BMW M4 COUPÉ Comes to life in GRAN TURISMO 6

GT6™ owners are the first to take a virtual test drive of the latest BMW M offering

Polyphony Digital Inc., creators of the newly-released Gran Turismo®6 for PlayStation®3, and BMW have announced that the new BMW M4 Coupé has been made available through a new update for the game.
Owners of GT6™ will be among the first in the world to sample the delights of the BMW M4 Coupé, albeit in virtual form, before the car goes on sale during 2014.   As a celebration of this collaboration between BMW and Gran Turismo 6, a unique seasonal event featuring the BMW M4 Coupé is available to all on GT6 for two weeks, from today until 26 December 2013.
The BMW M4 Coupé Superlap challenge will take place on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit and gives players the opportunity to drive the car to complete the event, giving anyone the chance to experience this stunning new vehicle in the virtual world before it launches in the real world.   Until now, the BMW M4 Coupé has only been shown publicly as a ‘concept’, but thanks to an innovative collaboration with BMW M GmbH, Polyphony Digital enjoyed unprecedented early access to the car during its development phase in order to meticulously recreate the BMW M4 Coupé for Gran Turismo 6.   A camouflaged version of the real BMW M4 Coupé was a mystery guest at the recent spectacular Gran Turismo 6 launch event at Ronda in southern Spain. Kazunori Yamauchi, legendary creator of the Gran Turismo® franchise, enjoyed the privilege of a couple of laps of the Ascari Race Resort in the all-new car.   While the Gran Turismo series has reached its sixth iteration in a 15-year history, the all-new high-performance sports car represents the fifth generation of BMW M philosophy applied to the M3 – albeit with the new M4 badge distinguishing the Coupé from the four-door M3 variant.   Owners of Gran Turismo 6 now have the opportunity to experience a virtual version of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine housed in the BMW M4 Coupé. The M TwinPower Turbo technology produces 431hp in a car that weighs only 1,497 kilograms. With Gran Turismo 6’s new physics simulator, new aerodynamics, suspension and tyre models, and incredibly high-definition rendering, the virtual BMW M4 Coupé looks and drives just like the real thing. As well as completing this month’s special Nürburgring Superlap event, GT6 owners are able to take the new car for a spin at over 37 locations – including Ascari - with over 100 layouts to choose from. Alternatively, the stunning new car can be captured at some amazing locations in the in-game ‘Photo Mode’.   Making such an iconic model available ‘in-game’ before its market launch reflects the mutual respect between BMW and Polyphony. “It is very exciting to virtually ‘launch’ the BMW M4 Coupé in Gran Turismo 6,” explains Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M GmbH.

“The BMW M4 Coupé takes motor sport technology from the race track to the road, and thousands of laps of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife – the world’s most demanding race track – have readied the new model for that transition. I am very much looking forward to seeing how it looks and feels in Gran Turismo on the same circuit.”  
The partnership is also a source of pride for president of Polyphony Digital, Kazunori Yamauchi: “It is always wonderful to be able to bring to life a brand new car and I would like to thank BMW for trusting us with all of the data we needed to create the BMW M4 Coupé at such an early stage. The car is fantastic. I felt very privileged to have a few laps around Ascari during the Gran Turismo 6 launch event and I am sure that Gran Turismo fans will now enjoy the same experience as well as the novelty of being among the first in the world to try the BMW M4 Coupé.”  
Further news about Gran Turismo 6 will be revealed on www.gran-turismo.com.

Interview: Sias du Plessis, 5fm and SuperSport presenter,

Vespa SA recently caught up with 5fm and SuperSport presenter, Sias du Plessis. Affectionately known as ‘The Ginger’, Sias recently became an owner of his very own Vespa. He is also currently one of the esteemed judges on the panel for the Vespa-ing competition on Facebook. Here’s what he had to say:

When did you know you wanted a Vespa?

Since I can remember. I was in primary school when I saw an old Vespa parked in a garage at the bottom of the school grounds, it was red, but covered in dust and spiderwebs. I was in love. Unfortunately, I never got to convince my folks that I needed it and could not survive without it.

There are loads of two-wheelers out there. Why Vespa?

It goes back to my love affair with that old red in the garage, I have followed the brand and its iconic status as the 'Ferrari of Scooters’ for sometime. In my opinion no other brand compares, the workmanship, after sales support and legend make it untouchable in the scooter market.

Where is your favourite place to ride?

I find any excuse to ride these days. To head to gym, to shop or to meet up with mates for a meal, I will be on the Vespa.

Is there any gear that you simply can't ride without?

My Oakley sunglasses are a must under my Vespa helmet. It depends where I am riding, but I love my Axo jacket and Alpinestars gloves when I head out on longer rides. The beauty of nipping around on a Vespa is that I can head out in shorts, slops, shades and helmet and not worry about leathers when I want to join my mates at a braai or catch a movie.

What does the spirit of Vespa-ing mean to you?

I think it is quality. It shows how much people love the legendary brand and want to be a part of the iconic family. I saw some brilliant Vespa-ing, one guy was at a petrol station "putting in" fuel. Superb.

Are you a full-helmet or googles type of guy?

I ride with a Vespa helmet at the moment that has a visor and I am enjoying it, the guys at Vespa in Wynberg have tempted me to try goggles and I will be adding that to my riding ensemble in the next few days. I think the goggles are super comfy and probably prevent that wind vortex effect when you put the visor down. The goggles also look bad-ass.

How would you describe your riding style?

I am pretty new to the urban riding and have had to find my feet a little on the tar and in traffic. I am pretty cautious when I need to be and quite defensive, but when an opportunity presents itself to open up and test the speed of my Vespa, I grab it. So far I have been blown away by the power of my 150, I think I will look at a 300 next.

How long did it take you to learn to ride?

I used to ride a 125 scrambler on my folks’ farm so I have been riding for a while. But riding on the roads with traffic and potholes took some getting used to. Oh and parking, I had to get used to parking and where to park, glad I did because I never have a problem and never need to queue for a spot.

If you could customise your Vespa in any way, what would you do?

I am busy planning that right now - thinking of a pin-up girl. I have about 40 - 45 to sift through to decide, but I’m thinking a WWI pin-up and a pimp red leather seat with some other styling things. I don’t want to give it away, you might just take my idea ;) I also want to get a legendary Vespa jacket, pimp helmet and the goggles, going to be kitting myself out shortly.

What would you say to any sceptics out there?

Don't knock it until you try it. The roads are dangerous regardless of what mode of transport you take, so be aware of your surroundings and try to anticipate what another car, bike or pedestrian is going to do. That said, there is a really amazing feeling when you get on your Vespa and hit the open road or zip through traffic. Another positive is the amount of money you can save on fuel avoiding the stupid e-tolls. Give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Nestle Fitness Campaign: Ladies can now wear a Tweeting Bra

Unhook this bra and it will send out a tweet (via www.girlguides.co.za)

For International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Nestle Fitness, with the help of OgilvyOne Athens, came up with a rather interesting concept for its campaign-a Tweeting Bra. The Tweeting Bra is a high-tech bra with a bejewelled Twitter bird sewn into…

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2013 Research and Insights on the State of Social Media in South Africa.

Source of Information: Portland Communications; Tweetminster;  Socialbakers; Alexa.com; World Wide Worx; Fuseware; Stream Social Report; Google Trends; Social Media Briefing 2013. Blue  Magnet Digital Solutions. 

Social Media Statistics and Trends in South Africa for 2013. 

This video features:

• Most popular social media sites in South Africa
• Social Media Search Trends in South Africa
• Facebook Statistics & Trends in SA
• Mxit Statistics & Trends in SA
• YouTube Statistics & Trends in SA
• LinkedIn Statistics & Trends in SA
• Google+ Statistics & Trends in SA
• Pinterest Statistics & Trends in SA

To read the text version, or to download the PDF of this presentation visit: 

Blue Magnet Digital Solutions Website

Samsung Introduces GALAXY Gear, a Wearable Device to Enhance the Freedom of Mobile Communications

Samsung GALAXY experience is now extended through GALAXY Gear

Samsung Electronics has introduced the GALAXY Gear, a perfect companion device that further integrates the Samsung GALAXY experience into everyday life. Samsung GALAXY Gear combines smart device connectivity, tailored technological features, and stylish design as a single premium accessory.

“We are constantly listening to our customers and what our consumers want is their daily lives to be easier and more enjoyable,” says George Ferreira, VP and COO of Samsung Electronics Africa. “This commitment to our customers is once again reflected in our ongoing smart device innovation leadership and our new wearable device, the Samsung GALAXY Gear. Samsung’s GALAXY Gear benefits consumers by integrating smart device technology even deeper into their everyday lives, and bridges the gap between the mobile device and fashion worlds to create truly wearable technology. It frees users from the need to constantly check their smart devices while maintaining connections and provides what we call ‘smart freedom,’ by allowing consumers to choose how, why, when and where they are connected.”

Experience new mobile communications freedoms

Samsung GALAXY Gear lets users to live in the moment while staying connected to their Samsung GALAXY devices. It notifies users of incoming messages, such as calls, texts, emails and alerts, delivers a preview of those messages and creates the opportunity for users to accept or discreetly ignore those messages. When an incoming message requires more than a quick glance, users can simply pick up their Samsung GALAXY device and the Smart Relay feature will instantly reveal the full content on the screen.

Voice operation

The built-in speaker allows users to conduct hands-free calls directly from the Gear, maintaining connections to their mobile communications without disrupting their daily routines. For example, a user leaving the grocery store, whose hands are full with shopping bags, could still make a call by speaking into the GALAXY Gear without touching the screen. Users can also draft messages, create new calendar entries, set alarms, and check the weather on the GALAXY Gear with S Voice.

Capture daily life from your wrist

“In addition to enabling smart device controls, Samsung GALAXY Gear introduces several features that help users easily capture life’s meaningful moments which otherwise might be missed,” adds Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics SA. “With the Memographer feature, a 1.9 Megapixel camera, users who are on the move or participating in physical activities can record both photos and video to create quick, visual records of important information or events from their daily lives, as well as share them on their social networks. Extending the quick-record concept, Voice Memo lets users capture important thoughts or conversations from their wrists and save those voice recordings into texts on their Samsung GALAXY devices.”

A growing list of controls for favorite features

With the GALAXY Gear, users gain a wide range of favourite features that further increase the benefits of this new accessory. New security enhancement Auto Lock automatically secures the companion smartphone screen any time that GALAXY Gear is more than 1.5 meters away from the smartphone, and then unlocks the smartphone when the companion devices are near each other again. Find My Device helps users find the location of their smart devices when they have been misplaced by making them beep, illuminate and vibrate. With Samsung GALAXY Gear, users can also control the music played on their Samsung GALAXY devices. As with traditional music players, it helps users browse, play and pause songs even when their smart device is not within reach. Finally, the GALAXY Gear also works like a Pedometer to track physical activity via enhanced, built-in sensor technology. This feature systematically and automatically monitors users so they can track key personal data such as calories burned, steps taken and distance covered.

Standalone Watch and Iconic Fashion Accessory

Samsung GALAXY Gear embodies understated elegance. Its refined design, executed in, high-quality finishes, conjures images of luxury jewelry while still being understated enough to go well with any outfit. A rounded and simple flowing form wraps around the body, integrating with the user’s personal environment, and maintaining comfort at all times. The GALAXY Gear also serves as a wristwatch and includes several face options that create the opportunity for users to personalise their watch face. It will come preloaded with 10 different clock options and more choices will be downloadable via Samsung Apps. The GALAXY Gear experience can be further personalised by selecting from six colors that will be available at launch: Jet Black, Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige, Rose Gold, and Lime Green.

Samsung GALAXY Note 3 is set to launch starting from September 27, with availability of the GALAXY Gear due for release in Africa and South Africa during October 2013.

Samsung GALAXY Gear Product Specifications – (these could differ between regions)

Processor	800 MHz processor
Display	1.63 inch (41.4mm) Super AMOLED (320 x 320)
Camera	1.9 Megapixel BSI Sensor, Auto Focus Camera / Sound & Shot
Video	Codec: H.264 Format: MP4 HD(720p) Playback & Recording
Audio	Codec: AAC Format : M4A
Featured Apps	Atooma is a contextually aware horizontal intelligence platform that makes your GALAXY Gear smarter.
	Banjo gives you the power to see what’s happening right now, anywhere in the world.
	Evernote watch app makes it easy to remember things by quickly capturing images and memories and bringing important reminders right to GALAXY Gear.
	Glympse allows people to easily share their location temporarily and in real-time, letting recipients see their movements on a dynamic map.
	eBay app allows you to complete all your transactions on eBay with ease and in real-time.
	Line is a global messaging service available in over 230 countries worldwide.
	MyFitnessPal tracks your nutrition and exercise, empowering you to achieve your  personal health and fitness goals.
	Path is the personal network designed to bring you closer to your friends and family.
	Pocket, the leading way to save web content to view later on any device, brings text-to-speech article playback to GALAXY Gear.
	RunKeeper is the personal trainer in your pocket, helping you track your runs, set your goals, and stay motivated.
	TripIt from Concur makes it easy to organize travel plans in one place.
	Vivino Wine Scanner allows you to take a photo of any wine and get to know all about it instantly.
Samsung Services	Samsung Apps
	ChatON: mobile communication service
Additional Features	Smart Relay, S Voice, Memographer, Voice Memo
	Auto Lock, Find My Device, Media Controller, Pedometer, Stopwatch, Timer
	Safety assistance: In case of emergency, press a power button 3 times continuously, and then user’s location information is transferred to the saved contacts with message.
	2 Microphones (Noise Cancellation), 1 Speaker
Connectivity	Bluetooth® v 4.0 + BLE
Sensor	Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Memory	4GB Internal memory + 512 MB (RAM)
Dimension	36.8 x 56.6 x 11.1 mm, 73.8g
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 315mAh