South African gamers are in for a major upgrade. LG Electronics South Africa has officially launched the UltraGear OLED 27GX790A – the first OLED gaming monitor in the world to feature a 480Hz refresh rate. Built for elite-level performance, this display marks a significant leap forward in both speed and visual clarity, bringing global gaming pedigree to South Africa’s gamers.

The 27GX790A introduces LG’s Dual Mode technology, allowing users to switch between ultra-sharp 4K resolution at 240Hz and full HD at an industry-first 480Hz, offering competitive gamers and content creators a rare level of flexibility. It’s a monitor built for peak precision in high-stakes environments, whether that’s esports arenas or home setups.

“This is our fastest OLED yet – and our smartest,” said Bradley Stuart, the Product Manager of LG’s IT business unit. “From exceptional refresh rates to immersive audio and smart connectivity, the UltraGear OLED 27GX790A is engineered to elevate every aspect of the gaming experience.”

Built for serious play

The 27GX790A features a 27-inch QHD WOLED display with a 0.03ms Gray-to-Gray (GTG) response time and LG’s proprietary white OLED technology for outstanding contrast, colour vibrancy and motion clarity. Certified VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 400 and carrying the highest VESA ClearMR rating, the monitor is designed to handle the intensity of ultra-competitive gameplay with minimal motion blur and deep, rich blacks.

What does this mean?

You’re getting buttery-smooth, ultra-sharp visuals with zero lag or blur – even in the fastest games. The 27GX790A’s lightning-fast response time and advanced OLED tech mean colours pop, blacks are truly black, and every movement stays crisp. It’s built to keep up with pro-level play, where split-second reactions matter.

Smooth visuals are further ensured thanks to NVIDIA G-SYNC® compatibility and AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro, which virtually eliminate screen tearing and stutter. Meanwhile, LG’s Anti-Glare & Low Reflection (AGLR) coating enhances visibility in bright environments, ensuring gameplay remains crystal clear under any lighting condition.

Form, function and future-ready connections

The 27GX790A includes DisplayPort 2.1 and two HDMI 2.1 support ports, ensuring compatibility with high-end graphics cards, new-generation consoles and high-bandwidth PC setups. The flat, ultra-thin stand is ergonomically designed, offering a swivel range of -30° to +30° and a minimal footprint that suits any desk or streaming setup.

For immersive audio, a 4-pole headphone jack enables DTS Headphone:X – supporting spatial sound positioning for a more responsive in-game experience and better team comms in competitive play.

Backed by LG’s commitment to gaming excellence

The arrival of the UltraGear OLED 27GX790A in South Africa reinforces LG’s growing focus on the competitive gaming market and its support for local communities of streamers, esports professionals and content creators. It reflects global trends in gaming investment – with the OLED monitor market projected to expand rapidly as demand for high-refresh-rate panels accelerates.

LG’s UltraGear range has been widely adopted by pro gamers worldwide, and this new launch signals that the same cutting-edge tech is now more accessible to South African players.

Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic merge an iconic design with new, personalized wellness insights to motivate you on your health journey

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 10 July 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic^[1], establishing an iconic design identity across the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. Building upon the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, this series boasts the thinnest, most comfortable Galaxy Watch ever^[2] for continuous health tracking. The Galaxy Watch8 series suits diverse lifestyles and provides advanced capabilities, setting a new standard for style and personalized health experiences.

“We are committed to empowering billions of people to live healthier lives through our innovative technology,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By combining purposeful design with advanced sensor technology and an intuitive AI-powered experience, the Galaxy Watch8 series serves as a starting point for a healthier, more connected life, making it easier than ever to take meaningful steps toward users’ well-being.”

Redesigned Inside and Out for Ultimate Wellness

By reimagining both form and function, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers unmatched comfort alongside industry-leading performance, making it the ultimate companion for everyday wellness. The distinctive cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire Galaxy Watch line-up. To achieve the thinnest design yet, the internal structure of Galaxy Watch8 was completely reengineered. Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, this design moves naturally with the wrist, providing greater comfort and improved stability 2 for a better fit and enhanced health-tracking accuracy.

Galaxy Watch8’s sleek profile is complemented by its exceptional performance. Even when you are outdoors under bright sunlight, the display is 50% brighter 2 with a peak brightness of 3,000nits for easy visibility, and the enhanced battery 2 ensures the watch can keep up with an active lifestyle. Moreover, the dual-frequency GPS provides more detailed and precise location results 2 while our most powerful 3nm processor delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency. With the groundbreaking BioActive Sensor that enables deeper and more accurate health insights, the Galaxy Watch8 series helps
provide a holistic view of your health.

Motivation for Lasting Health Changes

Sleep is a window into your overall health and each restful night allows your body and mind to recover immediately the very next day. That’s why Samsung is continuously advancing the sleep experience, offering tailored sleep coaching, helping to create an optimal sleep environment, and even detecting moderate to severe signs of sleep apnea. On top of that, the Galaxy Watch8 series comes with new unique health features on the Samsung Health app 3 that help you build healthier habits through instant, motivational insights – from sleep to nutrition and workout.

Bedtime Guidance 4 can measure your circadian rhythm to suggest the optimal time to go to bed so you wake up refreshed the next morning. Vascular Load 5 helps monitor the stress levels on your vascular system during sleep. Providing insights on various lifestyle factors including sleep, stress and activity, it helps you adopt a more comprehensive approach to managing your health.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch8 series introduces Antioxidant Index 6 for the first time in a smartwatch, enabling you to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds, which indicates how lifestyle choices like exercise, healthy eating, alcohol consumption and smoking affect how the body ages. This helps you make informed lifestyle choices for healthy aging.

Whether you’re a novice or experienced runner, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers personalised fitness insights to keep you motivated when you need it most. Running Coach 7 calculates your fitness level from 1 to 10 and develops a tailored training
plan complete with real-time guidance and motivational insights. With the updated Together feature, which now supports running, you can gamify your fitness journey by challenging friends and family.

If high level of stress persists, High Stress Alert will immediately signal so that you can take a break to help manage your stress levels in real-time. With Mindfulness Tracker, you can record your mood and receive guidance on breathing exercises
to relieve your stress – all at once on your wrist.

Plus, the AI-powered Energy Score 8 gives you a snapshot of your energy level, combining physical and mental energy metrics so you can have a healthier day, every day.

Easier Watch Interaction with Wear OS and Gemini
Developed in close collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch equipped with Wear OS 6 as well as Gemini 9 , Google’s AI assistant, as pre-loaded. Go hands-free using natural voice commands to get things done on the go with your Galaxy Watch apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock. For example, you can ask Gemini to find a nearby cafe and text a friend to meet you there, all in one go. Or, if you’re ready to start your workout and you have a goal in mind, simply say, “Start a 30-minute run.” The watch seamlessly initiates the workout in Samsung Health.

In addition, thanks to the new One UI 8 Watch, the user interface is optimised for the size and shape of the watch face. The new Multi-Info Tiles provide easy access to health metrics, weather, events and more – all in a single, quick look. Moreover, the new Now Bar and depthless notifications ensure key activities are front and center.

Tailored to Match Every Lifestyle

Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra are available for pre-order in select markets starting today, with general availability starting July 25.

Featuring a sleek and minimalist design, Galaxy Watch8 is designed for everyday wellness. Available in 44mm or 40mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver, it provides comfort and style for daily activities. Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 Classic brings timeless.

sophistication to the wrist with modern features such as a rotating bezel and a quick button for added convenience. The Classic model measures 46mm and comes in Black and White. Plus, both models can be matched with a range of stylish bands 11 designed to suit diverse lifestyles.

For those who love outdoor adventures, Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most advanced and durable Galaxy Watch model yet. Available in three titanium finishes including Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver and the new Titanium Blue, it offers the longest battery life and the most robust performance in the line-up. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has an upgraded memory from 32G to 64GB.

If you’re looking for a more discreet wearable that offers continuous health tracking, Galaxy Ring boasts superior comfort and up to seven days of battery life. Available in Titanium Black, Titanium Silver and Titanium Gold, the Galaxy Ring comes in sizes
8-15 11 .

To learn more about Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Ring, please visit: www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/global, www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch or http://www.samsung.com/galaxy-ring.

Also Introduces High-Speed, Large-Capacity CFexpress Type A Memory Cards/Reader Compatible with CFexpress 4

(SOUTH AFRICA, 10 July 2025) – Sony is pleased to announce today the launch of its new ECM-778 shotgun microphone, designed for content production where audio quality is paramount, such as films, dramas and documentaries, this flagship mono high-resolution model delivers immersive, high-quality audio recordings. The microphone offers versatile mounting options, whether fixed to a boom pole or directly attached to compatible cameras, adapting easily to a wide range of audio recording scenarios.

Additionally, Sony is launching CFexpress Type A cards for its Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras: the CEA-G1920T (1920 GB) and CEA-G960T (960 GB), along with the MRW-G3 CFexpress Type A card reader. These new CFexpress 4 – compatible products achieve read speeds exceeding 1800 MB/s – more than twice as fast as earlier models – and a storage capacity of up to 1920 GB.

New ECM-778 premium shotgun microphone

The ECM-778 shotgun microphone features a newly developed microphone capsule, a brass acoustic tube, and a specifically designed electronic circuit board for superior sound quality, that together enable high-quality recording with clear, spacious high frequencies and stable mid-low frequencies. Despite its compact size of 176 mm in length and weight of just 102 g, the ECM-778 achieves excellent forward directivity, providing great user flexibility when recording in confined recording spaces.

The shotgun microphone can be attached to various equipment such as microphone boom poles by using the supplied microphone holder and stand adapter.  And it can be used with external audio input devices, recording equipment, and camera systems equipped with XLR terminals, including Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, supporting a wide range of video production and audio recording environments.

 New CEA-G1920T and CEA-G960T CFexpress Type A cards and MRW-G3 card reader

The CEA-G1920T and CEA-G960T CFexpress Type A cards and MRW-G3 card reader support long-duration video recording, high-speed continuous shooting, and fast data transfer. The cards follow the VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) 400 standard, ensuring stable video recording at 400 MB/sec. The CFexpress 4 – compatible MRW-G3 card reader enables high-speed data transfer to computers, improving workflow efficiency.

Sony continues to expand its lineup of video production accessories to support professional and high-end amateur creators in their production activities and workflow efficiency.

Key Features of the ECM-778 Shotgun Microphone

1. Clear and Precise Sound Capture

• Clear High Frequencies and Stable Mid-Low Range

The newly developed microphone capsule, precision-machined brass acoustic tube, and electronic circuit board work together to deliver clear high frequencies without unwanted resonance and stable mid-low frequencies. With high-resolution support capturing frequencies beyond the audible range of 20 kHz, it enables clear and spatially expansive audio recording of voices, ambient sounds, nature sounds, musical instruments, and more.

• Sharp Directivity for Targeted Sound Capture

A precise acoustic tube design using sound wave interference effects consistently suppresses sound from the sides and rear across the entire frequency range. This characteristic achieves sharp forward directivity, clearly capturing desired sound while effectively reducing surrounding noise.

• Consistent Sound Quality Across Various Recording Distances

The combination of a microphone capsule capable of capturing subtle sounds and high-frequency vibrations with a precision-machined brass acoustic tube delivers consistent sound quality across various recording environments, whether mounted on a boom pole, on-camera, or in studio setups with varying distances from subjects.

• Circuit Design for Sound Quality and Noise Suppression

Film capacitors and metal film resistors are used in the signal path to achieve clear sound quality. Conductive polymer aluminium solid capacitors in the power circuit combine miniaturisation with high capacity to ensure a stable power supply. Additionally, the machined aluminium exterior suppresses external vibrations and electrical noise, enabling high-precision audio recording.

2. Superior Portability through Compact and Lightweight Design

The microphone achieves a compact size of 176 mm in length by miniaturising the acoustic tube and electronic circuit board while keeping high sound quality. Its design supports boom use with exceptional mobility, ideal for capturing clean audio in restricted environments. When mounted on top of cameras, it minimises intrusion into the frame. Weighing just 102 g thanks to its machined aluminium exterior and compact design, it improves operability when attached to boom poles and stays easy to handle during extended use. When mounted on cameras with XLR terminals, it minimises the burden on camera operation, enhancing mobility on set and accommodating various recording scenarios.

3. Reliability and Versatility for Various Environments

• Low-Cut Switch to Reduce Unwanted Bass Noise

The built-in low-cut switch effectively reduces wind noise and vibration when activated, enabling clear and easy-to-hear audio recordings.

• Two Types of Wind Screens Included

The foam-type wind screen is lightweight and easy to handle, suitable for indoor use or environments with minimal wind. The fur-type wind screen offers superior wind protection, ideal for outdoor use or windy conditions. Using the right wind screen for different environments ensures clear audio recording under various conditions.

• Durability and Reliability

The microphone features a robust machined aluminium exterior. Designed with professional use environments in mind, it keeps reliable and stable performance under various conditions.

• Collaboration with Film Sound Engineers

In the development of the ECM-778, Sony collaborated with sound engineers engaged in film production from the design stage, incorporating professional feedback through product testing and discussions.

Comment from Mr. Kenichi Fujimoto, Sound Engineer, winner of the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Sound Recording (2012, 2015)

We recording engineers forge our sonic preferences over years, recording and listening to countless projects with a vast array of microphones, starting from our days as assistants. When we step into the lead role, we choose the mic that perfectly matches our cultivated taste. Right now, this is the single best choice available. In filmmaking, the shotgun mic for dialogue is the most critical tool – it’s the axis around which everything else turns. The ‘ECM-778’ is that new axis. It strikes an exceptional balance with its length and weight, its clarity and solid core deliver a palpable sound pressure, and it provides that ‘little something’ that has always been missing in other microphones. It is, simply put, a microphone that lets you create a truly cinematic sound.”

Key Features of CFexpress Type A Cards CEA-G1920T (1920 GB), CEA-G960T (960 GB), and Card Reader MRW-G3

1. CFexpress Type A Cards (CEA-G Series) CEA-G1920T, CEA-G960T

• Compatible with CFexpress 4, achieving maximum read speeds of 1800 MB/s and maximum write speeds of 1700 MB/s.
• Available in 1920 GB and 960 GB high-capacity models, following the VPG400 standard required for professional video recording.
• TOUGH specification with approximately 5 times the drop resistance and 10 times the bend strength compared to CFexpress Type A standards, with dust and water resistance (IP57), temperature resistance, X-ray resistance, anti-static, and UV resistance, making them usable in harsh environments.

2. CFexpress Type A Card Reader MRW-G3

• High-speed data transfer with CFexpress 4 and USB 40Gbps support, reducing computer import times.
• Compatible with computers, smartphones, and tablets, enabling data editing and uploading from various devices and locations.
• Features heat dissipation design to handle temperature increases during large file transfers, achieving high reliability and durability.

Availability

The ECM-778 shotgun microphone will be available in South Africa from October 2025.

The CEA-G1920T (1920 GB) and CEA-G960T (960 GB), along with the MRW-G3 CFexpress Type A card reader will be available in South Africa from October 2025.

About Sony Middle East and Africa

Sony Middle East and Africa FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics (Car Audio), broadcasting and professional products and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region.

Apart from stock operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Establishment in Dubai, Sony Middle East and Africa leads execution of various logistics, sales, marketing, advertising and customer services activities through its business partners. 353 accredited third-party service centres reinforce Sony’s presence in key markets in the region.

 About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

In an encouraging show of commitment to South Africa’s next generation of talent, Xiaomi is empowering township youth through esports with its impactful Screens for Change initiative. This initiative aims to honour Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, inspired by the powerful call to action: Make Every Day a Mandela Day #ItIsInYourHands.

As a global leader in consumer electronics and smart manufacturing, Xiaomi has partnered with Kasi Flare, Mzansi’s premier township gaming tournament series, to donate high-performance gaming monitors that place opportunity and hope directly in the hands of young gamers striving for a brighter future.

Xiaomi’s Screens for Change embodies Mandela’s spirit of individuals, communities, and organisations creating positive change in their communities. The brand has recognized that as the world embraces digital transformation, a tech-savvy youth population in South Africa remains under-resourced and often overlooked.

For many township gaming hubs, every day is a battle to keep their doors open and their dreams alive. With too few screens, players often wait hours just for a few minutes of playtime, limiting both their opportunities to improve and the hubs’ ability to stay financially sustainable. These hubs rely on worn-out, community-funded equipment and face constant challenges with maintenance and reliability, turning what should be safe spaces for learning and growth into places of frustration and missed potential. Xiaomi’s support directly addresses these barriers, giving hubs the tools they need to serve more young gamers, build skills, and create futures that were once out of reach.

As STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) becomes more prominent in school curricula, esports is quickly gaining recognition as a legitimate extracurricular activity and even a school sport at institutions across the country, making access to quality equipment more essential than ever.

“Screens for Change is not just about hardware,” expresses Iris Cao, Marketing Manager, Xiaomi South Africa, “It’s the provision of access points to skills, opportunities, and shaping the future together. By putting professional gaming equipment into the hands of promising township gamers, we are opening doors to a world where talent is not limited by circumstance.”

Ambrose Kekana, Founder of Kasi Flare, shared the emotional impact: “For many of the kids we see at our different hubs throughout the country, esports is more than a game. It is a refuge, a passion, a place to dream. Xiaomi’s support in providing infrastructure will go a long way in giving our players confidence that their dreams matter and that their communities are seen.”

“I couldn’t make it playing soccer, so I thought to myself, let me try on games. I can’t fail at both things, real soccer and FIFA. This is such a nice gift because it will really help me better my gaming, knowing that I could receive this monitor was a real motivation for me,” expressed one of the Xioami gaming monitor recipients, Katlego K Mphaka, from the South V Gaming Hub in the North West.

Xiaomi’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) centers on talent nurturing, technological innovation, and community engagement, actively participating in programs that uplift and inspire society. By supporting Kasi Flare’s mission, Xiaomi is helping to create an ecosystem where young people can build essential digital skills, find belonging, and pursue futures they once thought impossible.