No two homes tell the same story.

One family rises at dawn for school runs. Another works night shifts. Some households cook sumptuous weekend feasts. Others rely on quick weekday meals between activities. Yet for years, appliances were built with a one-size-fits-all mind-set.

Samsung is changing that narrative by building appliances that can learn your family’s habits.

Through its Bespoke AI ecosystem, Samsung is pioneering personalisation at scale, where technology adapts continuously to the rhythms, preferences and energy patterns of each household. This is the evolution of the AI Home Companion.

Built-in Intelligence

Personalisation is not an add-on feature. It is embedded within the appliance itself.

AI Wash¹ refines performance over time, learning how frequently laundry is done, what fabrics dominate and how much detergent is needed. It improves efficiency without requiring reprogramming. AI EcoBubble² uses intelligent fabric sensing and bubble technology to deliver up to 70% energy savings³ while removing 24% more soil⁴, even in cold water. They use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse fabric types and load weight, optimising detergent, water and bubble usage for high quality care and efficiency.

In climate control, AI Fast and Comfort Cooling⁵ ensures rapid temperature adjustments without an unexpected draft. The system learns occupancy patterns, adjusting cooling performance to deliver comfort only when and where it is needed.

This is personalisation that evolves. The more you live, the more your appliances understand.

An Ecosystem with a Bird’s Eye View

True personalisation happens when devices communicate. Through SmartThings⁶, Samsung connects refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, air conditioners, TVs and mobile devices into a unified ecosystem with contextual awareness.

SmartThings⁶ Energy provides visibility into household consumption patterns, helping families make informed decisions and encouraging more sustainable living. Over time, the system learns preferences and automatically optimises operations to reduce unnecessary consumption without sacrificing comfort.⁷

Secure, Reliable and Built for the Long Term

As homes become more intelligent, security becomes foundational. Samsung Knox⁸ safeguards connected appliances at both hardware and software levels, protecting data, access controls, and personal information. Personalisation should never mean a compromise on privacy.

Reliability also defines the AI Home Companion. Samsung appliances undergo rigorous durability testing and receive long-term software updates to remain secure and capable. With extended warranties, families invest in intelligence that lasts.

Why Personalisation Matters

Personalisation is not about novelty but about relevance. In a country as diverse as South Africa, homes vary widely in size, energy access and needs, climate conditions and lifestyle patterns. An adaptive AI ecosystem takes these differences into account and balances across apartments, suburban homes and all other household types in between.

When appliances respond to real-life behaviour, families spend less time configuring technology and more time benefiting from it. The technology fades into the background, allowing life to take centre stage.

The Future of the AI Living Companion

Samsung’s vision extends beyond smart appliances. It is about shaping a home that grows with you. Work patterns shift. Energy demands fluctuate. Through continuous learning and software updates, the Samsung AI ecosystem evolves with these transitions. More than connected, the home becomes attentive.

In this future, your refrigerator anticipates your weekly habits. Your washing machine aligns with your schedule. Your air conditioning understands seasonal nuances. Your energy consumption adapts automatically. And it’s all coordinated through one secure ecosystem. With this kind of personalisation happening at scale, it is not technology that demands attention, but technology that pays attention.

Samsung is not simply building appliances. It is building AI Living Companions designed to enrich life, strengthen families, and transform houses into responsive, intelligent homes that truly understand⁹ the people inside them.

Samsung is your companion in this new era, making the “home of the future” the reality of your today. For more details, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/home-appliances/why-samsung-appliances/

1 Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.

2 AI Ecobubble™ is only activated when specific courses are selected, including Cotton, Synthetics and AI Wash with loads less than 2kg.

3 Compared to washing in warm water. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Super Eco Wash cold (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. Cotton 40°C without Ecobubble™ (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.

4 Based on the Performance Lab Test report by Springboard Engineering on EMPA strips, comparing a normal detergent solution and bubble technology without mechanical action. Individual results may vary.

5 To use AI Fast & Comfort Cooling a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account SmartThings are required. SmartThings server stores user data, preferences and usage patterns to suggest the most useful options

6 To use SmartThings, download the App from the Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. The supported OS specification, required storage space, and other usage environment for the SmartThings app can be found on the app download page in each app store. SmartThings has compatibility constraints, and the compatible environment may be updated periodically.  Supported OS specifications and app screen configuration may change with app updates.

7 Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions and patterns.

8 Applied to all appliances that have an Internet connection.

9 AI-based features are available on certain appliances, and based on our deep learning model, which is trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New data sets maybe introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy.

The post The Era of the Living Companion: How Samsung is Personalising AI in the Home appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The Instax Mini Evo Cinema is not just an instant camera – it’s also a smartphone printer and a video camera. New Eras Dial allows for effects from 10 different eras to videos and photos.

24 April 2026

Fujifilm South Africa has announced that the hotly anticipated Instax Mini Evo Cinema hybrid instant camera is now available locally in limited quantities. The Mini Evo Cinema offers the power of three: an instant camera, a smartphone printer and now also a video camera – complete in one package.

The Mini Evo Cinema is like nothing Instax has released before, with this being a 3-in-1 hybrid instant camera offering not only Instax Mini prints from both the unit and a smartphone, but also short-form video (15-second clips).

Video or Photo

Users can easily switch between CINE and STILL modes to capture either videos or photos. In CINE mode, users can shoot a series of clips – up to 15 seconds in total, and the camera will stitch them into a video automatically. Through the free Instax Mini Evo smartphone app, users can connect via Bluetooth and extend video creations to 30 seconds by adding or reordering clips, alongside opening and closing sequences. 

These video clips can be accessed via a one-of-a-kind Instax Mini instant photo printed with a QR code. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, the video can be replayed with an Instax frame or downloaded for easy posting on social media and sharing with friends. Video and audio data shared this way is securely stored for 24 months.

All images and videos created with the Mini Evo Cinema can be saved within the Instax Mini Evo app. Here users can also save printed images digitally to their smartphone’s camera roll, finished with the iconic Instax Mini border.

Video (and photos) through the Decades

A big part of the Evo Cinema’s appeal lies in the Eras Dial, a first for Instax. The Eras Dial, situated on the side of the device, allows users to apply effects from 10 different decades to their photos and videos. Each era is designed to capture the look and feel of the imagery of that time. This includes the grainy, pale tones of the 1930s; a 1960s effect inspired by 8mm cameras; the vibrant colours of the 1980s; and the sharp, rich imagery of the 2020s.

Content created in each era can be further fine-tuned with any of the 10 effects from the Degree Control Dial on the lens. By simply rotating the dial to precisely adjust colour, contrast and noise expression, users can create up to 10 creative variations per era. 

Once an era is chosen and the intensity of the era is selected, users can continue to personalise by adding a frame to every shot or video clip utilising the Frame Switch. There’s a frame for every era, each paying homage to the characteristics, media and playback devices that defined that time.

Form and Function

With sleek black, vertical grip design (inspired by Fujifilm’s “FUJICA Single-8”, an 8mm camera introduced in 1965) and analogue-inspired details, the Mini Evo Cinema is meticulously crafted for those who appreciate tactile functions alongside beauty and elegance.

Below the Eras Dial is a Zoom Lever that allows creators to zoom in or pull back for greater scope and more atmosphere. An analogue-style printing operation lever is next to, with users able to lift and twist it to print a photo. A 1.54-inch high-resolution LCD Monitor is there to view operation as well as for playback, while a viewfinder, grip attachment and a premium hand strap are included.

Pricing and Availability

For those looking for a truly unique instant camera, that also includes a video camera, instant prints and a smartphone printer, the 3-in1 Instax Mini Evo Cinema hybrid instant camera is ready to be explored. The Instax Mini Evo Cinema is available in limited quantities at select stores locally, with a suggested retail price of R7 499 incl. VAT

The post Now with video, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema is one camera with decades of possibilities appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

President Ramaphosa’s announcement at the 2026 State of the Nation Address of a R50 billion investment into data centres over the next three years signals that South Africa recognizes digital infrastructure as the foundation for economic growth. The question now isn’t whether digital transformation will happen, but whether South Africa will continue to be amongst the leaders  of digital transformation in Africa. I believe we have everything we need to lead, and the momentum is building.

Digital infrastructure has become the foundation of economic competitiveness. Companies can locate operations anywhere with reliable digital infrastructure, making South Africa’s progress critical for attracting growth and investments. AWS’s journey here demonstrates this potential.

From Innovation Hub to Regional Leader

We’ve been in South Africa since 2004 when we opened our first development center in Cape Town where engineers created Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), revolutionizing how businesses globally access cloud computing capacity. Since then, we’ve committed to adding an estimated R80 billion to South Africa’s GDP through our investments by 2029.

Beyond our data centres investments, in February 2022, we commissioned a 10-megawatt solar plant in the Northern Cape Province, majority-owned by Black women and operated by a fully South African-owned company. This facility avoids an estimated 25,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, demonstrating that digital infrastructure and sustainability advance together.

Bridging the Skills Gap

Infrastructure alone isn’t enough. We need people with the skills to use it. The digital skills gap in South Africa represents both our greatest challenge and most significant opportunity. AWS has trained over 200,000 South Africans on cloud skills. In August 2023, we opened our Skills Centre in Cape Town – only the third globally and the first outside the United States. Since launch, we’ve trained 51,000 learners, providing young people and Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with capabilities needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

We’ve launched our first Think Big Space in Africa at our Cape Town headquarters, aiming to reach 10,000 learners in Grades 8-12 across six provinces through partnerships with local non-profit organizations (NPOs) like Tangible Africa. We’re training 100 educators in computational thinking, block coding, and foundational fundamentals, directly addressing UNESCO’s reported challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa’s STEM education.

Globally, we’ve provided two million people with free AI skills training as part of Amazon’s AI Ready initiative since 2023. This commitment reflects our belief that AI’s transformative power must be accessible to all.

The AI Opportunity

AI represents the biggest opportunity since cloud computing and possibly since the internet itself. We believe agentic AI capabilities will transform virtually every customer experience, moving from information-only systems to AI that plans, reasons, and executes. This stands apart from previous technological shifts. It is fundamentally reinventing how businesses operate at breathtaking speed.  We have never seen a technology more quickly adopted than AI and have the highest impact as AI will, electricity took 40 years to get where it was going. AI appears to be moving ten times faster.

However, this must be done responsibly and we’re aware that AI should serve communities equitably. Responsible AI development also means building security, transparency, and safety from day one, not bolting it on afterwards. It also requires that we support AI adoption. AI and automation will create jobs we cannot even begin to imagine. But for that we need skills. We believe we have a responsibility to help prepare workers to be a part of an AI-drive economy.

Building on Policy Momentum

The National Data and Cloud Policy 2024, the draft Digital Government Policy Framework 2024, and the Roadmap for Digital Transformation of Government 2025-2027 collectively signal a country serious about digital transformation. These frameworks create the foundation for accelerated digital adoption across sectors. The MyMzansi app – South Africa’s unified digital government services initiative – demonstrates what’s possible when policy meets execution.

Four priorities will determine our success: connectivity expansion reaching beyond urban centers, reliable and affordable energy sustaining digital operations, regulatory pathways making cloud adoption practical across sectors, and investment frameworks attracting infrastructure and innovation at scale.

Commitments to digital infrastructure development, particularly expanding accessibility in underserved areas, will unlock growth. Government initiatives around broadband expansion and data centre development are encouraging; clearer timelines and public-private partnership frameworks would accelerate deployment, especially for rural connectivity.

The Path Forward

The foundations are in place – government policies supporting digital transformation, infrastructure investments creating connectivity, and skills programs preparing the workforce. Now we need to accelerate deployment, particularly in underserved areas where digital access unlocks the greatest opportunity. AWS is committed to partnering with South African policymakers and businesses to make this vision a reality.  With the right combination of infrastructure investment, skills development, and regulatory clarity, South Africa can create opportunities for all its citizens in an AI-driven economy. South Africa’s digital future is being built today.

The post Building South Africa’s Digital Future: Infrastructure, Skills, and the AI opportunity appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – April 2026 – Audio Eraser[1] on Galaxy devices reduces unnecessary noise in videos and amplifies desired sounds, enabling a more immersive viewing experience. First introduced for editing saved content on the Galaxy S25 series, the feature has evolved significantly over the generations. Audio Eraser expanded to support playback adjustments within native apps — such as Gallery and Voice Recorder — on Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7.

Now, with the Galaxy S26 series,[2] it has reached new heights by supporting real-time audio control on content streamed across various platforms. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into these advancements.

From Fix it Later to Filter it Now

Starting with the Galaxy S26 series, Audio Eraser has evolved into a live audio experience. It enables real-time sound separation and optimisation across voices, music and background noise, not only for recorded content but also for over-the-top (OTT) or social media content you are watching. This advancement shifts the focus from post-recording edits to real-time audio management.

By integrating an AI (artificial intelligence) sound engine with advanced sound separation technology, the Galaxy S26 series allows you to adjust and control recorded sound as it occurs. This enables a clear, immersive listening experience across various streaming platforms by effectively erasing distracting background noise.

Seamless Access, Total Control

You can easily adjust noise and reduce distractions directly from the Quick panel without needing to rewind or replay content. While the video is playing, simply swipe down from the top right of the screen and tap the Audio Eraser icon to start filtering the sound right away.

Once activated, the feature offers advanced controls for a more professional touch. You can adjust the “Strength” slider to fine-tune noise reduction and enable “Voice Focus” to focus/prioritise on  dialogue in the video.

With the Galaxy S26 series, you can enjoy tailored sound quality in real-time, for the different types of content you watch.

▲Access Audio Eraser via the Quick panel on the Galaxy S26 series, with controls to adjust “Strength” and enable “Voice focus.”[3]

Audio Eraser is no longer limited to reducing noise. It now allows you to easily design your sound in real time. Enjoy the more personalised and comfortable listening experience with the Galaxy S26 series.

[1] Audio Eraser supports adjusting noise from media playing through the Quick panel for select apps on the Galaxy S26 series. The level of support depends on the model and OS version. Results may vary by video depending on how sounds are present. Samsung Account login is required. Certain types of sound, such as voices, music and noise, can be detected. Actual sound detection may vary depending on the audio source and video conditions. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[2] The Galaxy S26 series includes Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra.

[3] Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Actual UX/UI may be different.

The post Faster, In Real-Time: Enhanced ‘Audio Eraser’ With the Galaxy S26 Series appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Comic Con talks a lot about tabletop gaming, but what is it actually? It is not any one thing. Rather it is a diverse range of different kinds of interactive entertainment – provided that it brings people together around an actual table. It encompasses a wide variety of formats, from epic narrative roleplaying adventures to fast-paced card duels, or from strategy games to battles with miniatures on physical landscapes. Whether played casually among friends or competitively at conventions and tournaments, tabletop gaming celebrates collaboration and imagination.

At the heart of tabletop gaming lies roleplaying games, also known as RPGs. They are group experiences where players take on the roles of fictional characters and embark on adventures directed by a Game Master (GM) who narrates the world and writes the main storyline, with play ultimately guided by a rulebook. It could be a world of dragons, ancient kingdoms, or even modern scenarios. It is a collaborative mix of storytelling and improvisation. Dice throws determine some of the action, with higher scores giving positive outcomes, and lower numbers seeing the storyline not quite going the player’s way! The most well-known example of RPGs is Dungeons & Dragons, which was introduced in 1974.

Another layer to tabletop gaming is card games. Some card games emphasize luck and social interaction, while others require careful planning, deck-building, and a lot of tactical foresight. Collectible card games allow players to curate personalized decks and compete in dynamic, evolving matches. These are games like Yu Gi Oh!, Pokémon TCG, and the famous Magic The Gathering.

Tabletop gaming also includes miniature wargaming, where players use tiny models of humans and beasties to simulate battles on scaled-down battlefields. Part of the enjoyment is painting these figurines, with fans carefully holding the slimmest of paintbrushes and the tiniest pots of specialised paint in order to get the perfect look (you can watch this in live action at Comic Con Cape Town). The tools of miniature wargaming include dice, terrain pieces, and measuring tools. With miniature wargaming players can recreate historical conflicts as well as imaginative fantasy or science-fiction battles.

Tabletop Gaming at Comic Con Cape Town with Unplug Yourself

Unplug Yourself is Comic Con’s partner in tabletop gaming. They can be found in the Protea Room where they will be hosting three-hour Dungeons & Dragons sessions. No experience is necessary – their experienced Game Masters are ready to teach you if you’re a newbie. Just bring your imagination.

For those with a shorter attention span, Unplug Yourself has Quick Encounters – thrilling one-shot adventures packed with mystery, monsters, and epic moments – characters and dice provided. Players will be entered into a raffle to win a Dungeons & Dragons inspired raffle on Day Four, 3 May.

Unplug Yourself Ultimate Bingo Adventure

For even more tabletop-inspired delight, fans can grab an Unplug Yourself bingo card. This is fans’ chance to explore the convention in a whole new way. Fans will check off fun challenges on their bingo card – like learning to play a trading card game (TCG), trying a new title, or snapping a pic of yourself playing tabletop with a friend. Daily raffles for the participants have awesome prizes on offer.

The Unplug Yourself zone and activities require an additional ticket purchase, which can be made at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/?search=%20Unplug%20Yourself

This year Comic Con Cape Town will welcome 36,000 fans at the CTICC 2 from 30 April to 3 May. Some of them will be new to tabletop gaming, but now that you’ve taken TTG 101, you’ll know what to expect.

The post Tabletop Gaming 101: Get Creative and Get Connected appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Already creating buzz, the HONOR 600 Lite arrives with an impressive premium metal-shield unibody structure,108MP AI Camera Button and incredible performance

South Africans looking for more value without compromising on style or performance now have a compelling new option. The HONOR 600 Lite will be available from tomorrow, 24th of April 2026 nationwide. It brings a premium design, advanced AI photography and powerful battery performance into a category that continues to demand more for less.

Following a strong reception at launch, the HONOR 600 Lite is making moves as a device that reflects how local consumers are shopping smarter. It delivers the kind of features typically associated with high-end smartphones, while staying accessible to a wider audience. From its sleek finish to its intelligent camera experience, the device is built for people who want their technology to keep up with real life, not complicate it.

At the heart of its appeal is a premium metal-shield unibody structure, giving the device a refined, fashion-forward look and feel that stands out instantly. It’s paired with a 108MP AI camera with AI Camera Button, designed for effortless capture, quick access and sharper detail across everyday moments. Whether it’s content creation, social sharing or simply capturing memories, the experience feels intuitive and immediate. Supporting it all is an upgraded 6520mAh battery, built to last through long days of streaming, browsing and staying connected, without the constant need to recharge.

“The HONOR 600 Lite reflects what we’ve been hearing from South Africans, people want powerful technology that feels premium and stylish, but remains within reach,” said Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa. “Our focus has been on making innovation more accessible, especially with AI features that enhance everyday experiences. That approach is part of why the brand continues to grow locally, and we’re excited to bring even more value to consumers with this device.”

Now available in-store nationwide, the HONOR 600 Lite comes in the uber stylish Sprout Green and Velvet Black colourways at a recommended retail price of R8 999, with contract options from R399 per month over 36 months. Those who become the first to experience will also receive a free HONOR Choice Watch 2i valued at R999, valid until 7 June 2026.

In addition, the device includes a once-off 180-day free accidental damage protection plan, with total added value of up to R3 998, covering parts, labour and repair logistics. This service offer is valid until 31 December 2026.

Available promotions in retail include:

MTN: R399 x 36 months,

Cell C: R499 x 36 months, R619 x 24 months

Telkom: R489 x 36 months, R609 x 24 months

Vodacom: R399 x36 months, R499 x24 months

The post The Stylish HONOR 600 Lite will be available tomorrow in stores appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (April 2026)  In the high-stakes world of African business, where power outages, coffee-shop “offices,” and tightening budgets are the daily reality, hardware failure isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a revenue killer.

Acer Africa is seeing a massive surge in commercial demand, not for the latest “gimmicks,” but for a specific trio of workhorses that have become the backbone of local productivity: the TravelMate X4 14 AI, the Extensa 14, and the game-changing Acer Portable Monitors.

Stop Overpaying for Productivity: The 3 Essentials Every Professional Needs

1. The “Boardroom Flex”: TravelMate X4 14 AI Think your current laptop is fast? The TravelMate X4 is built with AI-powered Intel® Core™ Ultra processors that actually learn your workflow. It’s light enough to carry between meetings but tough enough to survive the backseat of an Uber.

• The Click-Bait Truth: It has Military-Grade Durability meaning it’s built to survive the hustle of Joburg and Cape Town, not just a padded desk.

2. The Fleet Manager’s Hero: Extensa 14 Looking to equip a team without breaking the bank? The Extensa 14 is the ultimate “silent achiever.” It delivers enterprise-grade performance and zero-trust security at a price point that makes finance departments smile. It’s the laptop that simply works, so your IT team can finally stop fighting fires.

3. The “Office Anywhere” Hack: Portable Monitors Why are South African execs obsessed with Acer PM1 Portable Monitors? Because a single USB-C cable turns a tiny coffee table into a full-blown command center. It’s 700g of pure productivity that lets you present to clients with professional flair, anywhere there’s a Wi-Fi signal.

It’s Not Just Hardware—It’s “Acer Certainty”

Acer is the only brand in the region to own its repair centres across EMEA. When you choose Acer for Business, you aren’t just buying a box; you’re buying into a 360-degree support ecosystem:

• Customized Warranties: We don’t believe in “one size fits all.” We build warranty packages that fit your business scale.
• Smart Financing: Keep your cash flow healthy. Our financing solutions reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while contributing to a circular, sustainable economy.
• Zero-Trust Security: In an era of cyber threats, our business portfolio is locked down from the chip level up.

“Business doesn’t stop because you’re away from your desk,” says Glenn du Toit, Country Manager at Acer South Africa. “We’ve moved beyond selling laptops. We are selling ‘Certainty.’ Whether it’s through our AI-ready TravelMates or our owned service centers, we ensure that SA businesses stay ‘always-on’ even when the environment says otherwise.”

Don’t Get Left Behind – Get a Custom Quote

Stop settling for consumer-grade tech in a professional world. Discover why Acer is the fastest-growing commercial choice in SA.

[CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A COMMERCIAL QUOTE OR FLEET DEMO] Visit: https://www.acer.com/za-en/business

The post Why Top CTOs are Ditching “New” for “Reliable”: The Secret to Zero-Downtime Productivity appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

AI Camera Button Showing Up in Style as Everyday Content Gets Smarter

Since its exciting local launch, the HONOR 600 Lite has been embraced as a device that is made to move Mzansi. It brings together a premium Metal-shield Unibody structure, premium styling, a 108MP AI camera Button, and an upgraded 6520mAh battery. Incredibly empowering, it remains within reach of more South Africans, especially those ready to push its incredible AI Camera Button.

In Mzansi, moments don’t wait. One second, it’s a street style look in Braam and the next it’s a last-minute goal on a dusty pitch or a perfectly timed dance clip outside work, res or school. If your camera isn’t ready, the moment’s gone. That’s exactly where the HONOR 600 Lite steps in, introducing an AI Camera Button designed for how South Africans actually capture life, fast, spontaneous, and always on the move. Here’s a few ways it shows up in real life:

Tap, zoom and shoot, instantly
There’s no unlocking or searching for apps. The dedicated 108mp AI Camera Button gets you straight into the shot, whether it’s a quick portrait, a moving subject or a moment that only happens once. With up to 10x digital zoom, capture every distant detail with crystal-clear precision, from cityscapes and candid faces to those unmissable Johannesburg sunsets.

Content creation without the admin
For students, creators and everyday storytellers, speed matters. The HONOR 600 Lite removes the friction, letting you move from idea to capture in seconds, perfect for social content that feels real, not staged.

AI that cleans things up
Life isn’t always perfectly framed. With built-in AI editing tools, you can refine your shots, remove distractions and enhance details without needing extra apps or editing skills.

Street style captured properly
From have-to-try fits to weekend markets, fashion in Mzansi is expressive and fast-moving. The AI Camera Button makes it easier to capture people, texture and movement exactly as it happens.

The HONOR 600 lite AI Camera button is clearly built for everyday pace. Better still, it’s powered by a stunning 6.6-inch AMOLED display hitting an eye-watering 6500 nits peak brightness, one perfect for Johannesburg’s blazing sun or late-night content editing and a 6520mAh battery built for long days. Expect the HONOR 600 Lite to keep up from early mornings to late-night scrolls without slowing you down.

The HONOR 600 Lite will be available in-store from 24th of April 2026 in Sprout Green and Velvet Black at a recommended retail price of R8999. Available promotions in retail from R399 x 36 months.

Free Gift: R999 (HONOR Choice Watch 2i). Valid from today until 7th June 2026.

HONOR Care Service Benefit + Free Gift Valued up to R3998. Once-off 180-Day Free Accidental Damage Protection. Service promotional offer limited to HONOR 600 Lite valid from today until 31 December 2026. The add-value service benefit covers spare part charges, postal repair logistics fees and includes labour fees.

The post The New HONOR 600 Lite Brings AI Camera capabilities to Everyday Moments   appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Comic Con Cape Town continues its successful partnership with the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) in 2026. The two shows have been sister festivals since the launch of Comic Con Cape Town in 2023, consistently bringing engaging workshops and practical educational content to the tens of thousands of fans walking through the Con’s doors annually, this year from 30 April to 3 May at CTICC 2.

CTIAF is the largest dedicated African Animation Festival on the continent, and it is all about celebrating the art of animation and helping the next generation of animators to learn, grow, and up their skill sets. The festival has hosted Academy Award-winning artists and directors, sparked co-productions, and helped launch projects that became worldwide successes. It’s a natural fit with Comic Con, which aims to shine a spotlight on local talent, and to uplift local artists and creators.

Cape Town continues to make its mark on animation globally – think Sunrise Studios’ box office hit David – and Comic Con Cape Town attracts fans, teenagers, and adults who want to explore these creative industries and learn how to make a career in them. CTIAF is the perfect place to start to learn more about what it means to work in animation, and the Festival has its own workshop zone at Comic Con Cape Town in 2026.

This CTIAF workshops and screenings are included in a Comic Con Cape Town ticket. One screening and two workshops will take place daily at the Con in Hall 8 at the CTIAF stage. In collaboration with leading educational institutions SAE Institute South Africa and The Animation School, the program offers hands-on learning experiences designed specifically for ages 12 to 18.

“This initiative is about access and inspiration,” says Shani Campbell, Academic head of The Animation school. “By partnering with top-tier animation schools and bringing this program to Comic Con, we’re opening doors for young creatives to explore careers in animation and storytelling.”

Says Cameron Lawry of SAE Institute, “Whether aspiring artists are picking up a pencil for the first time or already experimenting with digital tools, these workshops provide a unique opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired in an exciting, immersive environment”

For more information, visit Comic Con Cape Town or the CTIAF platforms: www.comicconcapetown.co.za  and www.ctiaf.com.

Young fans are invited to check out the CTIAF schedule to make sure they don’t miss a moment of the exciting workshops on offer.

Screenings

Screenings take place from 12h00 to 14h00 at the CTIAF stage daily.

This showcase will include these titles:

·       Glisten by Joel “Cyzo” Matladi & Mogau Kekana

·       Kalk Bay Fisherman by Lesego Vorster

·       Purr Factory by Alan Farber & Johan Scheepers

·       The Rise and Fall by Colin Payne

·       Gully for You by Teagan-Lee Bothma

·       Muti’s Cape Town by Studio Muti

·       Bounce by Tristan Cloete

·       Super Dad by Judah Ndanusa Danjumah

·       Gale of the Cape by Jeani Varty

·       Gelato Roboto by Craig Parker

·       Azania Rises by Lesego Vorster

·       Wildlife camera man by Erentia Bedeker

·       By Two by Wiam Bothma and team

·       rorisang and the gurlz by Cabblow Studios

Workshops

Participants will explore the fundamentals and creativity of animation and game-making through sessions including practical and digital art workshops where participants will work with pencils, paper, clay and specialised software. Workshops happen from 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 16h00 daily at the CTIAF stage daily, with topics such as –

·       Life drawing to Storyboards and Animatic

·       Make your own Comic

·       Stylised Painting for 3D Models

·       Design your own Platformer Level

·       Preparing Character Design for 3D Modelling

·       Create Pixel Art for Games

·       Acting to Animation

·       And more

The workshops are presented by The Animation School and SAE Institute, two heavyweight educators in the animation space.

Talks

Sunrise Studios will be speaking at the Con about the making of David. The team will give Con-goers a taste of what goes into creating an animation of this scale. Catch this session on Friday 1 May from 13h30 to 14h00 on the Main Stage.

Full Programme

The full CTIAF programme is worth knowing so that none of the fascinating topics are missed.

Thursday 30 April 2026

·       10h00 to 12h00: Life Drawing to Storyboards & Animatics, presented by The Animation School. Learn how artists transform real-life poses into storyboard panels used in animation and film. Sketch from a live model and create a short visual story that comes to life as a simple animatic.

·       12h00 to 14h00: Screening. The Best of CTIAF short films. All African animation, all the time.

·       14h00 to 16h00: Make Your Own Comic, presented by SAE Institute. Create a short comic using a ready-made story. Participants will draw 3–6 panels and explore themes like horror, comedy, or adventure.

Friday 1 May 2026

·       10h00 to 12h00: Build A 3d Game World, presented by SAE Institute. Create a simple 3D environment using Unreal Engine. Participants will place objects, add lighting, and export an image of their final game world.

·       12h00 to 14h00: Screening. The Best of CTIAF short films. All African animation, all the time.

·       14h00 to 16h00: Acting to Animation, presented by The Animation School. Ever wondered how animated characters feel so real? Jump into fun acting and movement exercises to explore how animators use performance to bring 3D characters to life.

Saturday 2 May 2026

·       10h00 to 12h00: Preparing Character Design For 3d Modelling, presented by The Animation School. Learn how to transform character concept art into clean, front and side views in readiness for 3D modelling.

·       12h00 to 14h00: Screening. The Best of CTIAF short films. All African animation, all the time.

·       14h00 to 16h00: Create Pixel Art for Games, presented by SAE Institute. Design pixel-style characters and environments using the online tool Piskel. Participants will learn how tile maps are used to build 2D game worlds.

Sunday 3 May 2026

·       10h00 to 12h00: Design Your Own Platformer Level, presented by SAE Institute. Using Unity, participants will build their own level for a 2D platformer game using pixel-art tiles and ready-made assets.

·       12h00 to 14h00: Screening. The Best of CTIAF short films. All African animation, all the time.

·       14h00 to 16h00: Stylised Painting For 3d Models, presented by The Animation School. Paint stylised textures of materials such as wood, stone, or fabric using watercolours, and discover more about how these techniques translate into digital texturing for animation and games.

The post Cape Town International Animation Festival Launches its Programme at Comic Con Cape Town appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

As global research shows 89% of consumers are overwhelmed by fragmented smart home technology, Hisense South Africa demonstrates how invisible, autonomous AI is actively reducing daily stress, elevating human wellbeing, and supporting long-term health.

Cape Town, South Africa – The technology industry is facing a crisis of its own making: AI fatigue. Over the past five years, the global rush to create “smart homes” has largely resulted in a chaotic ecosystem of fragmented applications, relentless notifications, and devices that demand more cognitive energy than they save.

The statistics paint a clear picture of an overwhelmed consumer base. In recent global survey data, we see that while 89% of consumers own smart home technology, a staggering 87% report that their devices frequently fail to work together seamlessly, and nearly 80% find the setup processes too complicated. Instead of reducing the burden of daily life, early-stage smart home AI has simply digitised household chores, adding a layer of technical troubleshooting that increases, rather than decreases, daily stress.

“The tech industry has fundamentally misunderstood the assignment,” explains Luna Nortje, Deputy General Manager at Hisense South Africa. “Consumers don’t want another dashboard to manage. They want peace of mind. They want an environment that anticipates their needs without demanding their attention. At Hisense, we recognised that the cure for AI fatigue is not less technology, but better, invisible technology. True intelligence operates autonomously in the background to actively improve the human quality of life.”

Can a Smart Home Improve Long Term Health?

When AI is stripped of its gimmicks and embedded structurally into a unified home ecosystem, its impact shifts from mere convenience to measurable health benefits. A landmark 2025 systematic review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, which analysed over 5,900 smart home studies across two decades, concluded that a well-integrated home environment is a powerful setting for continuous health monitoring, stress reduction, and disease prevention. 

The research confirms that autonomous home automation satisfies profound psychological needs, significantly reducing daily anxiety by fostering a sense of environmental control and predictability. By outsourcing the cognitive load of household management to an intelligent ecosystem, consumers experience lower baseline stress levels, a critical factor in long-term cardiovascular health and overall life expectancy.

The Autonomous ConnectLife Ecosystem

Hisense has positioned itself as the antidote to smart home fatigue through its ConnectLife ecosystem. Rather than a collection of disparate “smart” devices that require constant user input, ConnectLife functions as a unified, autonomous nervous system for the home. It represents the critical evolution from the exhausting “connected appliance” to the stress-relieving “autonomous ecosystem”.

Consider the cognitive load of meal preparation and food waste management. A traditional smart refrigerator might simply send an alert that a door is open. The Hisense AI-powered refrigerator, however, acts as an autonomous nutritional assistant. Utilising internal vision systems, it actively monitors food inventory and tracks expiration dates without user input. It then seamlessly communicates with the Dish Designer feature to generate healthy recipe suggestions based strictly on what is currently available. The mental burden of meal planning is entirely removed, reducing daily decision fatigue while promoting healthier eating habits.

This stress-reducing autonomy extends to the laundry room. The Hisense X-zone Master washer-dryer, recognised with a CES Best of Innovation Award, eliminates the need for manual sorting, cycle selection, or detergent measuring. Its advanced AI sensors analyse fabric type, load weight, and soil level, automatically dispensing the exact micro-dose of detergent required. By utilising Active Water microbubble technology to remove invisible impurities, it ensures superior hygiene without any cognitive effort from the user. The machine observes the task and executes it perfectly, giving the consumer their time back.

Invisible Intelligence (The Air We Breathe) 

Perhaps the most profound application of Hisense’s invisible AI lies in environmental health and respiratory wellbeing. The Hisense AI Smart Eye air conditioner utilises advanced radar technology to detect human presence, movement, and body temperature within a room. It adjusts airflow direction and thermal output autonomously, ensuring optimal physiological comfort without ever requiring a remote control command.

Simultaneously, its integrated HI-NANO technology actively purifies the air, neutralising airborne pathogens and allergens silently in the background. This is not a feature the user has to manage; it is a constant, autonomous health benefit.

The future of the South African home is not about adding more screens or more notifications. It is about implementing technology so intelligent that it disappears entirely, leaving behind an environment that actively protects the physical and mental well-being of its inhabitants. Hisense is not just building smart appliances; it is engineering a better quality of life.

The Hisense ConnectLife 

The Hisense ConnectLife ecosystem and AI-integrated appliance range are available across South Africa, designed to eliminate complexity, reduce daily stress, and elevate the quality of living.

Intelligent Laundry & Climate Solutions:

• Hisense 18kg Top Loader Washing Machine (WT50181): R 9,999.99
• Hisense 13kg Top Loader Washing Machine (WT50130): R 6,999.99
• Hisense 10.5kg Top Loader Washing Machine (WT50105): R 4,999.99
• Hisense 8kg Front Loader Washing Machine (WFQY8014EVJM): R 6,999.99
• Hisense 8kg Tumble Dryer (WDQY8014EVJM): R 6,999.99

The AI Command Centre (Televisions):

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

(Prices reflect recommended retail pricing in South Africa as of April 2026. Subject to retailer variation.)

The post The AI antidote: autonomous home ecosystems are reducing consumer tech fatigue and enhancing quality of life appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.