The GFX Challenge Grant Program offers five Global Grant Awards and 10 Regional Grant Awards to bring unique creative projects to life.

3 July 2026

Fujifilm South Africa is pleased to announce the launch of the GFX Challenge Grant Program 2026. The GFX Challenge Grant Program, sponsored by Fujifilm, confers five Global Grant Awards and 10 Regional Grant Awards in order to help creatives bring their unique projects to life.

It is designed to nurture and develop the skills of photographers and videographers, giving them the opportunity to create imagery or movies on topics that have significant meaning to them, while gaining experience using Fujifilm GFX System gear. This year, Fujifilm’s new large format video camera, the GFX ETERNA 55, is part of the GFX gear that is on offer – an opportunity that will certainly pique the interest of videographers.

South African photographers have had major success in the past entering the GFX Challenge, with two Global Grand Awards winners coming from here: Jodi Windvogel in 2023 and Lee-Ann Olwage in 2025.

With entry now open to the 2026 edition, local photographers and videographers are once again invited to create a project proposal built around an engaging and unique idea.

Grant applications now open

Proposed projects may be submitted from 16 June 2026 until 17 August 2026, with the GFX Challenge 2026 open to both amateur and professional photographers and videographers. Information about the GFX Challenge Grant Program 2026, including how to enter, can be found on https://www.fujifilm-x.com/global/gfx-challenge-grant-program/.

The 2026 edition will see five Global Grant Awards and 10 Regional Grant Awards up for grabs. Recipients of the Global Grant Award will receive the following:

• US $10,000 Grant
• Complimentary use of a GFX System camera body and two GF lenses for the duration of the project
• Mentoring and technical assistance from Fujifilm technicians / product experts.

On offer for the Regional Grant Award are:

• US $5,000 Grant
• Complimentary use of a GFX System camera body and two GF lenses for the duration of the project
• Mentoring and technical assistance from Fujifilm technicians / product experts.
  
  

The award recipients’ final content will be showcased on the fujifilm-x.com website. A series of exhibitions is also planned to showcase the work in various countries.

Opportunities created

South African photographer, Lee-Ann Olwage, was a recipient of the Global Grant Award during last year’s edition of the GFX Challenge. 

Commenting on the experience, Olwage notes, “The GFX Challenge Grant Program allowed me to complete a project close to my heart – photographing the Amazigh women from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. For generations, women have woven together personal narratives, collective histories, and domestic life into traditional rugs. With the Global Grant I was able to spend time amongst the Amazigh to tell a story about this sacred weaving tradition with the Fujifilm GFX100RF camera as my storytelling partner of choice. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would not have been possible without the GFX Challenge Grant Program.”

Fujifilm South Africa is encouraging local photographers and videographers to make use of this opportunity to turn a creative idea into reality. Those with unique ideas for projects can apply here: https://www.fujifilm-x.com/global/gfx-challenge-grant-program.

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Johannesburg, South Africa, 2^nd July 2026 – ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) is giving South African gamers, creators and PC enthusiasts more control over their next desktop with the launch of the ROG G700 (2025) Build It Your Way experience.

Customers can now configure the ROG G700 to match their performance needs and budget by selecting from a range of hardware options before placing their order. Whether you’re chasing higher frame rates, faster content creation workflows or a future-ready workstation, the new configuration experience allows you to build the desktop that fits your requirements. Built on the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra platform and supporting NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ graphics options, the ROG G700 combines powerful performance with the premium engineering that Republic of Gamers is known for.

It also features a premium full-tower chassis with a tool-less design for easier maintenance and future upgrades, efficient airflow, high-performance cooling and the signature ROG aesthetic that has become synonymous with high-end gaming systems. The ROG G700 (2025) Build It Your Way desktop is available now through the ASUS South Africa eshop. For more information or to configure your own ROG G700, visit

ASUS South Africa Online Store – ROG G700 Build It Your Way.

About ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG)

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is ASUS’ premium gaming brand, dedicated to delivering innovative hardware and experiences for gamers, creators and enthusiasts worldwide. The ROG portfolio includes gaming laptops, desktops, motherboards, graphics cards, peripherals and accessories designed to push performance to the next level.

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Cape Town, South Africa – The era of the passive screen is over. For years, the smart television operating system was little more than a static grid of applications waiting for a command. Today, that paradigm is undergoing a structural collapse. Driven by the latest advancements in generative artificial intelligence, the television is transitioning from a display device to the central intelligence node of the household ecosystem.

This shift is not anecdotal; it is quantifiable. The global AI TV market, globally valued at $6.67 billion in 2024, is currently surging at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.8%, projected to reach an astonishing $56.41 billion by 2034. At the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), industry analysts from ABI Research confirmed that AI has officially moved from concept to execution, noting that intelligence and autonomy are now central to product strategy and platform differentiation.

For the South African consumer, this global macro-trend is manifesting as a fundamental rewrite of digital service delivery: “We are no longer simply selling screens, we are delivering an intelligent service layer that resides in your living room,” notes Luna Nortje, Deputy General Manager at Hisense SA. 

“The television is the largest and most powerful computing device in the average South African home. By embedding generative AI directly into the operating system, that screen becomes a proactive service delivery mechanism that understands context, anticipates preferences, and connects seamlessly to the broader smart home.”

Solving the Expectation Gap

This shift toward embedded intelligence is arriving precisely when consumer expectations regarding after-sales service are at an all-time high. A recent global survey by Salesforce found that 90% of consumers consider the post-purchase experience to be just as important as the quality of the product itself. The 2026 Qualtrics Customer Experience Trends Report also revealed that South African consumers now demand speed, seamless service, and deep personalisation as the baseline standard. 

Yet a clear expectation gap persists. The same research shows that 83% of consumers see substantial room for improvement in the post-purchase experience, while three in ten firms are already placing growth at risk through generic, poorly executed AI self-service.

This is where the true value of an embedded, generative operating system becomes clear. Traditional after-sales service is reactive, waiting for the consumer to report a problem. Embedded AI platforms transform the post-purchase experience into a proactive, continuously evolving relationship between the user and the hardware.

The VIDAA OS Proof Point

The practical application of this trend is best observed through the evolution of proprietary platforms such as Hisense’s VIDAA Smart TV OS. Built on a secure Linux foundation, VIDAA currently powers over two billion hours of content consumption globally every month. However, its current iteration serves as a living proof point for the industry’s shift toward generative service delivery.

Through strategic collaborations with global technology leaders, including Microsoft, platforms such as VIDAA are embedding generative AI capabilities directly into the ecosystem. Integrations like Microsoft Copilot enable the television to respond to complex queries, summarise information, and manage digital tasks through natural language processing, removing the need for a secondary device.

The integration of services like Xbox Cloud Gaming signals a further fundamental shift in entertainment delivery. South African gamers can access world-class, console-quality titles directly through their TVs, with AI architectures optimising latency and visual performance in real-time. No physical console is required. The screen itself has become the service provider. 

The End of the Search Bar

The defining metric of a modern operating system is how quickly it can deliver exactly what the user wants. To this end, the traditional search bar is being replaced by intent-driven discovery engines. Advanced “fuzzy search” capabilities utilise AI-driven algorithms that understand user intent even when search terms are imprecise, misspelled, or conversational. This is augmented by sophisticated voice assistants, which now support dozens of languages and recognise complex, multi-step commands. Whether a user asks for “movies directed by Christopher Nolan from the 1990s” or commands the system to “dim the lights and start the next episode,” the AI parses the request and executes the service delivery instantly.  

The Golden Thread: Hardware Built for Intelligence

An intelligent operating system requires hardware capable of translating its commands into sensory reality. The software revolution is therefore driving a parallel hardware evolution. Modern displays must be engineered specifically to maximise the potential of these AI platforms. Technologies, including the Hi-View Engine X, utilise real-time AI analysis to adjust colour, clarity, and peak brightness frame-by-frame, ensuring that the content delivered by the operating system is rendered with absolute precision. 

The power of intelligent service delivery is available across Hisense’s current South African television lineup, powered by the VIDAA AI platform (prices reflect recommended retail pricing in South Africa as of April 2026. Subject to retailer variation).

Flagship ULED & Mini LED Series:

• Hisense 100″ Smart Mini LED TV (100UX): R 149,999.99
• Hisense 85″ Smart Mini ULED TV (85U7Q-PRO):  R 29,999.99
• Hisense 85″ 144Hz Mini ULED Smart TV (85U7Q): R 22,999.99
• Hisense 65″ Mini ULED Television (65U8Q): R 19,999.99
• Hisense 65″ Mini LED 144Hz Smart ULED TV (65U7Q): R 11,999.99
• Hisense 65″ Mini LED Smart TV (65U6Q-PRO):  R 11,599.99

Premium QLED & UHD Series:

• Hisense 98″ QLED Smart TV (98Q6Q):  R 29,999.99
• Hisense 85″ UHD 4K VIDAA Smart TV (85A6Q): R 15,999.99
• Hisense 70″ Smart UHD TV (70A6Q):  R 9,999.99
• Hisense 55″ UHD 4K VIDAA Smart TV (55A6Q): R 5,499.99

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Three generations across two years with one goal: bringing high-performance handheld gaming to life

At Computex in Taipei, Taiwan, the world got a glimpse into the first handheld gaming device powered by the all-new Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme processor.

Created by Taiwan-based MSI, the Claw 8 EX AI+ is now available for sale in an eye-catching “void purple” color exclusive to the device.

But creating an all-new handheld design isn’t like building a laptop.

It took Intel and MSI over two years to conceptualize and design the Claw 8 EX AI+, which incorporates best practices from laptop designs and key learnings from previous generation handhelds. Together, Intel and MSI have crafted a device that’s a fraction of the size and weight of a regular mobile PC

Here are three things you need to know about how Intel’s top engineers helped MSI to create the Claw 8 EX AI+.

#1: A multi-generational engineering commitment that builds on past learnings

This isn’t the first time Intel and MSI have worked together on a handheld design: MSI’s previous generations handhelds were based on Intel® Core Ultra Series 1 (codenamed Meteor Lake) and Intel® Core Ultra 200V series (codenamed Lunar Lake) processors.

With the Intel® Arc G-Series processor family, Intel took a different approach by creating a purpose-built SoC optimized for handheld gaming.

“We distilled everything we learnt from the last two generations of handheld designs into a new category of devices that set a new standard for handheld experiences,” explained Nish Neelalojanan, said Intel’s senior director of Product Management, Client Computing and Physical AI Group.

Neelalojanan explained how past experience guided Intel’s engineers to remain laser-focused on creating a handheld device that provided the best gaming experience.

To achieve this, engineering teams made use of the unmatched efficiency of Intel Arc G3 Extreme to improve the handheld design and experience.

Elsewhere, software optimizations dramatically increased battery life and ensured the device remains cool to the touch under load for user comfort.

Additionally, Intel collaborated with key software leaders like Microsoft to ensure a seamless gaming experience via Xbox Mode on Windows 11.

The end result?

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the first Intel-based handheld to offer console-like accessibility, while also improving performance by freeing up system resources and precompiling shaders, leading to smoother gameplay.

#2: Striking a fine balance in a tightly enclosed space where “every millimeter counts”

With past handhelds, gamers typically faced a tough decision – prioritize the best gaming performance at the expense of shorter battery life or choose to extend gaming sessions at the expense of performance.

Those binary decisions are a relic of the past.

“I think one of the biggest reasons gamers should choose the new MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the incredible performance leap we’re seeing with the new Intel® Arc™ G3 Extreme platform,” said Joseph Shih, Claw product manager, MSI, explaining how top games like Cyberpunk 2077 now runs up to 37% faster, offer smoother frame rates and faster responsiveness.

Shih credits that huge leap in performance to the close collaboration between Intel and MSI.

“The key challenge in building any handheld is balancing performance, thermals, battery life, and comfort inside a very compact device – where every millimeter counts, as it will affect signal quality and compromise the end-user experience,” said Shih.

“From day one, both teams worked closely on motherboard layout, cooling, and power optimization to find the right balance between performance and efficiency.”

In one example of a close collaboration leading to a positive outcome, engineers decided to place the CPU and the DRAM components on opposite ends of the board to maximize space and optimize thermal efficiency, without affecting performance.

Other handheld designs tend to place these components next to each other to maintain signal strength.

“In a handheld, signal quality is extremely sensitive, so Intel’s signal simulation and validation support was critical to helping us achieve the right balance of stability, efficiency, and performance in such a compact body,” said Shih.

“What I really appreciated was how closely both teams worked behind the scenes. It genuinely felt like one engineering team focused on building the best possible handheld gaming experience for gamers,” Shih explained.

#3: The first successful power-on, pushes handheld gaming into AAA territory

Bruce Cheng fondly remembers January 2026 – it’s the month the joint Intel-MSI successfully powered on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ for the first time.

It was the moment that signaled two hard years of shared engineering work had finally paid off.

Cheng, director of Advanced Co-engineering in Intel’s Customer Client Engineering group says that moment validated that the tough board-level circuitry decisions and hours of discussions with his MSI counterparts were the right bets.

“This was the first sign that the long, hard road made across three generations of handheld design discussions were paying off. It was proof that the performance gains we aspired to achieve were not just theoretical,” said Cheng.

The hard work didn’t end there. In the months to come, Cheng and his team would double down on performance tuning the handheld to where it mattered most – running AAA-games – while also carrying out additional engineering validation to ensure the device met the highest specifications.

That wasn’t all.

The joint team also monitored the dynamics of game titles – especially as gaming trends and preferences shift faster than in the laptop business.

“This learning mindset of continuous feedback loops and openness by both teams to revisit assumptions, make tough decisions and to course correct quickly was critical to our ability to deliver on time,” Cheng explained.

The first of many more handheld designs

While the MSI Claw 8 Extreme AI+ is the world’s first handheld design based on the Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip, it won’t be the last.

At Computex Taiwan, Intel revealed more designs from its OEM partners like Acer and OneXPlayer are coming to market soon.

“The Arc G3 family for handheld devices proves we can bring PC-class performance and flexibility to handhelds, while offering smooth immersive gameplay and extended playtime. We’re proud of our collaboration with MSI as our pioneering partner for Intel-powered handhelds and look forward to seeing what the industry does next with Arc G3,” said Neelalojanan.

The Small Print:

Performance varies by use, configuration and other factors. Learn more at intel.com/performanceindex.  Performance results are based on testing as of dates shown in configurations and may not reflect all publicly available updates.  See backup for configuration details.  No product or component can be absolutely secure.

Your costs and results may vary.  Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation.

Intel does not control or audit third-party data. You should consult other sources to evaluate accuracy.

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS:

• The U.S. is at an inflection point. Artificial intelligence is reshaping global competition and increasing the need for secure, domestic semiconductor production.
• U.S. leadership in the AI era will be defined by innovation, domestic manufacturing, and workforce readiness. Strong semiconductor leadership is essential to economic growth, national security, and long-term global competitiveness.
• For nearly 60 years, Intel has helped power the digital age and continues to strengthen the U.S. innovation ecosystem through a nationwide R&D and manufacturing footprint.
• Intel’s end-to-end capabilities across design, manufacturing, and advanced packaging, along with its foundry model, position the company to provide the foundation for AI at scale.
• Looking ahead, Intel is focused on advancing the technology and talent that will define the next 250 years of U.S. leadership.

As artificial intelligence reshapes global competition, the next chapter of the American story will depend on how the nation leads in innovation, builds critical technologies at home, strengthens its workforce, and expands opportunity for future generations.

For nearly six decades, Intel has been an integral part of that story, advancing breakthroughs that have powered the digital age and helped transform industries around the world. Today, that work continues through a nationwide footprint spanning research, development, and manufacturing across Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and a planned site in Ohio, bolstering the nation’s innovation infrastructure needed for the AI era.

Growing AI demand across the global economy is increasing the importance of secure, domestic semiconductor production and the systems that power it. Intel’s approach—spanning silicon design, manufacturing, and advanced packaging—along with Intel Foundry’s integrated systems foundry model, is designed to deliver the performance and scale required for the AI era while advancing U.S. leadership in critical technologies. Intel Xeon processors, the most widely deployed host CPUs, also play a foundational role in AI, supporting key capabilities in memory, security, and orchestration.

Together, these end-to-end capabilities—spanning design, manufacturing, and advanced packaging—position Intel as an important foundation for the AI era and renewed U.S. technology leadership. This progress is reflected in 2026 recognition across independent benchmarks, including Fortune’s list of America’s Most Innovative Companies, a Platinum designation on the American Opportunity Index’s Where You Work Matters list, and inclusion on TIME’s inaugural list of America’s Most Iconic Companies, showcasing Intel’s sustained influence on U.S. industry and innovation.

As the nation marks this milestone year, Intel is partnering with America250, the national, nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through this collaboration, Intel supports initiatives that celebrate American innovation and technological achievement and highlight the builders shaping the future—reflecting a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers.

This work is grounded in a simple idea: that strong domestic technology leadership is essential to economic growth, national security, and long-term global competitiveness. Intel is advancing that vision through continued investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and through initiatives like USAI, which aim to expand secure, responsible AI solutions for government and public sector applications.

Equally important is investing in people. The future of American innovation depends on a workforce equipped with the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Intel’s Semiconductor Education Pathways Program (SEPP) strengthens education pathways from K-12 through post-secondary education and supports professional upskilling. SEPP focuses on investments that support local workforce needs and build a talent pipeline through scholarships and fellowships for masters and Ph.D. students, faculty development and career and technical education (CTE) programs. Through collaborations with education partners and national initiatives, Intel is working to expand access to AI education and training across communities nationwide.

Advancing AI for American Youth, Intel’s AI-Ready Schools Initiative is rolling out nationwide, delivering 500 AI PCs to 250 K–12 schools with AI-optimized software, and comprehensive professional development to support safe, effective AI learning. The program includes more than 750 hours of open teaching content and professional development. Intel has committed to expanding educator training 10x to increase AI readiness across U.S. classrooms and help the next generation become responsible innovators, creators, and builders—not just consumers.

Intel is also supporting “Fostering the Future,” a ‘Be Best’ signature initiative by the First Lady, through a series of immersive AI bootcamps for foster care youth. Intel is providing $250K in grants to community colleges across key Intel sites to help equip foster youth with foundational AI skills and prepare them for future educational pathways and technology-focused careers.

As the Official Compute Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 and Arrow McLaren IndyCar teams, Intel will be present at key moments throughout the season, including the Freedom 250 IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., helping bring visibility to this milestone year.

Across these efforts, Intel’s focus remains consistent: advancing the technologies and talent that will shape the next chapter of American innovation in the AI era. As America looks ahead, Intel is working to help build a more resilient, secure, and competitive future, powered by trusted technology, domestic manufacturing and a workforce prepared for what comes next.

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Johannesburg, 29 June 2026 | L’Oréal South Africa is redefining beauty engagement through a major expansion into gaming and immersive digital experiences, becoming one of the first beauty groups in the region to activate multiple leading brands simultaneously within Roblox.

Bringing together Maybelline New York, Garnier, and CeraVe under one unified innovation strategy, L’Oréal South Africa is launching interactive experiences designed for Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, focusing on immersive storytelling, education, entertainment, and participation rather than traditional advertising.

As Roblox continues to grow as one of the world’s leading digital ecosystems for younger audiences, L’Oréal South Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era of beauty marketing built around culture, community, and interactive experiences.

Developed in partnership with ReachPlayers, the activations integrate beauty and skincare naturally into gameplay, creating experiences that feel engaging, authentic, and memorable for players.

A Bold Vision for the Future of Beauty Engagement

By bringing together three globally recognized brands under one gaming ecosystem, L’Oréal South Africa is demonstrating how beauty companies can evolve beyond traditional media and create culturally relevant experiences that resonate with digitally native consumers.

Each activation was carefully designed to reflect the unique identity and purpose of the participating brands while contributing to a larger vision: making beauty education, confidence, and self-expression more accessible through interactive technology.

The rollout includes:

• Maybelline New York, transforming exam stress into a confidence-boosting gameplay experience centered around the FIT ME range.
• Garnier, gamifying the universal “Oh No Moment” of an unexpected breakout through an interactive Pure Active Pimple Patch challenge.
• CeraVe, creating educational skincare worlds focused on skin health, acne prevention, and dermatologist-backed routines.

Together, the experiences showcase how L’Oréal South Africa is leveraging gaming not simply as a media channel, but as a platform for immersive brand storytelling and consumer connection.

Innovation Through Partnership

The initiative reflects a collaborative effort between L’Oréal South Africa and ReachPlayers to push the boundaries of what branded experiences inside games can look like.

By combining immersive gameplay mechanics with native product integration, the partnership demonstrates how brands can become part of gameplay itself rather than appearing as external interruptions.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with L’Oréal South Africa on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Michael Anav, CEO of ReachPlayers. “What makes this collaboration so exciting is L’Oréal South Africa’s willingness to innovate boldly and embrace entirely new ways of connecting with younger audiences. Together, we are creating experiences that feel native to the gaming environment while still delivering meaningful brand storytelling, education, and engagement.”

“From the get go with ReachPlayers, they’ve truly taken on a partnership role where they’ve tried to understand the brand, the vision and really co-create our campaigns with us. They have spent a lot of time and close attention to detail in getting things right. They are really agile in how they work with the team, and getting to understand what your business objectives are. It’s a no-brainer decision.” — Melissa Signor, Digital & Advertising Manager, CDMO Team, L’Oréal South Africa

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Celebrating South Africa’s Youth with Confidence, Connection and Peace of Mind

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – June 2026 – Youth in South Africa have always been at the heart of change. They shape culture, influence trends and create communities. They fill concert venues, support artists, pack out sporting events, drive conversations online, and bring great energy everywhere. They are the generation constantly discovering new experiences, building connections, and creating memories.

As Samsung and the rest of South Africa celebrate Youth Month (June), young people continue to shape the future while recognising something equally important: that they deserve to feel safe while doing it.

That’s where Samsung SOS+[1]* comes in. More than just a smartphone feature, Samsung SOS+*, provided by AURA, is designed to be a safety companion that gives users access to help when they need it most. It provides users with access to safety and medical emergency response across the country[2]. Whether you’re heading to a party, meeting friends for a night out, attending a concert, or travelling across town for an event, Samsung SOS+* helps put support within reach. Because enjoying life and staying safe should go together.

For The Generation On The Move

Gen Z is a generation that thrives on experiences. From street culture and music festivals to food markets, creative showcases, campus events and weekend grooves, youth in South Africa are constantly exploring, connecting and participating in these moments. With movement comes responsibility, and sometimes uncertainty.

Late-night travel, unfamiliar locations, waiting for transport, or simply being alone in certain situations can leave one feeling vulnerable. Samsung SOS+*[3] was created to provide an added layer of reassurance during those moments. Picture this: You’re waiting for your e-hailing ride outside a venue after dark. The streets are quieter than they were an hour ago and your friends have already left. It’s a situation many young people have experienced. If you suspect any danger, Samsung SOS+* can be your go-to, and knowing that you have access to support through your Samsung device can provide valuable peace of mind.

Like A Guardian In Your Pocket

The reality is that safety concerns don’t always begin at the destination. Sometimes it’s the moments in between that matter most. It’s sitting alone in an e-hailing vehicle. It’s walking from the parking area to the venue (or vise versa). It’s heading home after a long evening with friends. It’s taking a shortcut you normally wouldn’t take. All in all, it’s finding yourself in a situation that doesn’t feel right.

These moments often happen unexpectedly, which is why having access to a safety solution already built into your daily life can make a meaningful difference. Samsung SOS+* acts as a trusted companion, quietly ready in the background while you focus on enjoying the moment.

Celebrating Youth Month with Confidence

Youth Month is a time to recognise the contributions, achievements and potential of young people in South Africa. It’s also a reminder that the future of the country walks its streets, fills its malls/campuses, supports its creative industries, and drives its culture daily. Young people should be able to embrace opportunities, attend celebrations, discover new experiences and create unforgettable memories with confidence.

Samsung believes technology should do more than connect people. It should help protect them too. As young people enjoy their activities across the country, Samsung SOS+* offers a practical way to support safer experiences without interrupting the freedom, spontaneity and excitement that define youth culture.

As the youth paint the town red by heading to concerts, attending celebrations, exploring new spaces and making memories, Samsung SOS+* exists for all those moments, to provide the reassurance they deserve and remind them that help is never far away.

[1] To activate, you must install the Samsung Members app, find the SOS+ banner, and register on the linked AURA platform to complete the process. After registration, it’s recommended to also download the separate Samsung SOS+ app and save the toll-free number for full access to the emergency response service. 

[2] AURA has partnered with the best private security & medical companies across South Africa to ensure that you have help wherever you may be. AURA has a live coverage map to see specifically where the services cover you based on your location. AURA currently covers all population centres including all major cities, towns and even certain informal settlements.

* Provided by AURA.

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Comic Con Africa is excited to announce that acclaimed Barbadian-Canadian voice actress Alison Sealy-Smith will be appearing at Comic Con Africa, taking place from 24 to 27 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

Best known as the iconic voice of Storm in X-Men: The Animated Series and the recent X-Men ’97, Sealy-Smith has become a beloved figure among Marvel and animation fans worldwide. Her portrayal of the powerful mutant leader helped define a generation of superhero storytelling and remains one of the most celebrated performances in animated television.

In addition to her role as Storm, Sealy-Smith has voiced Gamora in Silver Surfer, Scarlet in Delilah and Julius, and has appeared in fan-favourite series including Spider-Man and Sailor Moon.

During her days at Comic Con Africa Alison Sealy-Smith will take part in these activities: 

o   Panel Discussions: Fans will have the opportunity to hear Alison reflect on her career, discuss her creative work, and share stories from her time on set.  

o   Autograph Sessions and Photo Opportunities: Con-goers will have the opportunity to capture all those unforgettable moments with the voice actress herself, with photo and autograph opportunities being available at Howler*. 

*To be eligible to buy these tickets one must have already bought a Comic Con Africa 2026 ticket which is available here from howler: https://comiccon.howler.co.za/events/comic-con-africa-2026-5c99

Comic Con Africa continues to be the ultimate gathering for pop culture and gaming fans in the country. From more celebrity guest announcements on their way and artist showcases to anime, gaming, and cosplay, this is the place where fandoms unite. Stay up to date with further announcements by following Comic Con Africa on social media. 

Event Details

Comic Con Africa 2026
24 to 27 September 2026
Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg

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The Instax Mini LiPlay+ adds a new wide-angle selfie camera and Instax Sound Print for integrated sound via QR code.

26 June 2026: Fujifilm South Africa has now released the Instax Mini LiPlay+ instant camera locally, with this hybrid device the second model in the popular Instax Mini LiPlay line which debuted in 2019. This versatile 2-in-1 hybrid is both an instant camera and a smartphone printer, blending digital convenience with instant creativity.

The Mini LiPlay+ introduces a variety of new features, including being the first Instax with dual cameras, featuring both a main camera plus a wide-angle selfie camera. It also boasts various enhanced sound capabilities that allow the user to integrate sound onto their printed images, while also offering upgrades to the camera body.

Dual camera functionality

At the front of the Mini LiPlay+ is the main camera encased in a lens ring, with a wide-angle selfie camera making an appearance at the back – perfect for shots with friends since the 3-inch display helps to frame the shot.

The dual camera setup allows the Mini LiPlay+ to offer a new Layered Photo mode, in which images created with both the front and rear cameras can be combined into one unforgettable Mini print.

Users looking to add creativity to their prints can choose from a selection of filters, including Vivid, Poster and Fisheye. And when printing an image, the option is there to choose between Instax-Natural mode, for a classic finish, or Instax-Rich mode, for vibrant, deeper hues.

The Mini LiPlay+ also features automatic exposure and flash control to enhance image quality and includes a 2- and 10 second timer.

Instax Sound Print and Instax Sound Album

Through the free Instax Mini LiPlay+ app, users now have access to the Instax Sound Print feature. Here they can record sound clips while taking the photo or add voice notes afterwards. The printed photo will feature a QR code, which contains the sound recording if scanned via smartphone.

Alternatively, the Instax Sound Album offers the ability to create a slideshow-style video of up to 30 seconds, by recording or selecting sound-embedded images and adding background music that matches the mood. The created video is converted into a QR code and can be printed together with the selected cover image, to be viewed or downloaded via smartphone.

Instax Mini LiPlay+ smartphone app

The free, downloadable Instax Mini LiPlay app allows users to capture images remotely on the camera via a Bluetooth connection. Through the app users can print their photos stored on a connected smartphone, while also being able to personalise images by adding sticker icons or overlay text, frames and filters, making each image a true custom creation.

Pricing and availability

The Instax Mini LiPlay+ hybrid instant camera with dual camera setup and enhanced sound recording capabilities is available locally in either Sand Beige or Midnight Blue. It comes with a suggested retail price of R3 999 Inc. VAT.

The post The first Instax with dual camera setup arrives in SA: Say hello to the Mini LiPlay+ appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

When new smartphone innovations are announced in South Africa, the main features grab the headlines. Right now, the HONOR 600 Series is a clear example of mobile tech breaking through the value barrier of its category and capturing imaginations. The spotlight is focussed on time-bending features like AI Image to Video 2.0, pro-level 200MP Ultra-Clear AI Night Camera, the 7000mAh long-lasting battery, and immersive Ultra Bright 8000 Nits Display.  In most countries this means that potentially life-changing specs are left unexplored and buried in settings. The HONOR 600 Series is proving that South Africans take a different view,

The HONOR 600 Series connects with the resourceful spirit of a nation made tougher by overcoming decades of challenges. They know that even the smallest advantages make the greatest difference. Both the HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro feel moulded in the shape and spirit of a country of innovators who know the value of having more inside than expected. For South African creators the potential and possibilities and freedom of accessing an ecosystem of conveniences, ready to adapt to unique rhythm, creative resilience, and daily realities of the country, is worth testing.

The Standout HONOR 600 Series Features That Mzansi Is Finding Hard To Ignore:

AI Image to Video 2.0: Breathe life into old and new photos by turning any still gallery image into a dynamic, animated 3 -5 second cinematic video using simple text prompts.

200MP Ultra-Clear AI Night Camera: Capture crisp, detailed concert photos from the back row using zoom, and snap bright, blur-free group shots in dark restaurants without using a harsh flash.

Segment-Leading 7,000mAh Battery: Power through full days of heavy scrolling, gaming, and streaming on a single charge, built into a phone so slim it easily slides into tight pockets.

8,000-Nits Ultra-Bright Display: Read text messages and watch videos with perfect clarity under direct, blinding midday sunlight without ever needing to shade your screen with your hand.

Price: HONOR 600 Pro available in Golden White and Orange for a RRP of R19 999 or from R799x36 months and The HONOR 600 will be available in Orange and Black for a RRP of R14 999 or from R549x36 months.

It’s easy to see why these smart tools are getting so much attention but beyond the headline features, people are also discovering instant favourites like MagicOS 8.0, which completely streamlines daily tasks using smart tools like AI Translation and the Active Magic Capsule. Many people think a smartphone reaches its full potential when every highlighted feature has been used. But in in reality, when technology, intelligent AI support and the user’s own determined mindset combines, the output is amplified. In South Africa, we see shining examples of this.

The HONOR 600 is available in striking Orange and Black, while the HONOR 600 Pro exudes its greater capacity in Golden White and Orange. Explore the other fascinating features here.

The post The HONOR 600 Series: Unlock So Many Features With This Premium Device appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.