Enter your Mobile App in the SA App Awards

May 15, 2012 16:25 by Marc in Android, ipad, iPhone, Tech News

Calling all local app developers – Entries now open for the App of the Year Awards

The inaugural App of the Year Awards will be held at The Venue, in Rosebank Johannesburg in the second week of July. Showcasing locally developed applications that have made an impact on work and everyday life over the past 12 months, the event promises to celebrate South Africa’s technical talent and promote the country as an innovation hub in the mobile space.

Brought to you by headline sponsors MTN Business and event organisers Creative Space Media, the Awards have already been recognised by a number of big names in the local telecommunications industry, with the likes of Apple/Core, Blackberry, Nokia and MTN throwing their weight behind the exciting event.

Invitations for entries are now open in the following categories:

Best Blackberry App
Best Innovative HTML5 App
Best Enterprise App
Best Windows App
Best Android App
Best IOS App award
Most Innovative App
Best “garage” App Developer
Best App development house

The evening promises to be an audiovisual feast and true multimedia extravaganza, attended by leading app developers, members of the mobile industry and local social media celebrities.

To be a part of the mobile industry’s premier showcase and stand a chance of winning some fantastic prizes, please email Belinda at Creative Space Media: Belinda@creativespacemedia.co.za for submission forms and further information. Please note that all entry forms and submission fees of R200 per entry are to reach Creative Space Media by the 18 May 2012.

Update on my #SleekGeek lifestyle change

May 14, 2012 14:30 by Marc in Personal

You might recall that I had entered the #SleekGeek challenge which was run by Elan Lohman on Facebook over the last couple of weeks. I had already been busy with this lifestyle change since the beginning of the year, so by the time SleekGeek started I was already about 8 KG’s down. Around the same time as the challenge started, a couple of us (5) at work came up its the idea to do a similar challenge and each put some cash into a kitty, and see who would be the biggest loser.

3 months down the line and both these challenges are now both done. While I didn’t win the Facebook SleekGeek challenge, as the competition was really fierce, I managed to come out on top of the work challenge. Yay !

I am pretty happy with my results overall. The challenge has inspired me to carry on with this lifestyle change. Overall I lost 5 KG’s during the challenge, but the biggest surprise was I lost around 23cm around the waist. My clothes are feeling loads lighter, and I am fitting into so many of my old clothes

I managed most of this by a simple diet change, and also working out. For training I did a couple of things. Firstly I headed down to FluxMotion almost everyday weekday lunchtime to do some hardcore Kettlebells workouts. I know I have raved about these before, but honestly this by the best overall body workout you can do. It just works and you can feel it.

I also worked out when I could at the new boxing gym in Ballito called Ringside Boxing. Andre & Tyron have such an amazing setup going there. Boxing as a cardio workout is awesome. I have never walked out of a workout there with under 500 calories counted on my Wahoo Heartrate monitor.

But, one of the most beneficial exercises I did over the last 3 months has to be Pilates. Yip. Seriously. I have to admit I was a bit hesitant at first, but am really amazed at the results I have achieved. I have been going once a week to TashB Pilates in Ballito, and while it is a bit intimidating trying to do all those funny poses & stretches, I have really made to feel comfortable. Tash & her team are incredible & am seriously loving these Monday evening classes ! My flexibility has improved in leaps & bounds, and it’s with an exercise like this, you can definitely feel a difference.

Overall I am really impressed with my progress, and can’t wait to see where I go with this. Stay tuned !

1-2-Pay-Online – Virtual Prepaid credit card

May 14, 2012 09:45 by Marc in Tech News

I met up with the guys the other night, while I was I Joburg, from a new startup company called 1-2-Pay-Online. They offer very unique service which allows you to top up a one time virtual credit card that can be used for online shopping on South African sites.

The service is pretty unique in that you are instantly provided with your card number, expiry date & CCV number. First you need to top up your 1-2-Pay-Online account with any amount you want, and then from there, you can top the card up to a maximum of R200 for each use (they are looking at increasing this) from the account. Whatever is not used is then returned back into your “holding” account. Once you have requested the card you can download a PDF of the card with the first 12 number while the last 4 digits are SMS’d to you, minimizing the risk of fraud.

We tested this out by buying an iTunes Voucher from EvoPoints and had absolutely no issues at all. Payment went through without any issues and I received the voucher instantly. This is a handy type of service if you need to buy something online, but don’t want to risk exposing your credit card, or if you need to be “discreet” with some of your purchases

The guys are working a couple of exciting products, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.

Disclaimer: I have previously advised 1-2-Pay-Online on some Social Media strategy, but this has in no way affected the above blog post

FNB Launches Geo Payments

May 8, 2012 08:25 by Marc in ipad, iPhone, Tech News

I have previously chatted about the awesome FNB iPhone app, and they have just released an amazing update to the app that allows you to recieve GeoPayments. What does that mean ?

Well, now you can recieve money INSTANTLY from anyone who uses the FNB app within a 500m radius. So, if you out for example and you don’t have your wallet, or need extra cash, you can simply get a mate to transfer you money without giving you an account number. You simply open the app, find the person around you, put in an amount, and the amount is instantly deposited into their account !

I did a little test last night between myself & the wife and it worked like a charm. Seriously. No mess, No fuss !

I am always blown away by the innovation at FNB, and I can honestly say this one is one of the best so far. I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves next !!

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