whether placed vertically or horizontally.

Built for Parties, DJs and Karaoke

From casual parties to professional DJ setups, the new ULT TOWER lineup offers flexible connectivity including XLR, RCA and USB-C®^[iii] connections.

For larger events, you can connect compatible speakers in a stereo configuration, creating wall-to-wall sound coverage.

New lighting modes makes it easier to switch the mood for different settings. BEAT delivers high-energy lighting synchronized to the rhythm, WAVE creates dynamic ambient effects for social gatherings, and MELLOW offers slower lighting patterns for relaxed listening.

Karaoke fans can connect Sony’s optional ULTMIC1^[iv] for an optimised vocal experience. Plus, the new Party Chain feature uses Auracast™^[v] broadcast to connect multiple compatible Sony speakers^[vi] and synchronise both music and lighting for an unforgettable party experience.

ULT TOWER 5 with the optional ULTMIC1

Easier to Move, Easier to Party for Longer

Designed with portability in mind, the new speakers feature carry handles with a more comfortable grip. ULT TOWER MAX and ULT TOWER 7 also receive upgraded wheels with wider treads, making them easier to move across a variety of surfaces. ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5 also feature an IPX4 rating^[vii] in a vertical position, making them perfect to use outdoors. With up to 30 hours battery life on the ULT TOWER 7^[viii] and up to 20 hours on the ULT TOWER 5^[ix], you can keep the party going wherever you are.

ULT TOWER 7 with upgraded wheels 

Supporting the Dance Community Through a Partnership with Red Bull Dance Your Style

Sony has reached an agreement with Red Bull for sponsorship of Red Bull Dance Your Style 2026. Based on this sponsorship, Sony will support Red Bull Dance Your Style events, including the National Final USA in September 2026 and the World Final in Switzerland in October 2026, as an official wireless speaker partner. Through this partnership, Sony will contribute to the growth and development of the dance community.

Environment in Mind

Our products also take the environment into consideration. Approximately 35% of the total plastic used in the ULT TOWER MAX is recycled plastic^[x], incorporated into multiple parts of the speaker body, while approximately 20% of the total plastic used in each of the ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5 is recycled plastic¹⁰. This reflects how Sony strives to reduce the environmental impact of our products.

Pricing and availability

The ULT TOWER MAX, ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER 5 will be available in South Africa from October 2026.

For more information, visit ULT POWER SOUND series.

The post Sony Expands its ULT POWER SOUND series Lineup with 3 New Bass-Powered Speakers appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

To close out Women’s Month, Sony Alpha and ORMS are throwing open the doors to Framed by Women, a brunch-style panel discussion celebrating four women who have built successful careers at the intersection of creativity, visual storytelling and industry leadership. They’ve put in the work, weathered the challenges and earned the perspective. On Sunday, 30 August 2026, they’re pulling back the curtain on what that journey looks like.

Four influential voices from across the creative industries will sit down together to unpack their journeys, share the lessons they wish someone had handed them earlier, and talk candidly about how they keep the momentum going long after they’ve “arrived.” The conversation is as much about how far they’ve come as it is about what comes next.

It’s the kind of conversation that doesn’t always get airtime, the honest, unfiltered version of a career story, told by women who’ve lived it. Framed by Women creates space for that to happen out loud, over brunch, rather than only in passing backstage or over a quiet coffee.

As the grand finale to Women’s Month, Framed by Women is designed to be memorable: a morning for women working in photography, film, content creation, PR, marketing, curation, and any creative field where a camera, or a compelling image, plays a role. Whether you’re three years into your career or three decades in, this conversation was built with you in mind.

Expect a facilitated panel discussion, an interactive audience Q&A, and live demonstrations on the latest Sony Alpha cameras. Real perspectives, honest experiences, and ideas worth stealing, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by Nelisiwe Mwase, writer, producer, thespian, and the real-life alter ego of internet comedian Mama Nells. The panel brings together Saadiyah Hendricks, the Director of Global Corporate and Area PR and social media (MEA, MED, SEAP) and the creative brain behind Sadie’s Bubble of Yum. It also includes Linda Hächler, Strategic Creative Director, Digital Content Specialist, Photographer and Content Producer, and the lady behind the lens of The Honest Grazer. Alexandra Martinez who is a curator and cultural strategist working at the intersection of contemporary art and interdisciplinary collaboration

The discussion forms part of Sony’s ongoing Women’s Month initiative, bringing together aspiring and established female creatives for a day built entirely around them, one rooted in a simple belief: creativity, storytelling and leadership build community.

Suchismita Bhattarcharjee, Category Manager for interchangeable lens cameras at Sony Middle East and Africa, said: “At Sony, we believe creativity flourishes when women have the space, support and community to grow. Framed by Women is one of the ways we live out that commitment, providing women with an opportunity to expand their professional networks and learn directly from leading industry experts. It’s about equipping the next generation of female creators with the tools and the confidence to tell their stories on their own terms, and we’re proud to offer that through initiatives like this one.”

Through expert-led sessions, live experiences and meaningful conversation, guests will leave with new ideas, new contacts, and insights they can put into action long after the brunch plates are cleared. This is more than a morning of learning, it’s a chance to connect and be inspired.

And because a morning like this deserves a proper send-off, every guest goes home with a Framed by Women goodie bag, gifts from Standard Beauty, and a R1,000 Sony voucher, plus the kind of networking that only happens when the right people share a room.

Whether you’re after your next mentor, your next collaborator, or simply a room full of women who already get it, Framed by Women is where that starts. Grab a seat at the table, there’s brunch, and register below.

The event takes place on Sunday, 30 August 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00 at 100 Beach Road, Granger Bay Boulevard, Mouille Point, Cape Town, as a brunch panel discussion hosted by Sony Alpha x ORMS. Entrance is R250.

Framed by Women is a Women’s Month activation brought to you by Sony Alpha in partnership with ORMS

The post Four women, One table: Sony Alpha and ORMS close out Women’s Month with Framed by Women appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Delivering Outstanding Mobility and Excellent Image Quality Across the Entire Zoom Range

(SOUTH AFRICA, 5 August 2026) – Sony introduces FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS, a super-telephoto 100 mm – 400 mm zoom lens for 35mm full-frame Alpha™ E-mount cameras, a lens you can easily carry to get closer to the moments you can’t reach. Despite its super-telephoto capabilities shooting up to 400mm, this new lens is compact and lightweight, weighing just 654 g (approx.). Excellent image quality is realized across the entire zoom range thanks to the latest optical design incorporating two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and two aspherical elements. The lens also features fast, precise AF (autofocus) performance to help capture moving subjects such as birds, sports, trains and aircraft, and built-in optical image stabilisation supports handheld shooting in the super-telephoto range.

Key Features of FE 100-400MM F5.6-8 OSS in Detail:

Ÿ   Compact, Lightweight Design for Easy Handling, Even for First-time Super-Telephoto Users

The lens delivers a 100-400 mm super-telephoto zoom range in a compact and lightweight body weighing approximately 654 g, making it super light to carry. In addition to its excellent portability, its design also contributes to ease of handling during handheld shooting as well as quick framing. Users can capture powerful images of subjects that are difficult to approach, such as birds and sports scenes, while also enjoying landscape photography unique to super-telephoto lenses by making use of the ‘compression effect’, which makes the distance between nearby subjects and distant background elements appear closer together. When used with an optional teleconverter^[i], you can double the distance you can capture, with the lens supporting focal lengths of up to 800 mm, or up to 1,200 mm in APS-C mode.

• Sharp Detail through the Entire Zoom Range means you can Capture the Details That Matter

Excellent image quality is offered no matter what distance users intend to shoot, thanks to its optical design featuring two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and two aspherical elements which reduce chromatic and other aberrations, delivering clear rendering across the entire zoom range. The shooting subject can stand out impressively in a natural, soft bokeh thanks to its 9-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration. In addition, with excellent close-up shooting performance — a minimum focusing distance of 0.86 m at the telephoto end / 1.13 m at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 0.41x — users can enjoy photographing not only distant subjects but also close-up photography of flowers, insects, and other nearby subjects.

• Fast, precise AF and built-in optical image stabilisation for moving subjects

The linear motor drive delivers fast, precise and quiet AF, enabling the lens to capture moving subjects. The lens also supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to approximately 120 frames per second^[ii] when used with the full-frame mirrorless camera α9 III.

Built-in optical image stabilisation effectively suppresses camera shake during handheld shooting and supports stable framing and shooting, even when capturing distant subjects. The lens also supports the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilization and coordinated image stabilization control^[iii], enabling high-quality still-image and movie shooting with reduced blur, even when shooting handheld. Furthermore, it supports the camera body’s breathing compensation function^[iv], which corrects changes in angle of view caused by shifts in focus position during movie recording.

• Usability and Reliability Built for Outdoor Adventures with Dust and Moisture Resistance

Equipped with a customizable focus hold button, focus mode/range switch, and zoom lock switch, it enables quick operation suited to various shooting scenes and supports comfortable ultra-telephoto shooting. In addition, a dust and moisture resistant design^[v] helps users continue shooting with confidence even when the weather changes unexpectedly. The supplied lens hood helps prevent flare and ghosting, which can cause image quality degradation.

Availability

The FE 100-400MM F5.6-8 OSS will be available in South Africa from the end of September 2026, for a retail price of R17,999

The FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS product video can be viewed here.

For more information, visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/camera-lenses/sel100400

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at www.alphauniverse-mea.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

The post Sony Launches FE 100-400MM F5.6-8 OSS, The Perfect Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens for Hobbyists appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

South Africa, August 4, 2026 -Sony Middle East and Africa today announced the WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Headphones in a new Olive Gray finish, the latest addition to its award-winning noise cancelling headphone lineup. Joining the latest Sand Pink and Sandstone additions, Olive Gray continues Sony’s collection of premium, nature-inspired finishes inspired by modern natural design.

As consumers increasingly gravitate toward timeless, understated style, Olive Gray reflects Sony’s belief that premium products should be crafted to endure—both visually and functionally. Designed to complement any look, the sophisticated earth tone brings a subtle sense of quiet luxury to the best noise cancelling headphones^[1].

“The Middle East and African markets represent one of the most diverse and dynamic regions globally, with consumer preferences that reflect this rich variety. We continue to see growing demand for versatility with products designed to perform seamlessly across a broad range of use cases and scenarios. This product was purpose-built to meet that need. Following the successful launch of Smoky Pink a few years ago, we are confident that Olive Gray represents another meaningful addition to this vision, a tone that conveys sophistication in professional settings while remaining effortless for everyday, on-the-go use,” said Mahesh Kodoth, General Manager, Personal Entertainment, Sony Middle East and Africa.

The WH-1000XM6 headphones continue to deliver the best noise cancellation¹, premium sound quality, and all-day comfort in a finish designed to outlast trends.

For more information about WH-1000XM6 Olive Gray, visit: WH-1000XM6 | Wireless Noise Cancelling | Headphones | Sony South Africa

The post Sony’s New Olive Gray WH-1000XM6 Brings Understated Elegance to Premium Audio appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.