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  • Awesome iOS Apps: BlackBox

    Awesome iOS Apps: BlackBox

    It’s been a while since I have reviewed any cool iOS apps, and I really want to start doing it again. So here is there first one ;)

    I came across this awesome iOS puzzle game the other day called Blackbox. The game literally makes you thinking outside the box when using your device.

    blackbox2

    But the catch is that ALL the puzzles require absolutely no touching on the screen. All the puzzles are solved using various hardware features on the phone. So as an example using the volume buttons or changing the brightness will solve the puzzles. It also uses a clever way to gain hints using your social platforms to allow other players of the game to help you along.

    This is definitely one of the harder puzzle games I have played in a while. You WILL be frustrated with this game, but it is so clever that when you figure out the puzzle, you will probably kick yourself.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KErQdQQq5Pg

    The app is FREE on the appstore and you can purchase hints and extended packs, but play the free version first to get a hang of it and frustrate yourself :)

    [itunes url=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blackbox-think-outside-box/id962969578?mt=8″/]

  • King Price Insurance – The “King’s Car” Insurance

    King Price Insurance – The “King’s Car” Insurance

    A year ago I decided to sell my old Yaris as it was collecting dust while I was commuting to Jozi every 2nd week. Due to a few changes, I had the opportunity to purchase a car towards the end of last year.

    One of the biggest “missions” with buying a new car is getting insurance sorted before you can take delivery of the car. I hate shopping around and really just want to go with the easiest option out there, and of course the most affordable.

    Some of these insurance companies offer all sorts of deals to help you get cheaper monthly payments. “Drive slower and we’ll give you points cause you healthy”, “Call us in 4 years’ time and we will pay a bonus, but ONLY if you don’t claim”.

    But then I came across the rather interesting offer from King Price Insurance. After doing some digging, I found out they actually end up decreasing your premiums every single month you are insured with them! That’s correct, as an example, every month your insurance premium decreases by R8 a month.

    But if you do the math its:

    Month 1: R8

    Month 2: R8 + R8

    Month 3: R8 + R8 + R8

    The calculation is roughly multiplying the first decrease by 72 to get the total savings per year. Times that by 4 and you will see how it compares to an outbonus for example – but you can’t lose it.
    (The R8 per month is an example based on the value of your premiums)

    If you in the market for car insurance (and I know of a few people reading this who are buying new cars soon :)) I would highly recommend taking a look at King Price!!

  • Review: Xiaomi Mi 4

    Review: Xiaomi Mi 4

    A while back I mentioned about the new Xiaomi Mi 4 that was being launched in SA. The launch of the phone in South Africa was a HUGE success, and really started gaining traction as a must have phone, given the price point.

    As a gadget freak, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting gadgets, especially in the mobile sphere. So when I got the opportunity to give the Mi 4 a run, I jumped at the opportunity!! The Xiaomi brand in China is one of the fastest growing mobile brands, and has a huge community to support it. What I like most about Xiaomi is that they offer the ability to upgrade the phone MIUI OS, as well as being able to install a Windows 10 ROM on the phone!
    The phone, which is priced at R3,799 in SA offers a variety of features:

    • 5″ IPS 1080p capacitive touchscreen
    • Android 4.4.3 KitKat with MIUI v.5, upgradable to MIUI v.6 (And Windows 10)
    • 2.5GHz quad-core Krait 400 CPU; 3GB of RAM; Adreno 330 GPU; Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset
    • 13MP camera, f/1.8 aperture, LED flash, 4K video capture, HDR video, 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
    • 8MP front-facing camera; 1080p video recording
    • 16/64 GB of built-in memory
    • Active noise cancellation with a dedicated microphone
    • 3,080mAh battery

    So, I have been using the Mi 4 as my secondary device for a few weeks now, using it on the go for a few photos, social stuff and just general on the go use.
    Even though the un-boxing was a little underwhelming, with just a phone, charger & USB cable in the box, once you turn the phone on, you start getting a sense of the Xiaomi brand and feel. The phone is pretty sturdy and made of a strong stainless steel frame, and has a distinctly similar look to the iPhone 5.

    mi_4_5The screen display is amazing and offers a FULL HD experience, which does mean the battery life takes a bit of a knock. Having said that, using the phone as a secondary phone, I managed to get around 2 days out of the phone, with medium use. Not bad, considering what is under the hood.
    The Sony Camera (at 13MP) also offers pretty clear images, as well as great video. This has to be the highlight of the phone, as it is not often we get to see such great camera hardware in these sorts of devices.

    The performance on the device is pretty average, given the very basic CPU that’s behind the covers. Comparing it to other devices using the AnTuTu 4 benchmark app, the phone ranks in the middle of comparative phones in the same category.

    The MIUI ROM that is pre installed comes with all the standard Google Apps offerings, and apart from 1 or 2 Xiaomi standard apps, the phone doesn’t feel like it comes with any “bloatware” that is often installed by Android phone distributors.

    In a world where new smartphones are being released daily, it is difficult to match up to some of the best in the market. But given the price point on this device (R3,799) it’s a great device for an entry level user looking for a smartphone. The device is available at for purchase online on the MIA Africa Site, as well as on contract from MTN and at Dion Wired, Makro, Game & Incredible Connection.

     

  • Uber South Africa launches in Port Elizabeth

    Uber South Africa launches in Port Elizabeth

    PE peeps, listen up!! Uber has (finally) launched in the Friendly City!! After many months of people asking when Uber South Africa would be launching it’s next city, they announced today that PE would be the fifth South African City to be launched after Cape Town, Joburg, Pretoria & Durbs.

    If you haven’t used Uber yet I highly recommend it as THE way to get around the city, and especially to & from the Airport. They have also launched with some great pricing at R4,25 Base Fare, 60c per minute & R6 per KM

    Below is an infographic from Uber of some example rates. As you can see it’s really affordable to move around the city.

    If you haven’t yet signed up for Uber, you can use my promo code “uberiguyza” for a free trip with R150 off your first trip. Just click here to get started.

  • Smaak launches awesome Apple Watch Accessories in South Africa

    Smaak launches awesome Apple Watch Accessories in South Africa

    If you haven’t already noticed, I am a huge fan of the local accessory brand, Smaak. They have been in operation for about 2 years now and have some amazing stuff, including covers, Screen Protectors, power banks and charging cables (THE best cables) on the market.

    This week they have just launched their awesome new Apple Watch Accessory line. Having used some of the previous accesories, I know the quality of these are going to be top class. Included in the line up for the Apple Watch is:

    With Discovery recently launching their new Apple Watch on Discovery Vitality promo the demand for accessories is on the up!

    All the Apple Watch accessories are available on my Geekshop site, and you can use the sneaky promo code “applewatch” for a 10% discount on all purchases