Bits and Bytes – April 2021 Edition

Moe from Mondo / 14-04-2021 / BitsBytes

LG exits the smartphone game

Since the 2000s, South Korean multinational electronics giant LG has been churning out innovative smartphones. Sadly, their pioneering spirit wasn’t enough to match up against the industry front-runners, leading to LG closing up their smartphone shop. But what does this mean for LG smartphone users?

LG has committed to providing Android 11 updates to 13 smartphones for a period of 3 years. These include the LG Wing, the LG Velvet, the LG Velvet LTE, the LG V50S, the LG V50, the LG G8, the LG Q31, the LG Q51, the LG Q52, the LG Q61, the LG Q70, the LG Q92, and the LG Q9.

But for now, it’s a case of farewell – we’ll hopefully see the brand put their skills to use again in the near future.

Coming Soon: The Next iPad Pro

As we get closer to the launch of the iPad Pro, whispers about Apple’s latest offering have been making the rounds. Rumours suggest the iPad Pro promises to deliver better all-round performance – from an outstanding display and improved cameras to the inclusion of Final Cut Pro and compatibility with more accessories aimed revolutionising video content creation!

Your next Playstation could be your smartphone!

Earlier this month, Playstation listed a job opening that lit up the gaming world – Head of Mobile, PlayStation Studios. The ad states that the company is looking to expand their game development “from consoles and PCs to mobile & Live Services with a focus on successfully adapting PlayStation’s most popular franchises for mobile…”

This news bodes well for gamers worldwide as this offers more ways to get your game on and proves that not even Playstation is immune to the power of the smartphone!

Microsoft to get a slice of Apple?

Microsoft is on course to purchase Nuance Communications – the company that laid the groundwork for the creation of Apple’s voice activated virtual assistant, Siri.

The $20 billion deal could help change the face of the health sector, allowing doctors to capture patient discussions and add these to the patient’s file.

This would be one of Microsoft’s biggest acquisitions, second only to its $26.2 billion purchase of LinkedIn five years ago.

High-tech toilets – a big deal down under

Japanese-style toilets have become all the rage in Australia recently. Fuelled by an increased need for hygienic practices due the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toto toilet has taken over domestic homes down under. Originally a 5-star hotel purchase, these smart-toilets with heated seats, bidet and an air purifying function – with some versions even boasting remote or auto flushing – have become common place in homes across the country! Who knows, SA may be next to catch on!

TECH NEWS

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Honor 200 Lite Review: The New Budget Hero?

If you like your smartphones lightweight but heavy on the camera specs, you should consider the Honor 200 Lite.Honor has been promoting the phone’s sleek design, impressive camera, and competitive pricing of its newest device, but does it deliver on its promises? In this Honor 200 Lite review, we’re taking a look at the Honor 200 Lite's features, performance, and overall value. From its display quality to battery life, we’re covering all the aspects you need to know before committing with your cash.  Is the Honor 200 Lite the perfect budget smartphone for you?Let’s find out!Design and Build QualityThe Honor 200 Lite sports a high-quality plastic body with a sparkly, shimmer-like finish that adds to its premium feel. Here in South Africa, the phone is only available in two colours –  Starry Blue and Midnight Black.It’s a sleek looking device on the outside and when you unlock it, you’ll find that the design features carry over to the inside as well.  At the back you get a well-placed rear camera module, and on-screen you have minimal bezels, giving you a bigger screen effect for all your streaming marathons.Weighing in at just 166 grams, including the battery, the Honor Lite 200 is one of the lightest, slimmest models on the market right now, making it easy to carry around in your pocket, handbag or in hand.DisplayThe phone boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED Sunlight display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels.This means get you vibrant and clear visuals whether you’re scrolling from the comfort of your couch or out in the bright South African sunshine.Touch responsiveness on the Honor 200 Lite is pretty smooth, really enhancing the user experience. You also have the option of multi-touch gestures with up to 10 touch points supported on screen, so if you’re into gaming, this device is a budget winner.PerformanceProcessor: CPU Model, MediaTek Dimensity 6080CPU Type: Octa-core processorsOperating System: MagicOS 8.0 (Based on Android 14)Memory: 8GB+256GBBattery4500 mAh (typical value)Charging Speed: 35W HONOR SuperChargeWired Charging: Support up to 11V/3.2A super chargeConnectivity Network Support: Supports 5G and 4G networks, LTE-FDD/LTE-TDDOther Connectivity Options: Includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1Ports and Slots: Features a USB-C port, headphone jack.Additional Features: Face Recognition/One-Handed mode/Dark mode/Device Clone/Multi-Window/App Lock/App Twin/Keyboard Type includes Gestures, Three-key navigation and Navigation dock.Price and Value for MoneyWhen compared to similar models in the R7000 – R8000 price range, the Honor 200 Lite stands out with its superior camera capabilities and impressive design.While it performs similarly to previous Honor devices, it has room for improvement in when it comes to high-end gaming performance and software bloatware.Considering its features, performance, and price, the Honor 200 Lite offers good value for money, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone market.It shines in the camera department, actually shimmers when it comes to design, and gives users impressive battery life off one charge.Final verdict on the Honor 200 Lite:Overall, the Honor 200 Lite is a solid choice if what you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with impressive features and performance.If you want a new smartphone that you won’t have to sacrifice essential features or compromise on your budget for, the Honor 200 Lite is definitely worth considering.Ready to switch to the value-packed Honor 200 Lite? Click here to apply today!FAQsDoes the Honor 200 Lite support 5G?Yes, the Honor 200 Lite supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable network performance.What is the battery life of the Honor 200 Lite?The phone has a 4500 mAh battery, providing up to a full day of use under mixed conditions.Does the Honor 200 Lite have expandable storage?Yes, it includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, supporting up to 512GB.References: https://www.honor.com/za/phones/honor-200-lite/ 

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Unlimited Data Plans: Are They Really Worth It?

Unlimited data plans make it easy to stream, download and browse as much as you want without worrying about limits.But deciding whether an unlimited data plan is worth your time and money comes down to one factor - understanding your usage patterns.To limit or to un-limit yourself?We've put together three tips to help you make your decision.Monitor your Data UsageDo you know how much data you use every month? This might seem like an obvious question, but many people do not have a clear idea of their data consumption. In South Africa, internet usage is notably high, with the average user spending over nine hours online every day. That's an entire workday!Despite this, the reality is that most people do not need unlimited data plans. Vodacom, the country’s largest mobile network operator, reported that the average monthly data usage on a smart device was 3.2GB at the end of December 2023. This is well below the high-speed data cap of most unlimited plans and means you will probably be paying for data that you don’t need.If you're unsure about your data usage, your smartphone can help. Both Apple and Android devices have built-in tools to monitor and manage data usage. By keeping an eye on these metrics, you can get a better understanding of your needs, and identify which apps are consuming the most data.Make Wi-Fi Your Friend When smartphones first became mainstream, unlimited data plans were more common and affordable because Wi-Fi wasn't as available. Today, however, you can access free Wi-Fi in many public places like coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping malls.By connecting to these networks whenever possible, you can significantly reduce your mobile data usage. This is especially useful if you spend a lot of time in places with reliable Wi-Fi. However, if you're always on the go, live in an area with poor Wi-Fi coverage, or have concerns about the security of public Wi-Fi, this might not be feasible, and an unlimited plan might make sense. Free Wi-Fi can also sometimes be weaker, leading to longer download times for images and buffering while watching videos.Check the Fine Print On paper, unlimited data seems like a great deal. You can use your smartphone as much as you want without ever being charged for overages. The word unlimited makes the plan sound more valuable, assuring you that you'll never have to worry about exceeding your data cap again.The truth is that most unlimited data plans are not truly unlimited. Data providers call these plans unlimited because they technically don't limit the total amount of data you can use. However, once you hit a certain threshold, often around the 20-25GB mark, your data speed might slow down significantly, which in turn will reduce video quality and make the experience less enjoyable. Additionally, some unlimited data plans are time-sensitive, offering more data at higher speeds during off-peak hours, typically late at night.Before considering a data plan, read the fine print to see what you are signing up for. Also, consider evaluating your needs and whether you truly need the freedom of unlimited data or if a smaller, more affordable plan would suffice.Verdict If you rely heavily on mobile data for internet access, an unlimited plan might make sense. It's also worth considering if you frequently travel to places without Wi-Fi or if your usage includes a lot of data-heavy activities like video streaming and gaming.When choosing between plans, there is no wrong choice, but unlimited data plans are significantly more expensive. If you’re on a budget and looking to save some Rands, it's important to understand your data usage and shop around for the best data plan for you.

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Top 5 Car Brands Protected by Roadwise Motor Warranty

Ever wondered which cars are the most popular on South African roads that are protected by Roadwise Motor Warranty? As the leading provider of extended car warranties, we have all the details.But first, here’s a summary of what an extended car warranty is and why you need it:This type of cover keeps you financially protected against unexpected mechanical or electrical breakdowns by covering repairs or replacements for specific car parts and associated labour costs.All new cars in South Africa come with a factory warranty, but once it expires—based on years or mileage provided by the manufacturer—you’ll need an extended warranty.It pays out for all types of car parts, even the costliest, like engine parts, gearboxes, steering mechanisms, and fuel systems. A highly specialised cover, this goes beyond your car insurance and service and maintenance plans.Now, let’s unpack the most popular cars our customers are driving.1. ToyotaModel: CorollaAn icon on South African roads and the world’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular brands covered by Roadwise Motor Warranty. With over a million units sold in SA since 1975, the Corolla stands out as the preferred family car. We are honoured that so many of our customers trust us to financially protect them and their families from unexpected breakdowns. With Roadwise Motor Warranty, you can rest assured knowing your beloved Corolla is well cared for and remains reliable for years to come.2. VW Models: Polo and Polo VivoSouth Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicle in 2023 and currently still in the lead in 2024, the Polo Vivo unsurprisingly takes a spot on our list. It's joined by its pricier sibling, the Polo, both of which are locally-built hatchbacks that dominate South African roads. VW is one of the most loved brands in SA with a rich seven-decade history, and we’re proud that so many of our customers trust us to take care of these highly sought-after models. Renowned for their stylish design, robust build quality, and top-notch driving dynamics, the Polo and Polo Vivo show no signs of slowing down, especially with Roadwise Motor Warranty ensuring they stay on the road for longer.3. Ford Models: Figo, Fiesta, and KugaOur Ford customers come from all walks of life. Many students, first-time car buyers, small families, and those starting out in their careers choose our extended warranty for their Ford Figo or Ford Fiesta. These budget-friendly hatchbacks are known for their accessibility and reliability. The Ford Kuga also features on this list because South Africans simply love midsize SUVs that cater to their growing families and make excellent companions for epic road trips.4. Suzuki Models: Swift and JimnyOur Suzuki customer base is rapidly growing as more South Africans buy the Suzuki Swift or Jimny. It's hard to miss these cars on our roads these days compared to just a few years ago. Whether you opt for a Swift due to its unmatched value for money and stylish appeal or prefer the adventure-ready mini-SUV Jimny, one thing is certain: Roadwise Motor Warranty overs all your journeys.5. Renault Models: Duster, Clio, Sandero, and KwidA diverse range of Renault drivers opt for our extended warranty, from thrill-seekers tackling rough terrains with the muscular-designed Renault Duster SUV to city dwellers effortlessly navigating urban streets with the compact hatchbacks—the Clio and Sandero—and those seeking sporty and spacious options like the Renault Kwid, ideal for enjoying the great outdoors. This diversity underscores the trust our customers place in us to keep them protected, whether they're exploring off-road, cruising to the coast, or navigating busy city traffic.6. Nissan Models: X-Trail, Micra, and MagniteNissan deserves a spot on this list as we've noticed an increasing number of our extended warranty sign-ups from this legendary Japanese brand. Standout models include the luxurious Nissan X-Trail SUV, the compact and trendy Nissan Micra hatchback, and the comfortable Nissan Magnite crossover SUV. This highlights that whether you're a small family, large family, first-time buyer, or adventure enthusiast, you can always depend on Roadwise Motor Warranty, no matter where the road takes you.It’s no secret that we South Africans love our cars and take pride in keeping them well-maintained and running smoothly for years. Choose Roadwise Motor Warranty as your trusted partner for every road trip, daily commute, and of course, those spontaneous late-night drives.

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