On Your Radio: 22 August 2016

In case you miss my weekly inserts on either UJFM and/or OFM Monday’s, I’ll be posting a recap on the text to speech of that particular day’s topics.

Samsung Refurbished Phones

We kick things off with the news that Samsung is to sell refurbished i.e second hand smartphones in the near future. While the trend is not something new, especially in SA, it is something new for Samsung. According to reports, The scheme would offer premium handsets — think the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note line — at a discount for customers that can’t afford them at full price. Most of the phones would be sourced from its one-year upgrade program, available in places like Vodacom’s premium contracts, which gives super-fans an easier way to trade-in and acquire the latest handsets. It’s not clear, however, how much the new discounts will come to, or where the scheme will be offered. For the consumer, it would be just another option when buying a new handset.

Two new PS4 Consoles

Just about 2 months ago I spoke about how we are to expect a new console from Sony, set to replace the PS4, but it seems like that is far off from happening. Things escalated rather quickly this morning and Sony confirmed we can expect a PS4 Neo and PS4 Slim console . It is quite confusing as to why Sony would give us this double punch but analysts claim that it is exactly the strategy that Sony needs in order to stem the declining console sales and, at the same damn time, attract even more new adopters of the gaming device turned entertainment center.

But in essence the PS4 Neo, will put the focus on high-resolution gaming and PS VR. On the other hand, the slim fits in as a multimedia center in addition to being a gaming console. We’re told the Neo will cost more than the slim.

Fak’Ugesi

Late last week I had some off time and decided to visit the Fak’Ugesi digital innovation festival. Its taking place at the old Inc Nightclub, on Juta street and what they have done is taken over the entire Juta street for this event and turned it into a techno sphere. There’s too much to mention that’s happening there but what caught my eye are the seminars, talks, workshops, tech demos and pitches that they’re hosting. So lets say you have an amazing techno idea or concept, you can head down to the festival and meet likeminded people to share insights and maybe get input on how to better your concept or even get funding to make it happen. There’s also a platform for ladies as well, which focuses on them and actually promotes their roles in the tech industry. Its taking place until the 3^rd of September.

Huawei Devices

Huawei is taking the wraps off their mid-range devices, This is the GR, GR5 and GR8 devices. At the fraction of the price you get these premium featured handsets. Which retail from about R2800. Melody will be there, and hopefully next week we’ll get to talk about the devices.

Ford Focus ST

And to wrap things off, a little over a year ago Ford whisked us to Durban for the launch and introduction of the Focus ST, my first impressions were rather restricted so I had it for a week long drive last week. At first glance, there’s no denying the visual charms of the ST. It has sleek lines and looks both light and substantial at the same time. I just don’t know how the Ford designers did it but it is there. The one I was driving was in a bright yellow, called Tangerine Scream that tell people you’re here to shout and you’ve arrived pair well with the brightly colored ST logo found at the corner of the grille and in the back on the boot door.

Performance wise there’s that 2.0-litre Ecoboost manual engine that delivers 184 kW. 0-100kph is achieved in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 240kph. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8L/100km although my driving spiked it up to 9.8L/100km.

Inside theres that SYNC 2 system I really had no issues with the system this go-round. Bluetooth smartphone integration was simple. Working the hundreds of system menus was fairly easy. And the thing isn’t too bad to look at – even if the primary color scheme is a bit annoying. The best part of the Focus ST interior is its quietness. Not all small cars are considerate to this.

In closing the Focus ST ticks all the boxes on my new car checklist. It has all the bits. It looks pretty snazzy. It goes pretty well and handles even better. The inside is quiet and spacious. And for a performance vehicle it’s quite affordable.

Be sure to catch the live inserts on UJFM at 14h45 and OFM at 22h30 every Monday.

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Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.