In social media space

Blogging site Tumblr has being acquired by tech titans Yahoo for an estimated $1.1 billion (R10 billion).

Flickr got rid of the beloved Flickr Pro option that awarded user’s unlimited storage for only $25 (R237.75) a year.

More and more teens globally are ditching popular social media site Facebook for its greatest rival Twitter.

Australian/American media mogul Rupert Murdoch issued a warning that Facebook will suffer the same illness as social entertainment site Myspace.

Social networking site foursquare has partnered up with Microsoft on developing Nokia Lumia’s Exclusive Features App. 

Tech Bite: Microsoft unveils a new Xbox console

Yesterday Microsoft unveiled its new gaming console the Xbox One, described as a beauty that could see the tech titan oust Tim Cook’s Apple out of the living room. With Apple going through its roughest period in a decade, Microsoft may as well claim the crown of the living room from its rival.

The new generation console affords the player the luxury to quickly jump from TV to movies to music and to a game. The Xbox One gets to know the user of the console and learns what it is the user likes or dislikes, it also brings with it a fantastic cinematic world that brings gaming characters more to life than before, one of the reasons that makes the Xbox One a killer creation.

Xbox One Controller

Microsoft with its new baby are certainly sending a strong message to other gaming console makers by offering something that’s engaging and fun to have. Every single Xbox One will come with a Kinect system that responds naturally to a user’s voice, movements and gestures.

As much as it’s said that the Xbox One brings joy in the living room, it must also be highlighted that the console will also connect the world through another Microsoft product Skype which allows for free video internet calling. If you wondering how that will work, the internet will be accessed via a cloud service.

The Xbox One seems like a formidable player to influence the experience of the living room, but for how long?

Ashley Mokwena

@ashfonik

Beat Box: African beat deserves a standing ovation

Over the years we have seen the African beat receiving attention not only on the continent, but across the globe too. Agree or disagree but it has to be highlighted that African music has caught on with modern times and still carries with it a certain characteristic thathas an influence in one’s life. 

Whichever way you look at it, its musicians such as Nigeria’s FelaKuti, South Africa’s Miriam Makeba and Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi to mention a few who have in throughout their careers traveling across the global shared what our music is all about. African music has its own signature and style, and for its own uniqueness why can’t it get a standing ovation?

FelaKuti on stage

For the past decade we have seen massive change in African music, and something that we as Africans should do is embrace our music and artists who have and are still being great ambassadors of the mother land.

 The continent has continued to give birth to fabulous musical talent that is representing mother land very well on the global stage, showcasing enthusiasm and sharing the story of Africa. Like any other place on planet earth we have our own glitches, but let’s stand together as Africans and give a standing ovation to our OWN ARTISTRY.

Ashley Mokwena

@ashfonik

Sounds of the moment

“Play hard”- David Guetta featuring Akon and Ne-yo

“That Power”- Will.i.am featuring Justin Bieber

“Power Trip”-J.Cole featuring Miguel

“Get Lucky”-Daf Punk featuring Pharrell Williams

“Hey Now”- Martin Solveig featuring The Cataracs and Kyle

For him to keep warm from this winter chill

The season which most of us probably hate is here and should it happen that you not happy with what’s in your wardrobe then I suggest you visit the nearest boutique in town or if you one of those who also say I’m too busy to be shopping! Why not shop online to rid-off the winter chill??

Allegra K mens stylish long sleeve coat for $28.05 (www.amazon.com)

Levi classic one pocket shirt for R549.00 (www.zando.co.za)

Croft and Barrow Plaid scarf for $30.00 (www.kohl.com) 

Slim fit Just Cavalli jeans for $193.99 (www.zappos.com)

Nordstrom reversible leather belt for $50 (www.nordstrom.com)

Timberland classic 6” premium boots $115.99 (www.zappos.com)

Box Office

Blitz Patrollie

Cast: David Kau, Joey Rasdien, David Kibuuka, Chris Forrest, KagisoLediga

Directed By: Andrew Wessels

Set in Johannesburg CBD, two unfavoured cops Rummy Augustine & Ace Dikolobe are thrown into a case that could change their lives when they accidentally find themselves looking at a drug-hauling case. Unfortunately it doesn’t come easy as they meet many obstacles in their way while desperately trying to get recognised as proper police men. The movie boasts a cast of South Africa’s best comedians who come together to create a laughing experience only they can provide. I would definitely recommend watching it and in so doing supporting local cinema.

Safe Haven

Cast: Josh Duhamel, Julianne Hough, CobieSmulders

Directed by: LasseHallstrom

A moving romantic drama based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, the movie follows a young woman running away from an obsessed police officer. She settles down in a small town in North Carolina and pursues an isolated life. Her mystery hides a secret that she desperately tries to keep to herself and while doing so she unexpectedly falls in love with a widowed shopkeeper but she’s soon tracked down and her story starts to unravel in the most dramatic way that poses a danger to her newly found love.

AdhitiNaidoo

Twitter: @AdhitiN

Facebook: AditiNaidoo

Friday night laughter

 

It’s very rare that a young hard working individual like me goes out for a movie on a Friday evening. The preference is to hang out with the boys over a beer or two, or stay indoors for popcorn and PlayStation. This past Friday I attended the screening of a locally made film “Blitz Patrollie” directed by Andrew Wessels and produced by Isaac Mogajane at the refurbished Ster-Kinekor cinema, Sterland in Pretoria. The film stars comedians David Kau, Joey Rasdien, Chris Forrest, David Kibuuka and Kagiso Lediga some of South Africa’s shining funny men.

The hilarious “Blitz Patrollie” revolves around police officers Ace Dikolobe (David Tau) and partner Rummeck ‘Rummy’ Augustine (Joey Rasdien) who struggles to control his ill-mannered mother-in-law. In a poor neighbourhood, Ace and Rummy come across a massive drug scenario together with their clumsy and shooting crazy colleagues, Braam Moerdyk (Chris Forrest) and Jack Makweru (David Kibuuka).

When the drugs get stolen under their noses, the prime suspects in the missing drug tale are none other than the cool and over ambitious Naidoo brothers. Following attempts to recapture the drugs and arresting the Naidoo siblings, Ace and Rummy are suspected by provincial police commissioner who threatens to close the underachieving station down. With the reputation on the lines and threats of losing their jobs, the two officers go on a mission to sort the mess out.

Asking lead actor David Kau before the movie to describe “Blitz Patrollie” he replied by saying “F**cking funny “to no surprise he shared the same view as fellow cast members Chris Forrest and Joey Rasdien.

What one can expect from the comedy star-studded film is laughter and enjoyment from the opening scene to the very last minute of the movie.

Ashley Mokwena

@ashfonik