Samsung Unveils New Samsung Stores and Store Revamps

Samsung Electronics South Africa has announced plans to open two new Samsung Stores in Polokwane and Nelspruit to complement the 17 stores that are already operational across the country. The Mall of the North in Polokwane and the Riverside Mall in Nelspruit will be the latest additions to have premium outlets showcasing the full range of Samsung products including visual display, digital imaging, digital appliances and integrated mobility.

 

“Ideal for the Samsung enthusiast and the discerning shopper alike, the new stores will ensure immersive and exciting experiences for consumers,” says Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “Our Samsung Stores are designed to inspire our users and provide them with easy access to our latest technology, cool innovations and exciting new releases.”

 

The Samsung Mall of the North Store is set to open on July 17^th and the Samsung Riverside Mall Store on July 24^th. The Galaxy A-Series, the new Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, the impressive range of Samsung SUHDTVs and the innovative Samsung activ dualwash washing machine will all be on display, allowing consumers first-hand interaction with the technology, with professional advice and support from the helpful Samsung floor salespeople.

 

“Samsung Stores strengthen our commitment to engaging with our customers, helping them to get the most from their products and experiences and ensuring that they have access to an impressive array of solutions and services,” adds Potgieter.

 

In addition to the new outlets, a number of stores will also be revamped in July to ensure that these meet the latest in design standards. The Samsung Stores at Masons in Benoni, Gateway Mall in Durban, Sandton City and Strubensvalley in Johannesburg will all be undergoing complete facelifts.

“The Samsung Stores complement our extensive partner network and serve to grow the Samsung brand across the country. These new additions further demonstrate our commitment to delivering personalised experiences and meeting the needs of Samsung consumers,” continues Potgieter.

 

New Samsung Stores opening dates:

·         Date: 17 July, The Mall of the North - corner of the R81 and N1 Interchange, Bendor, Polokwane

·         Date: 24 July, Riverside Mall - on the R40 from Nelspruit towards White River

 

“These stores will extend the Samsung footprint further to ensure that we can provide superior service and products to a wider consumer footprint and create loyal brand ambassadors across the country,” concludes Potgieter.

Is Your Smartphone Authentic?

Counterfeit goods have become an increasingly worrying problem in South Africa. Not only is the clothing industry suffering under the scourge of counterfeit goods but the Electronics industry has also been under fire¹. Consumers who purchase a smartphone device from unauthorised dealers are at risk of losing out financially, as there are limited options they can resort to should they subsequently discover that the device is faulty.

 

Richard Chetty, Service Director at Samsung Electronics South Africa, says, “Samsung is committed to providing its customers with the best service, with regards to solutions and devices, which is reflected in the quality of after-sales service, customer and technical support. The problem facing consumers who do not purchase their device at a Samsung approved dealer, is that there are no consumer care or repair options available to support any of the device components, or any way of being compensated if the product turns out to be a counterfeit.”

 

“If the purchase price is too good to be true, then it probably is. For example, if a Samsung Galaxy smartphone is found on sale at a much reduced price, we urge consumers to check with our customer care centres before purchasing the device, or else they may be left with a fake product”, says Chetty.

 

Examining the physical differences between an authentic Samsung smartphone and a counterfeit model can help identify an imitation phone. The Samsung logo on counterfeits is slightly raised, like a sticker. The screen will also appear a tad lighter than on a genuine device.

 

“A closer look at a genuine Samsung device will reveal sensors on the forward facing camera, which do not appear on the fake unit. When a genuine product is placed next to a fake one, a customer will easily recognise the lack of quality in the counterfeit version of the phone just by comparing the rear facing cameras,” adds Chetty.

 

Battery size is another obvious giveaway especially on the Samsung Galaxy S4. The genuine battery is much larger, has higher quality labels and well-designed positive and negative nodes. “The battery is probably the most important determinant of a fake device as it will impact how the device is charged,” warns Chetty. “The design of the battery compartment is very different with softer connectors on the genuine phone while the sticker displays the IMEI number clearly alongside the ICASA branding.”

 

Other elements that determine the validity of authentic Samsung smartphones:

 

Authentic Smartphones	Counterfeit Smartphones
·         The genuine device has around seven to eight screws.	·         The counterfeit device has only two or three screws and the rest are imitations.
·         The Samsung Galaxy S5 comes in a genuine Samsung box.	·         The counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S5 also comes in a genuine Samsung box, it is advisable to open it first to ensure it is a genuine device.
·         On screen off mode, the authentic device’s screen appears darker.	·         The counterfeit appears much lighter.
·         Samsung uses a variety of manufacturers across the globe to produce its smartphone batteries. These batteries will always specify where the ‘cell’ was made and assembled.	·         A fake battery will always say ‘Made in Korea’, with no specific mention to where it was assembled.
·         Samsung smartphones are sold at authorised Samsung dealers or local operators.	·         Counterfeit Samsung smartphones can be sold anywhere, including off the street. ·         Online purchases that do not allow for returns are not sold by genuine dealers.
·         Ensure your purchase comes with the Samsung South Africa two year Warranty	·         Samsung smartphones that do not carry a two year Warranty are not authentic.

 

Sources:

1.     Norton Rose Fulbright

 

 

Wireless Charging as an Industry Standard

In 1891, renowned inventor and futurist Nikola Tesla became the first person to introduce inductive charging when he successfully demonstrated the wireless transfer of energy. However, it took over a century for this technology to find its way into mainstream consumer use.

 

“Over the past few years, wireless charging has emerged in the consumer electronics market space, mainly in the form of smartphones and smartphone accessories,” explains Craige Fleischer, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “This technology is now being integrated into a variety of technological devices, appliances, public spaces and even vehicles, as companies look to make power cords obsolete and turn the world into the Tesla-envisioned reality,”

 

Until now, commercial products have mainly used the “magnetic-inductive” method of charging which involves connecting a device to a physical dock. If you have ever used an electric toothbrush or shaver, then you are probably familiar with this type of inductive charging.

 

Consumer Benefits and Industry Solutions

A simple wireless charging solution eliminates the need to carry several different chargers for multiple devices. The goal has been to provide consumers with the ability to utilise one wireless charging dock that is compatible with all the devices they already own, as well as all the devices they may buy in the near future.

 

Fleischer continues, “The industry has been collaborating to establish a series of organisations to standardise wireless charging technologies. Currently there are three such organisations, namely: the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) and the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP). Samsung is a member of all of these three groups.”

 

In January of this year, the PMA and A4WP announced that they would join forces to offer even better wireless charging features for a variety of devices. This means that soon, restaurants, airports, public spaces, vehicles and living spaces of all description will finally unburden consumers of having to remember to carry multiple power cords everywhere. Soon the anxiety of running out of battery power and the hassle of all the charging cables taking up unnecessary space in their bags could be obsolete.

 

Samsung’s Commitment to a Wireless Future

“In late 2000, Samsung created a task team to exclusively focus on wireless charging and began extensive research and development. Our goal was to develop a technology that was easy to use and convenient for consumers, in order to promote and drive the widespread adoption of wireless technology standards. Several obstacles had to be overcome for wireless charging technology to succeed in the market, most notably the size and price of some of the most crucial components,” Fleischer adds.

 

“This hard work came to fruition in 2011, when we introduced our first commercial wireless charging pad for Droid Charge (SCH-i510) in the US. Since then, Samsung has provided wireless charging covers and pads as a core accessory alongside many of its flagship smartphones, such as the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 in 2013 and the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 in 2014.”

 

A key factor to make wireless charging technology more widely available has been making the production costs more manageable by strategically partnering with the right raw material suppliers and component companies.

 

Samsung also developed innovative ways to merge and combine components more efficiently, this allowed the technology to generate more power and take up less space. In the early stages of inductive charging, the Galaxy S4 charging pads were comprised of about 80 separate elements. For the Galaxy S5, developers were able to reduce the number drastically, to a much more manageable 50 elements and efforts are being made to decrease this number even further. The company’s unique ability to combine parts that are capable of handling more than one function, has allowed commercialisation to finally become a reality.

 

Wireless charging has also come a long way in terms of charging speed. Two or three years ago, it was only twenty to thirty percent as efficient as wired charging. But since then, the speed has been doubled.

 

2015 – A Landmark Year for Smartphone Wireless Charging

Last year, parts that support multiple standards on a single chip were released. Given that it usually takes around 6 to 12 months to integrate new components and put them on the market, it is expected that several of these products will be available to consumers this year.

 

This comes as the ecosystem for wireless charging continues to rapidly grow and mature. In addition to IT companies, leading brands from a wide range of industries, such as consumer electronics, semi-conductors, mobile services, automotive, furniture, software and others have joined the effort and are working closely together.

 

Samsung has led the way with wireless charging, showcasing the latest technology with its flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. “It is expected that 2015 will be a landmark year for the growth of wireless charging deployment, as wireless charging stations will begin to appear in more and more public places as well as in cars and secondary battery packs. Samsung will accelerate its efforts to make wireless charging technology widely available. With the Galaxy S6 smartphones, users will be able to enter a new wireless world like never before,” concludes Fleischer.

Samsung Delivers Accessible Healthcare to the Community of Hammanskraal

Samsung Electronics South Africa is addressing the need to provide accessible healthcare services in the Ga-Ramotse community in Hammanskraal. As part of its commitment to the communities in which Samsung serves, the organisation donated a Solar Powered Health Centre (SPHC). The SPHC supplies a variety of screenings, equipment and offers treatment to members of the community in need.

 

The Ga-Ramotse Clinic was built in 1987 by the Amandebele-Ba-Lebelo tribal authority and is located north of Pretoria. It provides comprehensive primary healthcare services such as minor emergency services, treatment for TB, HIV/ AIDS, mental healthcare, family planning and ward-based outreach services to over four villages in the region. The community has a high unemployment rate making the clinic even more valuable to those that can’t afford to travel far distances for medical assistance.  

 

Samsung’s SPHC provides a central place where diagnosis and healthcare assistance is offered to people through the use of diagnostic systems, managed by a purpose-built application.

 

Pitso Kekana, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung South Africa says, “Access to health facilities are a major concern in rural areas and Samsung aims to help people live healthier lives, by using our technological expertise to develop affordable and reachable healthcare solutions.”

 

The SPHC is a 7-metre long truck which includes a mini laboratory where blood analysis can be done. Testing for malaria, diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions can also be done, with the convenience of having results immediately. A prescription can also be printed and given to the patient, who then needs to collect the medication from the nearest government clinic or hospital, such as the Tshwane District Hospital or the Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

 

 

“The health of individuals in our communities is a major priority. We aim to use these centres to help combat the challenge of providing quality health care to those who live in more rural areas. We are confident that this solution will provide the support needed to improve health standards in the Ga-Ramotse community,” concludes Kekana.

Samsung Extends Its Brand Store Chain in South Africa

Samsung Electronics South Africa is opening a new Brand Store at the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Tshwane on 12 June 2015. In collaboration with retail partner, New World, the store will serve to enhance shopper experiences at the recently revamped complex.

 

Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa, says: “Brand Stores inspire our consumers by providing direct access to our newest, cutting-edge technologies, enabling them to experience the devices first hand and gain further insight into the products from our team of knowledgeable and professional sales people and on site technicians.”

 

Samsung’s Brand Stores function as premium channels that offer the latest in mobile products, visual display, digital imaging, digital appliances and mobile communications, all in one location. Samsung has a number of Experience stores, Galaxy Stores for mobile products and solutions, as well as Customer Care Centers across the country. In 2014, Samsung opened a Galaxy Store in the Menlyn Park shopping centre and the addition of this new Brand Store will add more value to the consumer shopping experience in Tshwane. Each store offers demonstrations, expert advice and consultation, technical support and repair solutions, including a one-hour repair service on mobile devices.

 

The Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is a popular lifestyle destination, where a large shopping community enjoys premium dining, entertainment and leisure experiences. Mirroring Samsung’s own commitment to superb aesthetics and eco-friendly products, the centre boasts a combination of modern design architecture that utilises innovative green building material.

 

The Brand Stores complement an extensive partner network and serves to further grow the Samsung brand across the country. “This latest addition to our retail environment further demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative products and solutions to our consumers, taking the total number of Brand Stores in South Africa to 17. Our consumers’ needs are ever-evolving and they continue to demand a more personal experience with their favourite SA electronics brand - voted as No.1 Electronics Goods, in the Sunday Times Top Brands awards. We continue to respond to this by opening new stores and increasing our footprint, to cater directly to these needs,” concludes Potgieter.

Building Sustainable Solutions for a Green Future

Finding sustainable solutions to the challenges that we face in the modern world is becoming an increasingly important component of any business strategy. Samsung Electronics South Africa understands that innovation in products needs to take into account the wider surroundings and any potential impact.

 

Samsung’s Sustainability Report 2014¹ examines this crucial part of its broader commitment to corporate citizenship. The company’s Green Management philosophy prioritises the future health of people and the planet, whilst mandating green responsible practices throughout its operations.

 

“To date, Samsung has invested¹ $US6.3 billion into these efforts and this has resulted in a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and over 3, 000 third-party verified product environmental certifications,” says Michael McKechnie, Divisional Head for Digital Appliances at Samsung SA.

 

According to McKechnie, the company received 31 green technology certificates in 2013 for product energy efficiency improvement, resource conservation and protection of natural habitats. One of these is the RoHS Technology Certification (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) that had been awarded to Samsung air-conditioners for the company’s commitment to minimising the use of toxic elements such as mercury, lead and cadmium.

 

Samsung is committed to establishing total air solutions for air-conditioners by expanding from residential to commercial areas and shifting focus from the cooling of air to the improvement of indoor air quality.

 

On the issue of energy efficiency, which is particularly relevant in light of the current load shedding taking place in South Africa, Samsung’s air-conditioners provide a truly innovative solution. The DVM S centralised air solutions system boasts high energy efficiency through the use of vapour injection for a more seamless flow of refrigerant and improved cooling and heating performance, while the eco-friendly design ensures a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

 

 

The air management packages created by Samsung are built on the PlanetFirst Initiative conceptualised by the organisation. The Eco-Design process ensures each new product is evaluated against specific parameters in order to ensure it is eco-friendly and keeps the brand on track when assessing the ecological influence. As part of this programme there is the Eco-Partner Certification Programme, which determines the credentials of suppliers’ raw materials and production processes. Samsung’s Smart air-conditioner is an example of how this strategy is being deployed by utilising Smart technology to automatically manage temperature and power and ensure higher usage efficiencies.

 

Samsung’s selection of consumer products within the Digital Air Solutions (DAS) Eco-Living range, which was established in 2011, delivers smart and environmentally aware products to the South African consumer.

 

“This is particularly relevant in light of recent changes to the South African legislative landscape, such as the introduction of Carbon Tax and the banning of R22CFC base gas. These are designed to protect consumers and the planet, ensuring that products and organisations are working towards a cleaner and healthier South Africa. We have already eliminated the use of R22CFC in our range and focused on innovation to reduce emissions and drive efficiencies,” says McKechnie.

 

“The air-conditioning units in the DAS Eco-Living range of products use less power, protect the internal milieu from diseases and save substantially on energy, all while being internationally recognised as leading products in the air-conditioning market,” he concludes.

Samsung Expands ‘Level’ Series of Wireless Smart Audio Products

Samsung Electronics South Africa, announced two new additions to its Level series of smart Bluetooth audio products: Samsung Level On Wireless and Samsung Level Link. Designed for music lovers seeking to pair excellent audio quality with sleek design, Samsung Level On Wireless headphones incorporate the latest technology to offer top quality sound in an impeccable package. On the other hand, the Samsung Level Link seamlessly transforms traditional audio products into wireless solutions, using Bluetooth technology. These new devices will be available in South Africa at the end of May 2015 and offer easy access through a customisable mobile application.

 

“With the Samsung Level series, we have combined our industry-leading technology and design expertise to offer users the best possible audio experience,” said Craige Fleischer, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “The Samsung Level On Wireless and Level Link is built on Samsung’s longstanding heritage of innovation and a dedication to expand our range of audio accessories that deliver organic sound quality, superior comfort, portability and style.”

 

Level On Wireless

Samsung Level On Wireless headphones feature circular ear pads producing a sleek, sophisticated look and feel. Equipped with six built-in microphones, the headphones feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to accurately map surrounding sounds for a clearer and uninterrupted audio experience. A dual-layered diaphragm system helps to suppress excessive vibration, reducing noise and enabling the headphones to reproduce rich, balanced sound across a wide range of frequencies.

 

Level On Wireless supports an easy-to-use touch pad that allows users to activate and adjust a variety of features such as S Voice, volume, as well as play, pause or skip tracks – all without touching the controls of the paired device. The headphones are also equipped with a unique Sound Sharing function, so users can seamlessly share their favorite tunes with other Level On Wireless users.

 

Level Link

Samsung Level Link uses Bluetooth connectivity to render a range of traditional audio devices completely wireless. Users simply connect Level Link to earphones, headphones, a TV, a set of speakers or hi-fi system with aux-in cable and then pair it to a Bluetooth-enabled device to enjoy the same high-quality sound they get from traditional audio devices. Level Link provides wireless connectivity in both Send and Receive modes with a simple switch button. Users can also stream audio to two Bluetooth-enabled devices at once, making it possible to instantly share tunes with friends. The Level Link’s aptX Low Latency codec provides fast audio conversion, enabling users to watch videos without encountering sound lags. 

 

The Samsung Level On Wireless and Level Link are available through Samsung Experience stores, leading retailers and local operators. Full details and product images are available at www.samsungmobilepress.com

 

RRP:

Level On Wireless: R2899

Level Link: R899

Samsung Offers Exceptional Value for Money with Extended

Samsung Electronics South Africa has extended its battery warranty period for mobile phones from six to twelve months for newly purchased handsets. This amendment to its service means that Samsung customers are now offered peace of mind for even longer, at no additional cost.

 

The extension in Samsung’s warranty period comes as it has just launched its new flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, both of which have a non-removable battery. The twelve-month warranty period is valid on any new purchase of the latest Samsung flagship smartphones, such as the Galaxy A-Series, the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, as well as the Galaxy Note4.

 

“As with all other parts, consumers need to acknowledge that should they use a counterfeit battery or one that is not Samsung approved, they will forfeit their battery warranty”, says Richard Chetty, Service Director at Samsung Electronics South Africa

 

In addition, Samsung’s ADH repair is a premium offering which gives consumers more benefits on selected Samsung Smartphone devices within 12 months on the latest available Galaxy flagship range of handsets.

 

“This offering is part of Samsung’s ongoing commitment to providing a world-class service to consumers thus giving them continuous support on their mobile smartphones”, concludes Chetty.

 

All Samsung products are covered by a full two year manufacturer's warranty. For more information on Samsung Electronics South Africa’s Warranty Policies, please visit:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/warranty/

 

Terms and Conditions Apply.

South Africa’s Best Home Cooked Meals Revealed

Samsung Electronics South Africa’s ‘For the Love of Food’ competition encouraged South Africans to share their original recipes and the stories behind them. The recipes were divided into six categories with a grand prize of their share in R300 000 worth of Samsung products for the winners and products to the value of R150 000 for the runners-up.

 

The winners were chosen from thousands of entries and their recipes were showcased at a glitzy Gala event held at The Royal Elephant Hotel. The winning recipes were prepared as part of the six course meal to honour the winners. The illustrious judging panel was also in attendance and included Samsung ambassador and celebrity Chef Reuben Riffel, Carmen Niehaus long-standing food editor of Huisgenoot and You magazines, Chef Tiaan Langenegger, blogger and well-known TV personality Nina Timm and Sam Woulidge columnist and author. The judges chose winners across six cooking categories: Fancy canapés, Quick snacks, Fish and seafood, Braai dishes, Slow cooked meals and Desserts.

 

“We wanted to appeal to the hearts of South Africans, by tapping into their passion for food and cooking and we received truly inspiring anecdotes, relating to the culture, tradition and passion that inspired each recipe. We were overwhelmed by the response. ‘For the love of Food’ is the first of many Samsung initiatives that will enable us to celebrate South Africans and the great dishes and good memories that are close to their hearts,” says Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

 

South Africans had to enter their favourite recipes, preparation methods, and a story that the dish brought to mind. These entries were all uploaded to Samsung’s ‘For the Love of Food’ website, to showcase all the beautiful stories and scrumptious recipes. The campaign received exposure on television and digital media and throughout the campaign period, nearly 12 000 requests for recipe downloads were received. The ‘For the Love of Food’ website received in excess of 123 000 unique visitors who shared the passion for delicious food. Chef Reuben cooked each winning recipe on the Expresso breakfast show, and his demonstrations were shared on YouTube to help viewers make the dishes in their own kitchens.

 

The amazing response that we received to the campaign is testament to how much South Africans love food and how food unites our nation.

 

“We have found some of the most original and unforgettable dishes prepared with passion and infused with heart-warming memories and these winning dishes stood out to our judges and for this very reason the ‘For the Love of Food’ campaign was centered on celebrating South Africa’s uniqueness and embracing our love for food and home-cooked meals. Given the sheer variety of entries we received ’For the Love of Food has shown how much South Africans value and celebrate where we come from!” concludes Potgieter.

 

Each winner was handed a certificate for their winning recipe and Chef Reuben Riffel, closed off the night and treated guests to a book signing and photo opportunity of his cookbooks ‘Reuben on Fire’ and ‘Braai’.

 

 

The lucky category winners are:

Braai Dishes:                             Lloyd Griffin

Fancy canapés:                Zuri Roos

Fish and seafood:            Gresham Madhan

Quick snacks:                   Kelly Nair

Slow Cooked Meals:         Tasneem Jaffer

Desserts:                         Heather de Bruin

 

All the recipes are on www.theloveoffood.co.za for you to download and enjoy!