LG V10 PUSHING BOUNDARIES IN INNOVATION.

Technology keeps evolving at a rapid rate. Most people can’t keep up; before you have grasped the functionality of a new technology another one arises.
LG has thrived as being one of the most innovative electronics company by constantly optimizing their disruptive technology to deliver forward thinking features in their products.
According to Charles Darwin “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” So is the world of technology and thus the need to innovate so as to stay relevant.
In this year’s InnoFest event, that showcases LG innovative products which was hosted in Dubai under the theme ‘Innovation for a Better Life’. LG reassured its stakeholders that it is keen to keep producing products  with progressive technology.
The smartphone world is constantly evolving.  Many people cannot operate without their phones this makes them feel a sense of disconnection to the world. A study done discovered that the average person checks their device 85 times a day, spending a total of five hours browsing the web and using apps. This equates to around a third of the time a person is awake, and is twice as often as many people even realise.

With the smartphone usage craze, many device manufacturers are striving to make their devices to have a global appeal. This is has been achieved by making your phone able to connect to other home appliances and devices as well as being able to capture moments instantaneously , edit and share it on social media platforms.

Recently, in a bid to capture the emerging youthful market globally, LG launched the LG V10 which has been built with disruptive technology. The dual 80-degree and 120-degree front facing cameras is perfect for the selfie lovers. One of the coolest camera features on the V10 is called Gesture shot. You can take a selfie by holding your open hand up to the camera and then closing it into a fist. The feature actually works really well, and it can come in handy quite often. Gesture shot is enabled by default, so all you have to do is use it. It can also record footage in a cinematic 21:9 ratio. Other notable V10 features a wind noise filter and audio monitor that allows users to adjust the sensitivity of the phone’s three mics during recording.

The LG V10 is also installed with an IR blasters. An IR blaster is what remotes use to communicate with a television to turn it on, adjust volume, change channels, etc. This makes it easier than having to fumble for a remote.

Middle East & Africa Coined Key Contributors for LG Electronics at Innofest 2016

LG Electronics yesterday marked the start of InnoFest, its two-day innovation festival attracting over 250 retailers, partners and customers from across the region. Hosted under the theme ‘Innovation for a Better Life’, the event reaffirms LG’s commitment and underlines its robust plans for the Middle East & Africa region, by ushering in a new and exciting product line-up for the year.

Commenting at the event, Kevin Cha, Executive Vice President at LG Electronics for the Middle East & Africa region said, “The Middle East region has witnessed an exponential growth over the years and riding along with this fast paced development and while keeping pace with it, we at LG Electronics have robust plans for the region and we envision to become a leader by offering an edge over global competition. We are strengthening our line-up by introducing new and innovative products to the existing large portfolio of products that we already possess.”

From the revolutionary OLED TVs to the groundbreaking TWIN Wash™ washing machines, and everything in between, InnoFest 2016 laid the ground for an impressive showcase of LG’s innovative product line-up, incorporating the latest technology with the primary aim to make consumers lives easier. Taking a step further and in a bid to offer its customers an edge with innovation, LG’s latest and premium SIGNATURE line-up was also highlighted at the show.

LG’s new SIGNATURE range of premium products that includes the latest 4K OLED TV, a high tech refrigerator, washing machine and an air purifier is part of the company’s efforts to bring the best technology and best designs together. The SIGNATURE design concept was to make the product appear more intuitive while maintaining a minimalistic design.

While the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV is a leap forward in design with the screen looking like a floating sheet of glass that eliminates everything except the stunning picture quality, the SIGNATURE refrigerator adds some innovative features that are designed to make the product more intuitive, more efficient and more convenient.

And last but not the least, LG’s SIGNATURE Air Purifier comes with a transparent panel to make the air purification a visual experience as the Aqua Cyclone feature uses water to filter out chemicals and contaminants to bring the room to comfortable humidity levels.

As part of InnoFest 2016, LG discussed its robust plans to expand and enhance its product line-up across the Middle East & Africa region including its strengths in designing and developing stylish products with smarter localized solutions and unveiled its plans for the SIGNATURE Line-up during the year.

In addition to the SIGNATURE lineup, key focus on innovation was showcased with the company’s flagship OLED TV loaded with the latest display technologies, including high dynamic range (HDR). The G6 and E6 are the first TVs from LG to feature the company’s unique Picture-On-Glass design, which boasts an ultra-thin 2.57mm OLED panel with a translucent glass back and forward-facing sound bar speaker system.

From the Home Appliances category, LG’s front loading washing machine stole the show with its revolutionary TWIN Wash™ System as it gives consumers the power to wash two loads of laundry at the same time. That’s not all, alongside, LG’s other innovative home appliance product line-up including the air conditioning line-up, LG’s award winning laundry innovation, LG Styler - a sleek new clothing management system having an easy and time-saving way to maintain and refresh special clothing items was also highlighted.

Mr Cha added, “While InnoFest not only showcases our product strength, it creates an impeccable opportunity for us to focus on the many relationships we cultivate with our retailers and distributors who believe in the LG brand and have made us a household name in the region. We thank our partners and customers for their support and trusting in the LG brand for its innovation and product excellence.”

Along with a gamut of products from the Home Appliance and the Home Entertainment categories, LG’s impressive line of mobile communications device – the latest V10 was also a highlight.

With innovation at the forefront, LG Electronics has also been pursuing a premium-market strategy, providing the opportunity for the company to position itself as a technology innovator with a flair for convenience, design and style.

INTRODUCING TOUCH-ENABLED QUICK COVER FOR YET-TO-BE-ANNOUNCED LG G5

LG Electronics (LG) took the wraps off a new version of its Quick Cover case, designed specifically for LG’s next generation flagship smartphone, LG G5, which does not yet exist. Known as a company ahead of the times, LG took this characterization to heart by revealing the existence of the accessory before the actual product.

The latest LG Quick Cover offers the advantages of previous Quick Covers but with even more features. The touch function, recently introduced on the K10’s Quick Cover View, is now available on the G5 Quick Cover’s semitransparent mesh cover. It enables users to take calls and control alarm settings without opening the case for the ultimate in convenience.

Users of the case can check the time, date and notifications on the Always-on Display of the yet unseen LG G5 even with the cover closed. LG also incorporated a unique film with a glossy metallic finish to enhance the smooth and luxurious look and feel of the cover for maximum consistency with the speculative LG G5.

The Quick Cover for LG G5 will be on display at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain from February 22-25. Visitors to MWC are encouraged to stop by LG’s booth in Hall 3 of Fira Gran Via to see the LG Quick Cover and the rumored LG G5 for themselves.

Jambojet flies its one millionth customer

Jambojet, the low cost brand of Kenya Airways, has set a regional record of handling one million customers in less than two years.
In a feat that indicates the increasing popularity of the concept of low-cost flying, the milestone has come barely two months to the company’s second year anniversary.
During the first year the domestic market grew by 25% in passenger numbers. This year the Jambojet passenger numbers increased by 18% compared to last year. The demand in all routes has grown tremendously as reflected in the number of round trips this year which is at 3,312 flights up to date as opposed to 2,522 last year.
Commenting on the milestone, Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius attributed the immense growth to the low fares we offer, the excellent customer service and clear timings for the economy growth tickers in the various destinations.
“The number of destinations increased from four when we began in April 2014 to seven, while our fleet also grew from two to four with the addition of two Bombadier Dash-8 Q400 to the already existing Boeing 737-300  during the mentioned period,” he added.
The bold move by Jambojet last year to tap into the coastal tourism circuit of Lamu, Malindi and Ukunda has contributed to the immense growth of passenger numbers in the coastal archipelago. During the past period, the total number of passengers travelling to these three destinations together went up by 71 per cent compared to the previous year.
“While devolution may have played a key role in decentralizing the operations of many organizations that were previously nested in the city - thus increasing executive travels across the country, we also give credit to many Kenyans who have discovered the convenience of flying affordably to their destinations, thirty per cent of them being first time flyers,” Mr. Hondius explained.
Jambojet's load factor - a key measure indicating how many seats flown were actually occupied increased by 10 percentage points to 77%.
“This is the first time ever that any regional operator in Kenya has carried over one million customers within two years of operation,” concluded Willem Hondius.

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, NAIROBI UPPER HILL OFFICIALLY OPENED

Investor and property developer Micheal Kairu hands over a symbolic key to Rezidor President Wolfgang Neumann and General Manager Jens Brandin

Radisson Blu Nairobi Upper Hill was officially opened on Friday, January 22, 2016 by the Rezidor Hotel Group President and CEO Mr Wolfgang Neumann.

”We are delighted to be in Nairobi, Kenya. It is one of the markets we have had our sights set on for some time and I would like to thank our partners for their trust in us. This opening further strengthens our leading position in Africa as we look forward to growing the brand across the region, including Kenya where we have two others in the pipeline,” said Wolfgang M Neumann President & CEO of Rezidor.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has one of the largest pipeline of hotels and rooms under development by any international hotel operator on the continent. Earlier in the year it announced plans to open a second property in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with at least two others lined up in Kenya in the near future. The Group is also looking to set up in Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda in the near future.
 Guests staying at the hotel have a choice of three contemporary room designs from the sleek Urban Room style to the New York Mansion or the Naturally Cool themes with views over the Nairobi city skyline or the Nairobi National Park.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, boasts a number of signature dining concepts allowing guests to experience the tastes and traditions of Kenya within the comfort of the hotel. The Chop House provides a holistic dining experience that highlights modern African cuisine while The Larder offers all-day dining serving local favourites as well as international dishes with an African twist.

The property offers one of the best equipped and largest conference facilities with 14 meeting rooms as well as a spacious 590-square-metre ballroom for a reception, gala or other special occasion.

“The hotel is a modern salute to Radisson Blu’s design heritage and innovative spirit, and Kenya’s vibrant culture. Our global travellers can continue to expect the very best of Radisson Blu stylish, sophisticated and iconic experience in Kenya’s capital city,” said Marc Descrozaille, Area Vice President Sub-Saharan Africa for The Rezidor Hotel Group.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has an extensive Responsible Business Programme, launched in January 2012 with a target to reduce energy consumption across the whole business by 25% in five years. One of the initiatives under the programme is ’Think Planet’ under which the Group has planted over 140,000 trees in Limuru, where Neumann will visit. The initiative empowers the local community and reduces the company’s environmental footprint. Each tree offsets one tonne of carbon.

”We believe in minimising our environmental footprint and taking care of the health and safety of guests. We have a target to reduce our energy consumption by 25% and are on course to achieve this. The project in Limuru is just one of the many projects we have globally,” said Neumann. Neumann will also visit the SOS Village, an initiative he is passonate about having climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in 2014 to raise funds for house No. 15.

Emerging Technologies at Consumer Electronics Show

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) – or drones as they are more commonly known – had a disruptive effect in the recently held  Consumer Electronics Show this year with many new vendors entering the market, including many low-price players from the market.
Drones targeted at consumers are still in their infancy, and there could be a greater emphasis placed on the aesthetics of drones as well as using artificial intelligence to deliver better performance and more features. For drones to achieve more mainstream success they need to demonstrate use beyond photography and video, as well as navigate regional regulatory issues.
There have been robots of one type or another at Consumer Electronics Show for years and their capabilities are increasing every year. The potential of robots has been recognized for decades, and devices on display at CES are finally starting to reach these lofty standards. Robots at CES range from the promising to the absurd, but each passing year sees the intiuative technology move closer and closer to the mainstream.
While most consumers are familiar with these wearables, in ear smart technology known as hearables are set to enter the public consciousness for the first time at CES. Smart ear buds such as the Bragi Dash contain biometric trackers, ambient noise filtering and a consumer centric control interface. These smart headphones represent the first viable audio focused wearable technology, and they certainly won’t be the last
Another key product will be OLED TV. LG decided to venture into OLED technology not too long ago. This is despite the numerous misconceptions about the technology by other companies. Now LG’s investments are ready to pay off as they increase their production capacity for its OLED TVs, while other companies are still using the RGB OLED which they are struggling to get viable yield levels for the technology to go mainstream.
CES 2016 has ushered in the era of the sub-2000 USD OLED TV, a huge step forward for the responsive technology and its primary champion. With OLED coming closer and closer to competing on price with LCD making it more consumer centric , there is genuine cause for excitement among OLED supporters going in to CES.
The competition in OLED technology is bound to move up a notch in 2016 with LG debuting a new OLED bendable 55 inch television set which will be able to use wire batteries thus allowing it to be flat and portable. This allows the consumer to be able to roll it up and carry it around. With these new innovative and futuristic new products LG is undoubtedly trendsetting in producing revolutionary products in 2016 and years to come.

Wrigley sponsors 2016 Nairobi Restaurant Week

 Head of Corporate Affairs Wrigley Company (EA) Wanja Mwangi whips up a meal as instructed by Hector Boo Sanchez, Head Chef Brew Bistro Woodvale Grove during the recent press launch of the 2016 Nairobi Restaurant Week.
 

Nairobi’s culinary scene is once again set to tantalize residents as this year’s edition of the Nairobi Restaurant week is set to take place between 28th January and 07th February 2016.
As some of Nairobi’s finest food connoisseurs will meet to offer diners an exemplary dining experience, the Wrigley Company - the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of gum, through its East Africa subsidiary has partnered with the organizers to enlighten participants about oral care practices on-the-go.
“Our oral care brand falls right at the heart of the Nairobi Restaurant Week. We are glad to be part of it and hope that our partnership with EatOut will go a long way in enlightening participants about oral care practices on-the-go,” said Wrigley East Africa Corporate Affairs Head Wanja Mwangi.
Nairobi Restaurant is a celebration of the city’s colourful culinary scene. It brings together over 50 sit-down restaurants across the city offering dazzling food and sparkling service for a one-week period.
The roaring success of the inaugural Nairobi Restaurant Week in January 2014 which was extended to two weeks due to demand is a testament to the growing dining culture in Nairobi.
In major cities around the world, Restaurant week has been a proven tradition and has registered success in the country as well.
“We are essentially seeking to create healthy habits and reaching consumers through our oral care brand; Orbit. Through our Eat Drink Chew campaign, we believe in educating consumers on the benefits of sugar free gum such as its ability to wash away food debris and remineralize tooth enamel to help strengthen teeth,” added Ms Mwangi.
Wrigley has been championing the oral health agenda in Kenya notably the recent commissioning and release of the first ever national oral health survey through the Ministry of Health and The University of Nairobi in November last year.
The survey was carried out to ascertain the burden of select oral diseases, oral health seeking behavior, determinants of oral health, risk factors, as well as the implication on oral health related quality of life.  The resultant findings will be useful in planning oral health care delivery in Kenya.

The company partners with dental professionals, supports scientific research and collaborates with governments, organizations and corporate partners to make a difference to oral health worldwide.

Lifestyle and Food Bloggers at the #NRW2016 Media Launch