Tech journalist and frequent traveller Nafisa Akabor on new tech you can use on your travels.
You are in for a cool month this August. Check out LG’s new powerful and portable Xboom Go speakers; an affordable smartphone with a massive battery, the Hisense Infinity H30; and the super-fun Instax Mini LiPlay.
We also tested out the Maui Jim sunglasses, that work well outdoors while looking at your smartphone, and took a look at the sport offering from Showmax.
LG Xboom Go
LG’s Xboom Go is a must-have for your next adventure. These portable, waterproof Bluetooth speakers let you take high-resolution audio to the beach, hotel, or on a camping trip. It offers a wide sound field, undistorted bass and can be voice-controlled. Two devices can be paired to one set of speakers for social listening.
R2 300 | takealot.com
Hisense Infinity H30
The Hisense Infinity H30 smartphone is perfect for travellers on a budget. It has a large 6.5-inch full-HD display for entertainment on the go and a massive 4 530mAh battery that lasts for up to two days. Its dual rear cameras and 20MP selfie cam is ideal for social-media uploads with a decent 128GB of storage to boot.
R5 999 | cellc.co.za.
Instax Mini LiPlay
The Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid instant camera and printer that lets you attach an audio message to a print. It is a nifty way for travellers to share thoughts with loved ones who are back home, available via a QR code generated at the bottom of the image. It also doubles up as a printer once connected to an Android or iPhone.
R2 500 | fujifilm.co.za
Maui Jim sunglasses
If you are an adventurous traveller or love the outdoors, it is time to get serious about eye protection. Hawaiian brand Maui Jim have a range of sunglasses featuring its proprietary PolarisedPlus2 lens technology that eliminates glare from both mobile screens and the outdoors while enhancing colours in direct sunlight. Various lens colours, gradients and mirror finishes are available for men and women.
From R3 010 | mauijim.com/za
Stream sports on Showmax
Local streaming service Showmax has included a sports section to its offering, exclusively in South Africa. If you are hitting the road or flying locally, catch up on pre-recorded or live matches for football, cricket, rugby, motorsport, golf, tennis, boxing, and eSport.
R99/m | showmax.com
Tantalising Tokyo
Have you ever fell in love with a city before visiting it, simply by reading up about it? For me, that was Tokyo, Japan.
I knew it was a stunning city before visiting, but once I got there, I love it even more. From the fashion and public behaviour (all orderly, even at the bus stop), to spotless streets, and the eccentricity that is Tokyo.
My visit to Sony’s headquarters marked the first time media were allowed into various testing zones in their lab [read: where all the cool things happen]. I loved killing aliens in VR, playing AR hockey, and getting a glimpse into prototypes.
But if I had to pick a highlight, it would be spending most of the day at Tokyo’s electric town, Akihabara, also known as Akiba. It is a mecca for cheap gadgets and electronics. Need I say more? A bucket-list city for sure!
