Gadget Gals: Top 5 Gadgets and Tech News You Need to See!
We ladies love us some good tech news and reviews as much as the next guy which is why WomenStuff brings you a monthly round-up of gadget reviews, tech news and other fun techy-themed stuff you should probably know about. From the latest smartphones to where to take your much-loved devices for repairs and a little TLC, our monthly tech roundup is all about keeping you in the know. So, keep reading to find about our top 5 picks for gadgets and tech news you need to see!
1. A speaker you can take anywhere with you! (reviewed by us)
If you’re a bit of a water baby then you’re going to L.O.V.E, love the Ultimate Ears Roll – a waterproof, pint-sized Bluetooth speaker that packs a serious sound punch. This little speaker is made for lazy days spent outside with friends and is the perfect companion when hiking, camping, and making a splash on the beach. I got the chance to review this nifty little speaker and was super impressed with the sound quality and its functionality. The speaker is super simple to use – you just connect your device via Bluetooth or using an AUX cable and press play. The sound can be adjusted using the oversized ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ symbols on the top of the speaker. What’s more, if you have two of these babies (or if someone you know also owns an Ultimate Ears device) then you can double up on the sound experience with another Ultimate Ears device using the UE Roll app! The battery life on the device is also incredible and we were able to play music for a good 6 hours without having to charge it again. I would definitely recommend this portable wonder to anyone looking for a way to take their music with them where ever they go.
The Ultimate Ears range also offers 2 other speakers in the range including the Ultimate Ears Boom2 and Ultimate Ears Megaboom. The range is available exclusively from Incredible Connection with the Ultimate Ears Roll retailing at R2 499.
2. 3D printed clothes heat up the runways!
Ladies, imagine a world where you can print your own clothes! well, that time is now (sort of) because a revolutionary 3-D printed clothing range from Modeclix was recently unveiled at this year’s South African International Fashion Film Festival. The stylish dresses were created by Dr Shaun Borstrock from the University of Herfordshire in the UK in collaboration with Prof Mark Bloomfield from Electroboom and for the first time offer a wearable 3-D printed clothing range. The Modeclix collection, featuring eight dresses and two headpieces, is a major breakthrough in 3-D printing and garment technology as previous 3-D printed clothes were very structured and rigid and not entirely wearable for everyday folk like us. But, this new range from Modeclix is uniquely customizable and flexible, mimicking the movement and drape of fabric. These prototypes are made, dyed and finished by hand and the brand says that are aiming to produce the garments for a wider market.
The collection will be available to view online from 1 May 2016 at modeclix.com.
3. A little camera with a big heart!
This classic-look Instax Mini 90 camera is just what your inner hipster ordered! The stylish little camera will inject a whole lot of fun into your life and comes in an elegant two-tone brown and silver colour combination. But it’s not just nice to look at it – it’s also packed with features. The Instax Mini 90 offers advanced features such as bulb and double exposure (both attractions of traditional analog cameras) and offers an enhanced capability to capture light creatively. Of course, we live in a modern world so the Instax Mini 90 is also equipped with new functions and features like macro mode and high performance flash making this an instant camera for every photographer.
Available from Takealot.com at R2189.
4. A pocket DSLR camera that’s also a smartphone!
Speaking of taking fabulous photos, if you’re a keen photographer in the market for a new smartphone then you’re going to want to check out the Huawei P9, the world’s first Leica dual-camera smartphone. Created in partnership with Leica Camera AG, the flagship Huawei P9 is any photographers dream device. The P9 promises users the ability to capture images with unmatched clarity, richness and authenticity, while also giving them a powerful smartphone to rival its competitors. Key to the P9’s impressive imaging capabilities is a dual-camera design that fully unleashes the power of Leica’s optical lenses, renowned for their precision and attention to detail. The RGB camera on the P9 specializes in capturing color, while the monochrome camera is outstanding at acquiring picture detail. The two rear cameras of the P9 work in tandem to enable users to create images of superior detail, depth and color. The P9 truly excels in low-light conditions, as the dual-camera design guarantees more light and detail can be captured.
The Huawei P9 is expected to be in South Africa by June 2016 at a recommended retail price of R11,999.
5. Hirsch’s makes it easier to get your devices repaired
Smartphone on the fritz again? Fear not, Hirsch’s has got a simple, easy and affordable solution! iFix, in partnership with Hirsch’s has recently launched an iFix walk-in, walk-out service kiosk, offering clients an efficient and hassle free way to deal with their device repair issues. The new kiosk can be found at the Hirsch’s Centurion store but there are plans to launch more kiosks like it at Hirsch’s store across the country soon. The kiosk provides the same repair services as standard iFix stores just with some added convenience for Hirsch’s customers. While the collaboration is geared to primarily cater for Samsung repairs (particularly the in-warranty (ADH) repairs) the kiosk will also offer Apple and Huawei repairs.
