Apple Vision Pro
Apple arrives at the future with a bang!
Price: $3 500
https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/
Will the future see us wearing these strange-looking devices on our heads, catapulting us into the virtual reality world?
If the likes of Facebook, Microsoft and Apple are to be believed, then the future certainly does look like a virtual world. There are dozens of virtual reality devices in the market. Meta, previously known as Facebook, is leading the pack with its Quest VR headset. However, this is a very tough technology segment to crack. Convincing users into wearing these awkward headsets and accessing technology in a different way is a massive shift. Nobody has quite cracked it 100% yet.
Apple has finally arrived at this party with the Apple Vision Pro, calling its technology “spatial computing”. Essentially, it is the same thing as its competitors. Potato, patata, you know what I mean?
Some are calling this the iPad killer. So how is Apple’s world different to the rest? Well for a first-generation device it is very expensive. At $3 500 in the US and over R80 000 in South Africa, it is out of the reach of most consumers.
Apple has clearly stated that it wants developers to develop applications around this new technology and that the price will drop in time.
The Apple Vision Pro is magnificently built and has some differentiating features from its competitors. Imagine it this way: an Apple computer on your head using your eyes and your hands to navigate in an Apple world, whether it is using work applications, gaming, or just consuming content. Apple has differentiated itself by using eye-tracking technology in the headset that works magically to understand what you are trying to look at and coordinate that with your hands. And that is where the Apple magic lies. Because you are not holding anything physical in your hands. It uses gesture recognition and instructions like tapping your fingers to navigate the menu. Also, the Apple Vision Pro features a 4K display.
As I mentioned it’s still very early days and these headsets are still bulky and uncomfortable. But once you experience this virtual world or Apple’s “spatial computing world” you get to see a glimmer of the future.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The best smartphone money can buy
Price: From R32 500
https://www.samsung.com/africa_en/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/
It is a bold statement to call the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra the best smartphone money can buy. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max comes very close.
Samsung has pulled all the stops with the magnificent Galaxy S24 Ultra. The build quality is first class, the new titanium exterior feels like a polished gemstone – it feels like you’re getting into a Rolls-Royce Phantom or a Mercedes Maybach. Once you turn on the device, the 6.8-inch dynamic active matrix organic light emitting diode (Amoled) 2X display is captivating with its rich colours.
Samsung has infused many AI rich features into this phone to help make the lives of users easier to navigate. The main camera lens has been upgraded to 200 megapixels. But it is the AI processing that takes your photography and videography to the next level. Even when you are zooming in, the deep-learning AI zoom is processing to give you the perfect shot. And what this phone can do with night shots will mesmerise you. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to create the magic and processing power needed for these AI applications.
Aside from the amazing camera, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has some unique features that users will find really useful. The built in S-pen is fantastic if you want to scribble notes or add information to an image on your screen and send it to someone.
I personally love the “circle to search” feature. You literally circle any object on your phone, whether it’s from a website or a picture you just took. Simply use your finger to circle it and instantly Google search results will tell you what it is. It is especially useful when you see something online or in a shop and are not sure where to buy it.
Then there is live translate, which is incredible. We all know the frustration of trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t understand your language and vice versa. Well, Samsung’s live translate breaks down those language barriers. Let’s say I am an English speaker and want to call someone in China about some business projects and neither of us speaks the other’s language. As I start my call, I click on the call assist button. The person on the other side will hear a translated voice version of what I am saying. When they speak back in Chinese, I will hear the translation in English. Currently Samsung supports Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese, with more language packs being rolled out.
The Samsung S24 Ultra is simply a fantastic device!
Jabra Elite 10
Wireless earbuds with exceptional sound and comfort
Price: R4 500
https://circuitcity.co.za/jabra-2/
Before I start this review, can I please get something off my chest? And, yes, it has to do with this gadget.
In open areas such as restaurants and coffee shops, please spare a thought for other patrons when using your phone on speaker mode!
It drives me round the bend when people watch videos or talk to people using their speakerphone. The correct etiquette is to use headphones in these environments. Okay, rant over, I feel better now.
Back to the brand-new Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbuds. When it comes to wireless earbuds, apart from the sound, for me comfort is the most critical. There is no point in having great sound if it feels uncomfortable in your ears, right? Jabra has been doing this for a long time and with every new generation it releases, they get even more comfortable. With the Elite 10, 62 000 ear scans went into the design of the unique oval patented EarGels. If Jabra can get my ears’ shape perfectly then it will work for you.
Jabra’s flagship earbuds have some very cool tech embedded. They support Dolby Atmos, which gives you an immersive sound experience, and they now also have Dolby head tracking. Imagine a 360-degree sound experience that recalibrates as you move your head.
It also has Jabra advanced active noise cancellation, using smart algorithms to block out noisy environments like coffee shops while you are working.
The six-mic call technology gives you a crystal-clear call even when the environment is windy.
Battery life is six hours and you will get 27 hours of energy from the case.
Wireless earbuds are an essential business tool and the Jabra Elite 10 won’t disappoint.
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