Home Blog Page 515

Pixel-perfect precision: Protecting today’s digital workforce’s visual health

0

With work and home lives blending, enhancing digital workspaces is key for employee satisfaction and health.

For modern professionals who spend long hours focused on intricate digital tasks, maintaining eye health and comfort is critical. Yet many unknowingly put excessive visual strain on their eyes by working on cramped, low-resolution displays ill-equipped for detail-intensive applications.

This can have serious ramifications for both employee well-being and work quality. “Basic laptop screens and small desktop monitors simply don’t provide enough screen real estate or visual fidelity for precision tasks like coding, video editing or complex design work,” explains Tyrone Young, Head of Sales for Information Display and Information Technology, at LG Electronics South Africa.

When working on minuscule user interface elements, typography or intricately layered assets, visual acuity becomes very important. “Inadequate screen size or resolution can lead to excessive squinting and an uncomfortable viewing experience as users struggle to see fine details.”

This chronic eye fatigue can quickly drain productivity and open the door to more severe visual issues like computer vision syndrome (CVS). Symptoms of CVS include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck/shoulder pain—all of which dramatically impair work quality while compromising long-term visual health.

The solution: LG’s UltraWide and ergonomic monitors

To combat these risks, Young advocates for adopting larger, ergonomically-optimised monitors tailored for graphic professionals. “Ultra-wide, high-resolution displays significantly reduce eye strain by rendering finer details visible with ample on-screen real estate. This minimises excessive eye movements and enables more comfortable, focused viewing sessions.”

LG’s 49-inch UltraWide dual GHD monitor with an adjustable stand is a prime example, offering a workspace rivalling dual 27-inch setups in a seamless, curved 32:9 panel. “That immense area provides enough space to view multiple application windows natively without overlapping, scaling or letterboxing. This boosts organisation while eliminating the bezels and disjointed alignment of multi-monitor rigs.”

Young also highlights the monitor’s expansive 5120 x 1440 resolution, which ensures ultra-sharp image rendering ideal for precision design work. “At that high pixel density, developers can easily discern individual lines of code and subtle UI elements. For video editors and artists, it reveals exceptional detail in 4K footage and visual assets.”

Decluttering workspaces, reducing distractions

Beyond superior visual fidelity, Young explains the productivity advantages of an ergonomic, space-saving design. “Our ergonomic displays mount via a sleek clamping system or desk grommet to reclaim valuable desktop area for mousepads, supplemental tablets and other tools.”

This integrated, cable-free aesthetic eliminates tangled wires and bulky monitor bases. “By decluttering workspaces, you remove visual distractions while enabling healthier computing posture—another key factor in reducing CVS symptoms.”

The adjustable stand allows effortless swivel, tilt, and pivoting adjustments to optimise viewing angles. “A built-in feature helps protect your eyes from blue light exposure. LG’s Live Colour Low Blue Light feature combines hardware and software adjustments to reduce blue light emissions while maintaining vivid colour quality.”

Multi-monitor made easy

For those requiring expansive, multi-monitor setups, Young touts LG’s KVM switch technology as a game-changing organisational tool. “Our KVM feature allows users to control multiple PCs or laptops simultaneously from a single keyboard, mouse and UltraWide monitor—streamlining complex, multi-display workflows.”

As the lines between office and home blur, optimising the digital workspace is paramount for employee satisfaction and health. “By prioritising large, ergonomically thoughtful displays loaded with user-centric features, companies can drive significant productivity gains while safeguarding their employees’ vision long term,” Young concludes.

Five Essentials Young Professionals Should Know When Preparing for a Job Interview

0

In today’s competitive job market, standing out in an interview is crucial. Navigating the job market can be intimidating for young professionals, especially when it comes to acing an interview. To make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing that dream job, preparation is key.

As the HR Director at Penquin, a leading brand and communications agency in South Africa, Annemie Burger has extensive experience in identifying and placing the right talent to match both the role and company culture. She understands the crucial balance between finding candidates who not only have the skills to succeed but also align with the company’s values and environment. This careful approach ensures that both the employee and the organization can thrive together, leading to a workplace where employees are encouraged to grow, feel fulfilled, and deliver their best work. This strategy has contributed significantly to making Penquin a dynamic and enjoyable place to work, where talent is nurtured and creativity flourishes.

Annemie explains that preparation is key and that applicants have one shot to make a lasting impression. She explains that there have been times where she has seen potential in a candidate, but they miss the mark when it comes to the interview itself. To help applicants put their best foot forward, Annemie shares five essential tips for young professionals preparing for a job interview.
Do Your Homework

It might sound obvious, but preparation is critical. Take the time to thoroughly research the company, understand its mission, values, and recent news, and familiarise yourself with the role you’re applying for. ” Ensure you know key information around the company and the role you are interviewing for,” Annemie says. “I often find that candidates don’t always make a real effort to come prepared.” Knowing key information about the company and the person you’ll be meeting shows you’re serious about the opportunity.

Prepare Insightful Questions

Make sure you have at least five good questions ready to ask your interviewer. Not only does this demonstrate your preparation, but it also shows genuine interest in the role and the company. “Asking thoughtful questions can help you gauge whether the company is the right fit for you and helps convey your enthusiasm for the position,” Annemie continues.
Know Your Resume

Annemie admits that it’s surprising how many candidates struggle to discuss their resumes. Candidates should be able to comfortably discuss every aspect of their CV, including previous work experiences, skills, and timelines. “Knowing your resume well shows that you’re confident and comfortable with your experience and what you bring to the role,” she says. “Be ready to provide detailed examples of your achievements and contributions in previous roles.”

Be Ready to Discuss Salary
While it may not always come up in the first interview, be prepared to discuss your salary expectations if asked. Research typical salaries for the position, and consider your experience, skills, and the industry standard. It’s essential to know your worth but also to be realistic. “Don’t aim too high and risk pricing yourself out of the job,” Annemie warns. “Instead, have a range in mind that reflects both the market value and your qualifications.”

Master the STAR Method

One technique that can help you effectively communicate your experiences is the STAR method:

  • Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge.
  • Task: Explain your responsibilities in that situation.
  • Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the challenge or task.
  • Result: Share the outcomes, highlighting your accomplishments and the impact of your actions.

This method provides a structured way to present your skills and achievements, demonstrating how you’ve handled specific tasks or projects in the past.

Remember, preparing for an interview is not just about knowing the company or rehearsing your answers—it’s about showcasing your best self. By following these tips, candidates will be well-equipped to make a lasting impression.

Finalists for RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge Announced

0

After an intense day of culinary competition, the finalists for the 2024 RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge have been announced. A total of 60 chefs competed simultaneously in three cities across the country, with 10 teams competing in both Johannesburg and Durban, and 10 teams in Cape Town. Each team brought passion, precision, and creativity to the kitchen, with their sights set on the ultimate culinary accolade – the title of RCL FOODS Young Chef & Baker Champions.

The semi-finals, held at Capsicum Culinary Academy in Durban, Capsicum Culinary Academy in Pretoria, and Makers Landing in Cape Town, were adjudicated by some of South Africa’s top culinary professionals from the SA Chefs Association. Each city hosted a distinguished panel of judges who evaluated the chefs on taste, presentation, technique, and hygiene.

Finalists from Durban (KwaZulu-Natal Cluster): 

  • Aphiwe Siphokazi Zuma & Sivesetfu Siphiwokwakhe Bhembe (1000 Hills Chef School)
  • Joel Gayapersad & Liam Nair (1000 Hills Chef School)
  • Sinqobile Mtshali & Thembisile Gugu Mthembu (1000 Hills Chef School)

Judging the KZN Cluster were accredited SA Chefs judges Warren Frantz, Hugashen Moodley, Fatima Stanley, Danielle Venter and Afzal Mohammed.

Finalists from Johannesburg (Gauteng Cluster): 

  • Thabile Legodi & Nathenea Davids (Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School)
  • Nontsikelelo Pinky Tshabalala & Zanele Bongiwe Mkhizwe (Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School)
  • Tisetso Mogapi & Kamohelo Moyaba (International Hotel School)

In Gauteng, the esteemed judges were Elsu Gericke, Citrum Khumalo, Dave Collier, Oliver Reddy and Sizwe Cebekhulu.

Finalists from Cape Town (Western Cape Cluster): 

  • Aimee Dunn & Gina Kamps (Silwood)
  • Michael Botha & Liyah Jassat (Silwood)
  • Annabelle van der Westhuizen & Luke Van Dyk (Silwood)

Cape Town judges provided by SA Chefs included Jodi Gillespie, Jocelyn Meyers Adams, Allister Esau, Carl van Rooyen and Nadia Kannenmeyer.

A nationwide showcase of talent 

Over the course of the competition, these young chefs and bakers have not only demonstrated their skill but also the resilience and discipline required to excel in the fast-paced culinary world. They are now one step closer to competing in the grand finale, where they will vie for a share of R70,000 in cash prizes.

The winning team will take home an impressive R30,000, plus an additional R5,000 for their school. The second and third-place teams will be awarded R20,000 and R15,000, respectively. The dessert course winners will receive an all-inclusive Chocolate 2.0 course at the Chocolate Academy, valued at R11,700, sponsored by Callebaut Chocolate. Teams that demonstrate exceptional hygiene practices will also be recognised with a special award from GeoChem.

Anticipation for the grand finale on 3 October 

As the competition heads into the final round, the chefs will be judged by a prestigious panel of culinary leaders, including James Khoza (President of SA Chefs), Coovashan Pillay (Vice President of SA Chefs), Oliver Reddy and Luke Reddy.

Growing what matters: Experience and knowledge gained 

Reflecting on the value of the competition, Chef Gregory Henderson, Competitions Director of SA Chefs and Convenor of the RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge, said: “Every single young chef and baker who participated in the semi-finals has grown tremendously through this experience. Not only have they honed their skills, but they’ve also benefitted from invaluable feedback from our esteemed judges. This competition is about more than just winning – it’s about growth, and that’s why every participant attended an exclusive masterclass hosted by the Chocolate Academy in preparation for today’s challenge. We are nurturing the future of the culinary industry, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see these young talents embrace the learning process.”

This sentiment perfectly aligns with the philosophy behind the RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge: to grow what matters by investing in young talent and fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in the South African culinary industry.

The grand finale, which will take place on 3 October, promises to be a thrilling event where South Africa’s brightest young culinary stars will demonstrate everything they’ve learned, competing for glory, prizes, and the recognition of the industry’s top leaders.

Western Digital® Intros Colossal PlayStation®5 Gaming Drive, Officially Licensed by PlayStation for PS5® Consoles

0

Today, Western Digital® announced the extension of its innovative lineup of game storage solutions for PlayStation®5 consoles with the launch of the newest addition to the WD_BLACKTM line – the officially licensed 8TB WD_BLACK™ SN850P NVMe™ SSD for PS5® consoles.

The WD_BLACK™ SN850P NVMe™ SSD for PS5® consoles is built for elite, competitive PS5® owners who are looking to up their gameplay and are seeking massive storage. With the 8TB model, gamers can store up to 200 games on their PS5® console.

WD_BLACK_SN850P_PS5_Lifestyle

The 8TB WD_BLACK™ SN850P NVMe™ SSD for PS5® consoles features optimised heatsink built specifically for the PS5® M.2 slot. This means players don’t need to worry about compatibility and can download games without worrying about archiving games or removing games from their console. Now players can jump into the most intense gaming moments with the peace of mind knowing that the next game will be waiting for them.

“We’re proud to expand the WD_BLACK SN850P lineup for the PlayStation®5 console to meet the capacity and performance needs of today’s gamers,” said Susan Park, Vice President, Consumer Products and Strategic Partnerships, Western Digital. “With the officially licensed WD_BLACK SN850P now available in an 8TB capacity, players can now store even more and continue to play with confidence knowing that their gaming experience will not be interrupted by latency issues.”

The new 8TB WD_BLACKTM SN850P SSD comes with an offer that gives gamers instant access to hundreds of incredible games with a 1 Month trial of PlayStation®Plus Premium | Deluxe (included inside the box).

Hive of Activity: Brahman Hills Creates a Buzz with Artistic Bee Homes

0

Bees are crucial pollinators, essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting our ecosystems. Spring heralds a critical period for bee populations. As flowers bloom, bees become increasingly active, taking advantage of the abundant nectar and pollen.

Understanding the importance of this time for bees and their role in keeping our ecosystem thriving, Brahman Hills has introduced sixteen beautifully crafted, Zulu hut-shaped structures to house their bee colonies. “As stewards of our 1000-hectare property within the Blue Crane Nature Reserve, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our smallest, yet mightiest allies – bees,” says Orrin Cottle, CEO of Brahman Hills.

He explains, “Our passion for bees is evident in our new bee kraal. Arranged in a circular pattern around a central fountain, these creative hives are more than just homes for our bees – they’re a testament to local artistry, sustainable practices, and our deep respect for our local hive heroes. Each hive honours not only the vital role of these little miracle workers in our environment but also the rich cultural heritage of our region.”

Brahman Hills sunrise bee kraal views

The exquisite ceramic beaded huts are the creation of Werner du Toit, head designer at Mud Studio. Werner’s design philosophy centres around appreciating the beauty in our surroundings, a principle vividly embodied in these Zulu hut-inspired bee hives.

“This project has been a delightful showcase of the South African Spirit of Innovation,” says du Toit. His bee kraal designs blend artistic vision with eco-friendly practices and local community support. Each ceramic bead was hand-rolled from recycled clay and wire-wrapped, while the leaves were individually shaped and styled around handmade frames—a process that engaged 10 community members for over three months.

As Brahman Hills unveils its artistic bee kraal, Cottle emphasises the vital importance of bees and the urgent need for their protection. He notes, “The fear of being stung often leads people to kill bees but through education, we can address and overcome this fear. Understanding their role and learning how to coexist with bees safely is far more important than any momentary discomfort. Our goal is to shift the response from fear to appreciation for these industrious, unsung creatures.”

He outlines 5 key reasons why protecting bees is essential for our collective future:

1. Food Security: Along with other pollinators such as wasps and butterflies, bees pollinate approximately 75% of global crops (at least in part), including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, our food supply would be severely compromised, potentially leading to widespread shortages and nutritional deficits.

2. Biodiversity: Bees support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants, which serve as food and shelter for various creatures. Their role in maintaining diverse ecosystems is irreplaceable.

3. Economic Impact: While the current exact rand value is not readily available, previous estimates suggest local bee crop pollination services contribute billions of rands to our economy annually. Many farmers and agricultural industries therefore depend on healthy bee populations for their livelihoods.

4. Medical Benefits: Many medicinal plants rely on bee pollination, and honey, known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, has been used for thousands of years. Bee venom is also being studied for its potential in treating various illnesses.

5. Environmental Indicators: Bees are sensitive to environmental changes, serving as early warning systems for local ecosystem health. Their presence or absence can alert us to environmental imbalances before they become critical.

“Every action that harms bees—pesticides, habitat destruction or direct killing—has far-reaching consequences because bees truly do make our world go round,” says Cottle. “Our Brahman bees are essential to maintaining our international award-winning gardens and producing the delicious organic raw honey that graces our kitchen. That’s why we insisted that their homes should be as extraordinary as they are.”

Holidaymakers, commuters and passersby are welcome to experience the beauty and significance of the Brahman Hills bee kraal firsthand. “You’ll have the opportunity to see these extraordinary hives up close, set against the backdrop of the stunning Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, and witness the delicate balance between nature and human ingenuity,” he concludes.

Taking back control over business travel costs in 2024

0

Today, there are many more remote and hybrid collaboration options for teams than at the beginning of the decade. That means it’s no longer standard to jump on a plane, train, or in a car to get to the next big meeting. According to research from Deloitte, seven in 10 companies now weigh the need for business travel based on potential outcomes such as revenue generation, associated costs, emissions, and health risks. So, what can businesses consider to ensure employee travel needs are met in 2024 without the spiralling travel costs?

Cost control and efficiency

While businesses continue to grapple with higher costs of supplies and services due to the economic environment in recent years, it’s essential to focus on working with partners and suppliers that give greater control over as many of their costs as possible, helping to bring those costs down.

For example, Bolt Business data shows that businesses can cut travel costs by around 25% by opting for Bolt Business instead of relying on taxis, buses, and car rental services. That’s because choosing Bolt Business for employee travel provides complete control over transport costs by managing ground travel with competitive, transparent prices and data at their fingertips to help identify cost-saving opportunities. Businesses also see time efficiencies as there’s no more need to expense all types of business travel or fill out expense reports manually, saving around 20 minutes every month per employee on paper receipt processing and expenses.

Flexibility 

Dynamic work schedules and locations demand the flexibility to book a ride in advance or at the last minute. With Bolt Business, customers can book travel up to 90 days in advance, making planning trips for employees, getting company guests to events, and arranging airport pick-ups easier than ever. Business customers can also place a ride-hailing order as they usually would with the Bolt app at any time. With on-demand ride-hailing and scheduling rides available with Bolt Business accounts, customers have flexible, reliable business travel at their fingertips regardless of travel needs.

Scalability 

As companies grow, their travel needs evolve. Choosing a business travel partner that can meet these needs with services that scale regardless of the business size is essential. That’s why the Bolt Business Company Dashboard allows businesses to easily add and group employees, scale travel policies across growing teams, and gain visibility of all monthly rides in a single invoice.

As teams grow, access to various transport methods available becomes more critical. With Bolt Business, employees can get to work with their choice of convenient, reliable, and safe travel options. For example, teams can stay focused on their tasks while getting picked up and dropped off in a car that suits their needs from a range of Bolt categories.

Values-based partnership 

Businesses are increasingly under pressure to ensure sustainability is at the heart of their business strategies and practices. Employee travel is one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions for businesses (World Economic Forum). In contrast, only 7% of business travel is over 1,000 miles, and most trips are under 250 miles. Bolt Business can help move employees away from private and company cars by opting for an affordable, reliable, and sustainable way to travel for work by providing several mobility options.

Bolt Business addresses the travel needs of businesses and employees by seamlessly integrating Bolt booking and payment systems for business customers. With transport options like ride-hailing and micromobility available in over 40 countries across Europe and Africa, Bolt Business provides cost-efficient, flexible and scalable business travel.

Maximising financial efficiency: The benefits of Agile software development

0

In the fast-paced world of software development, staying ahead of the curve means embracing methodologies that enhance productivity and optimise financial planning. One approach that has become popular is the Agile methodology. By prioritising flexibility, collaboration and iterative progress, Agile revolutionises the way software is built with significant advantages in project budgeting, resource planning and financial management.

Enhancing project budgeting

Traditional software development methodologies follow a linear approach, where project requirements are defined upfront and changes are costly and time-consuming. This rigidity can lead to budget overruns and missed deadlines, impacting the bottom line. In contrast, the Agile methodology offers a more dynamic and adaptive approach to project budgeting.

  1. Incremental development: Agile projects are divided into small, manageable iterations, allowing for incremental development and delivery of functionality. This iterative approach enables stakeholders to see tangible progress early on and provides opportunities to adjust project scope and budget as needed.
  2. Continuous feedback: Agile methodologies emphasise regular collaboration and feedback from stakeholders throughout development. By involving clients and end-users in each iteration, Agile teams can ensure that the product meets their expectations, minimising the risk of costly rework and scope creep.
  3. Cost transparency: Agile projects promote transparency and visibility into project costs. Through techniques like user story estimation and sprint planning, teams can accurately forecast project expenses and track budget utilisation in real-time, enabling proactive budget management and decision-making.

Optimising resource planning

Effective planning is essential for ensuring that projects are adequately staffed and resources are utilised efficiently. Agile methodology offers several benefits in this regard:

  1. Cross-functional teams: Agile teams are composed of cross-functional members with diverse skill sets, including developers, testers, designers, and product owners. This multidisciplinary approach fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling teams to tackle complex challenges more effectively and reduce dependencies on external resources.
  2. Capacity planning: Agile methodologies emphasise the concept of sustainable pace, where teams work at a consistent and manageable pace over time. By tracking team velocity and capacity during each iteration, project managers can make informed decisions about resource allocation and workload distribution, minimising the risk of burnout and improving overall team productivity.
  3. Adaptive Staffing: Agile projects allow for flexible staffing arrangements, where team composition can be adjusted based on changing project requirements and priorities. This agility enables organisations to scale resources up or down as needed, optimising resource utilisation and maximising return on investment.

Streamlining financial planning

Agile methodology not only transforms the way software is developed but also revolutionises the way organisations approach financial planning and forecasting.

  1. Predictable delivery: By breaking projects into small, predictable iterations, Agile methodologies enable organisations to forecast project timelines and delivery milestones more accurately. This predictability enhances financial forecasting and enables organisations to plan and allocate resources more effectively.
  2. Value-based prioritisation: Agile frameworks like Scrum prioritise the delivery of high-value features early in the development process. By focusing on delivering features that provide the most value to customers, organisations can maximise return on investment and prioritise investments based on business impact.
  3. Continuous improvement: Agile methodologies promote a culture of continuous improvement, where teams regularly reflect on their processes and practices and seek opportunities to optimise efficiency and productivity. By continually refining their approach, organisations can identify cost-saving opportunities and drive long-term financial sustainability.

Agile software development methodology offers a holistic approach to project management that enhances productivity and quality while bringing significant benefits to project budgeting, resource planning, and financial management. By embracing Agile principles and practices, organisations can optimise their financial efficiency, improve project outcomes, and gain a competitive edge.

The iPhone 16 features a 48MP fusion camera

There has been some criticism from nay-sayers about the latest iPhone 16 duo, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max looking slightly like their predecessors

The iPhone 16 and iPhone Pro and Pro Max have landed promising more upgrades, which include the latest button for controlling the camera, a larger screen size, and some savvy AI additions that promise a more intelligent smartphone.

There has been some criticism from nay-sayers about the latest iPhone 16 duo, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max looking slightly like their predecessors, but this piece is not about comparing but rather to see what the iPhone camp introduced to the market this year.

1. A18 Bionic chip

The iPhone 16 is powered by the new A18 Bionic chip, which offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor. This chip is designed to easily handle demanding tasks, from gaming to multitasking all the way opening a gateway to longer-lasting battery life. The chipset premises to use power more efficiently, while improving both gaming and video.

2. Camera system

The iPhone 16 features a 48MP fusion camera that combines multiple lenses to deliver what has been described as convincing photos and videos.

2x Telephoto Option: This latest 2x telephoto camera system includes a 2x telephoto lens, allowing for better zoom muscle without compromising image quality. For macro shots, we have the ultra-wide camera option which most likely enables competitive macro photography.

3. Display
The iPhone 16 sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks.

The dynamic island feature makes a return

First introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro, the Dynamic Island replaced the notch, to bring forward a better experience.

4. Battery life
The iPhone 16 offers a significant boost in battery life all thanks to the A18 chip’s efficiency.

5. Design and colors
The iPhone 16 is available in five bold colors: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine. It is available in two sizes, 6.1 inches, and 6.7 inches, catering to different user preferences.

6. Action button
An Action button allows users to quickly access useful features.

This is not new as the iPhone 16 Pro retains its predecessors’ Action button while adding a new camera control button for more control over the camera.

7. Enhanced cooling system
The graphite-clad aluminum substructure system conducts heat more efficiently, allowing for a 20% increase in sustained performance.

Comparison with iPhone 16 Pro

While the iPhone 16 offers a robust set of features, the iPhone 16 Pro takes it a step further with additional features:

The iPhone 16 Pro features a slightly larger 6.3-inch display with ProMotion technology and an Always-On display, offering a faster refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

Camera: The Pro model includes advanced camera features, such as improved low-light performance and additional lens options.

The iPhone 16 represents a significant leap forward in smartphone technology, offering a blend of performance, design, and innovative features. With its powerful A18 chip, advanced camera system, and enhanced battery life, it’s a worthy upgrade for anyone in the market for a new smartphone.

For those looking for even more advanced features, the iPhone 16 Pro provides additional enhancements that justify its higher price point.

Key improvements

Satellite messaging: iOS 18 introduces the ability to send and receive messages via satellite, ensuring connectivity even in remote or emergency situations.

Audio mix:
The brand-new Audio Mix feature allows users to isolate voices in their videos, providing more control over the audio experience.

This is beneficial for content creators, podcasters, and anyone who wants to enhance the audio quality of their videos.

Siri’s new text box:
Siri’s text box has been redesigned to provide a more intuitive and efficient way to interact with the virtual assistant.

Users can now type their requests directly into the text box, making it easier to control smart home devices, search for information, or perform other tasks.

New control center:
The Control Center has received a visual refresh and new customization options.
Users can now personalize the Control Center to include their most frequently used controls, improving accessibility and convenience.

Enhanced notes app:
The Notes app in iOS 18 offers several new features, including improved organization, collaboration tools, and enhanced search capabilities.

These enhancements make it easier for users to manage their notes, collaborate with others, and find the information they need quickly.

Upgrade to the iPhone 16 at iStore Without Paying a Cent More on Your Current Contract

0

Upgrade to the iPhone 16 at iStore Without Paying a Cent More on Your Current Contract

New device, lower price. How to get your hands on the new iPhone 16 at iStore

With more than 30 retail stores across South Africa, as well as online, iStore is the ideal destination to get your hands on the new iPhone 16 and for the best in iPhone deals, whether you’re upgrading, buying new, or on the lookout for a flexible and affordable contract.

Let’s look at the ways iStore is making it easier for you to upgrade to a new iPhone.

  1. I want to get a good deal when I upgrade my iPhone contract. Thanks to iStore’s exclusive Contract Price Freeze, you won’t pay a cent more on your existing contract when you upgrade to the new iPhone 16. In fact, you might even find yourself paying less. All you need to do is trade in your current iPhone to enjoy a significant saving, while carrying on with the same contract. It’s a great way to beat inflation and get the very latest iPhone in your hands.
  2. I want to trade in and get cash back. You can trade in, upgrade to a new phone and get cash back, up to R22 000 into you bank account, to spend on whatever you like. All you need to do is to visit istore.co.za, answer a few quick questions about the phone you are trading in to confirm your estimated trade-in value. Then visit your nearest iStore or trade in online for a final inspection to confirm your trade-in evaluation. Trade-in and get cash deposited into your bank account.
  3. I want to get added value and peace of mind when I purchase my new iPhone. That’s exactly what you’ll get with iStore’s iCare Plus Extended Warranty. Valued at R1,999, iCare Plus comes at no cost with every new iPhone purchase. The extended two-year warranty includes a screen replacement as well as iStore’s unique Guaranteed Buy Back. This gives you a guaranteed buy back of up to 60% of your initial purchase value when you trade in your device and upgrade to a new iPhone. On top of that, you’ll get free technical support and training from our team of experts, should you ever need it.
  4. I want to upgrade to a new iPhone online. iStore’s online upgrade service makes it click-and-easy. No matter where you took out your original contract, you can get your new iPhone on Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom. Just head over to https://www.istore.co.za/cellular-online-upgrade to start the process. As soon as your deal is approved, your new iPhone will be on its way to you, with free same-day courier delivery in major metropolitan areas.

*For more information, please visit: www.istore.co.za.

NETSCOUT improves customers’ digital resilience and security posture

0

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. (NASDAQ: NTCT), a leading provider of performance management, cybersecurity, and DDoS attack protection solutions, today announced updates to its advanced, scalable deep packet inspection-based Omnis Cyber Intelligence Network Detection and Response (NDR) platform. New MITRE ATT&CK behavioural analytics enable earlier detection of advanced threats like ransomware, suspicious traffic, or unauthorised access attempts while improving remediation to help meet industry and country compliance requirements

“Digital resilience allows enterprises to continuously operate and quickly leverage digital opportunities to serve their customers, especially during economically challenging times,” stated Fernando Montenegro, senior principal analyst, Omdia. “A mature cyber strategy is key to digital resilience, and comprehensive security controls require organisations to deploy technology such as Omnis Cyber Intelligence to continuously monitor their networks, so they can react to and mitigate threats early before they impact their operations.”

New Omnis Cyber Intelligence enhancements include:

  • Tighter alignment with ATT&CK – A new security events dashboard that can easily be toggled to show events aligned to ATT&CK tactics and techniques, enabling security teams to quickly prioritise, investigate, and remediate threats.
  • Expanded behavioural analytics – Expanding behavioural analytics at the source allows for the early detection of advanced multi-staged attacks, such as ransomware and unusual network traffic, before major impact occurs.
  • Malicious file detection – Known malicious file detection has been added to the Omnis Cyber Intelligence list of multi-dimensional threat detections, enabling it to detect known and unknown zero-day threats.
  • Host IP address enrichment – Along with IP address, host and machine name identification has been added to alerts, enabling SecOps teams to accurately identify, investigate, and remediate threats.
  • Open Integration Framework – A new open framework that can quickly integrate with third-party solutions such as firewalls, endpoint detection (EDR), and SIEM/SOAR/XDR platforms enables real-time response to incidents, such as blocking malicious IP addresses with firewalls or isolating compromised endpoints.

As organisations seek out new effective and efficient methods to comply with industry or government regulations, such as the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which goes into effect on January 17, 2025, they are learning that the network continues to play a strategic role for success. Omnis Cyber Intelligence’s continuous, scalable deep packet inspection-based network monitoring, tighter alignment with ATT&CK, expanded behavioural analytics, and new open architecture for ecosystem integration helps organisations meet these important compliance requirements and strengthen their digital resiliency.

“NETSCOUT helps its customers strengthen their digital resilience by enabling easier detection, faster response, and more effective recovery from cyber threats,” stated Jerry Mancini, senior director, office of the CTO, NETSCOUT. “The new functionality we’ve added to our Omnis Cyber Intelligence platform helps organisations improve their security posture and better react to an ever-changing threat landscape while supporting compliance and reporting needs.”