Vertical Video makes a footprint in the filmmaking industry.

The LG G6 Vertical Film Festival

The growth of technology and social media in the past decade has affected the society as a whole from a technical standpoint; more so the use of social media intertwined with the new advanced smartphones in the market.

Vertical video has emerged to be the next big thing in the filmmaking industry.  Brands and innovators are now making the shift from the conventional horizontal screen to the vertical video which is easily consumed on a smartphone.

Corporate companies are fast realizing the power of storytelling through vertical videos. With a large percentage of the consumer market going digital, vertical videos have turned into one of the biggest innovations of the century.
The rise of social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram have enabled consumers to share live content with people all over the world. Live feeds have encouraged people to channel their creativity and share special moments from their daily lives.

The advancement of technology in the smartphone is truly impressive. Filmmakers can now shoot an entire production entirely on their smartphone. Features such as the full built-in HD, dual cameras, editing, shooting modes and stabilization have taken smartphone shooting to another level.

This innovation will soon see a tide change for video makers. This year will see global innovators in film be recognized for their efforts in disrupting the film landscape. Vertical Video will soon have its place at the Cannes Film festival; the world’s most prestigious celebration of film. LG recently held the LG G6 18:9 Vertical Film Festival to appreciate talent from around the world and get a feel of the vertical picture perspective.

Filmmakers made use of the unique features of the G6 such as the dual cameras, the expert shooting modes, the water and dust resistant features to create world class videos.
“We are committed in exceeding the expectations of our consumers and empowering amateur filmmakers to create inspiring content through their smartphones,” said Moses Marji, LG East Africa marketing Manager.

Vertical video will completely change the film industry; bringing a new era of filmmakers in a space that was typically dominated by vast production companies and household names.

BRINGING THE BEST OF MUSIC VIA LG

Music, it surrounds us every day and everywhere. Recent studies show that at any given moment between 8am and 10pm, there is a high chance that over 50% of the world will have engaged in listening to music understating that music plays a key role in our day to day lives.

 Music and society have been interlinked since the past times. From playing traditional drum beats to playing the flute to the current in house quality production of songs, humans have had a correlation towards music as it facilitates communication which goes beyond words, enables meanings to be shared, and promotes the development and maintenance of individual, group, cultural and national identities and acts as a form of expression.

Music has the power to induce multiple responses – physiological, movement, mood, emotional, cognitive and behavioral. Few other stimuli have effects on such a wide range of human functions such as human development in early years.

Gone were the days where access to music would take an arm and a leg to listen to it. As trends emerge, the world of music wasn’t left behind as it also evolved. Never before in the history of humanity have so many different kinds of music been so easily available to so many people.  One can access a library of music at the click of a button. From phones to streaming services, music is all around us.

More than just a creative outlet, the type of music we listen to say a lot about one’s character and picture of oneself as it influences our behavior in ways which are beyond our conscious awareness.

When it comes to the delivery of music, one requires a top notch of sound system that will deliver high sound quality accounting for each and every instrument, pitch and tone and this is can be found in none other than LG’s Loudr Sound Systems.

Other than offering incredible sound quality, the Loudr system is able to integrate advanced DJ functions that allow users to control sound output to ensure that no two listening experiences are alike. It comes with a robust 600W output and powerful bass play music with high clarity and impressive volume. Its sparkle and speaker lighting provides more fun in the dark. Karaoke nights will be complete with its star dual input feature of this LG Loudr speaker system and easy usability.

“We strive to bring the best in each and every product we set out to invest in at LG, and the Loudr sound system is an addition to the family full of creativity and fun. With great sound quality, sound effects and lighting effects, it allows users to enjoy their music day in day out with its easy usability functions.” explained Moses Marji, General Manager Marketing LG Electronics.

KENYA RAILWAYS RECEIVES ADDITIONAL LOCOMOTIVES AND WAGONS FOR SGR OPERATIONS

Barely two weeks to the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Mombasa - Nairobi Service, Kenya Railways today received additional 17 freight locomotives, six (6) shunting locomotives, 50 flat wagons for containers and 4 unit cranes for use in the SGR operations. The consignment was offloaded today under the supervision of the Principal Secretary, Transport, Prof. Paul. M. Maringa, Kenya Railways engineers, China Road and Bridge Corporation, the EPC contractor for Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway project, and the project supervisor, TSDI-APEC-EDON Consortium (TAEC).

The locomotives and rolling stock are a key deliverable under SGR as they are the means by which the high capacity Standard Gauge Railway will deliver Kenya's promise to her customers, including the cargo owners. The locomotives will provide a vital service to the Nation and help address the growing congestion on the roads in the country, with operations on the line expected to stimulate economic activity especially in the areas traversed by the Standard Gauge Railway line. The 25 tonne axle flat wagons on the other hand, can carry a payload of 70 tonnes and are designed to run at 120 km/h. So far, the country has received 25 freight locomotives out of the 43 on order; the full order of five (5) passenger and eight (8) shunting locomotives; the full order of 40 Passenger coaches, as well as 763 Wagons out of the 1,620 on order.

Speaking on site at the Mombasa Port during the offloading of the locomotives and wagons, the Transport Principal Secretary Prof. Paul M. Maringa said that the government was keen on optimizing the SGR for freight transport; destined locally and to the region - Uganda, Rwanda Burundi, South Sudan and DRC.

“The SGR is the backbone of Kenya’s multi modal infrastructure development and thus it will play a key role is spurring economic growth. It is expected that freight uptake via SGR will considerably increase rail transport capacity from the port once the operations commence in December 2017, and in accordance with the commitment made in the Mombasa Port Community Charter, signed in June 2014,” he explained.

Operation of freight services is scheduled to begin once the expansion and modernisation of the Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD) is completed and handling equipment provided and installed. General freight will be offloaded at Nairobi Terminus, whose construction is generally complete. Kenya Railways will operate the freight trains between Mombasa Port and Nairobi as per the traffic volumes available. The freight tariffs are being determined and will be published in time for the commencement of the operations. The customers are guaranteed high capacity trains with trailing loads of up to 4,000 tonnes, and high quality freight service with a transit time of 10 hours on average between Mombasa and Nairobi.

According to the Feasibility Study Report, SGR operations would reduce freight transportation costs compared to roads transport costs particularly as the volume offered to SGR increases. The cost of moving goods across borders has become increasingly important as the EAC market players continue to position their products in the global market.

On his part, Kenya Railways' SGR Project Manager, Eng. Maxwell Mengich said, “Kenya Railways is ready to play its part in growing the country’s economy. We are working with the relevant agencies to ensure that all the interventions required at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot are ready to handle the freight once we roll out the service. We have also put in place sufficient spares and a robust maintenance programme to minimize on locomotive failures and achieve best performance in line with global practices,” he said.

The railway will operate both freight and passenger trains and being a single line, 33 crossing stations have been provided to facilitate crossing of trains. Seven (7) of these stations will handle passenger trains, which will in addition be given priority over the freight trains along the line in order to achieve shorter transit times.

Jambojet Selects Q400 for Fleet Renewal and Expansion

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft confirms that Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC) has converted an option on one Q400 aircraft to a firm order. The Moscow-based leasing company, now with two Q400 on firm order, has successfully concluded a leasing agreement with Jambojet Limited (Jambojet) of Kenya for both aircraft.
“This agreement for these next generation turboprops signifies a key development in IFC’s international leasing business,” said Alexander Rubtsov, Director General, IFC. “The demand for high-performance turboprops, such as the Q400, continues to expand and we are pleased to enter into this new lease with Jambojet.”
Jambojet is expected to take delivery of the first leased Q400 aircraft in May 2017, and the second aircraft later this year. The delivery of these two aircraft will increase the fleet of Q Series turboprops in Africa to over 120 aircraft including about 70 Q400 aircraft.
“We are impressed with the level of professionalism that IFC exhibited throughout the process that led to this first agreement, and are delighted to have found a trusted and reliable partner to support our development plans,” said Willem Hondius, Chief Executive Officer, Jambojet. “The Q400 aircraft’s performance has exceeded our expectations on all fronts. With its low operating costs and best-in-class passenger experience, the Q400 turboprop has helped us optimize and expand our operations and is undeniably the backbone of Jambojet’s growth strategy.”
“We are proud of the Q400 aircraft continued success in Africa. Jambojet’s operations illustrate the capabilities and qualities of the Q400 aircraft that make it uniquely suitable for the region,” said Jean- Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle-East and Africa at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 is a valuable asset for owners and operators, and we are confident that IFC and Jambojet will find many more opportunities to mutually benefit from the aircraft’s outstanding economics and performance.”
Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 573 Q400 aircraft.

LG’s Hub Robots, disrupts smart home technology.

LG’s continued vigorous research and development, has yet made a breakthrough in a world where all devices and appliances usability can be intelligent and connected, transforming the way we live, work, and experience the world.

LG’s Hub Robot has been able to tie up the entire Smart home together under a single user-friendly interface – the Amazon Alexas voice recognition technology

The  technology, allows the robot to connect to other smart LG home appliances uniting them into a single streamlined ecosystem, hence addressing the longtime challenge of incompatible networks and smart ecosystems that prevented internet of things (IoT) powered smart homes from taking off.

“Our Hub Robot has enabled us to transform our home appliances to be smart, useful products for everyday consumers – thanks to Amazon Alexas voice control technology. So far the technology has been the game changer in IoT connectivity. It’s flexible and innovation-driven.”  LG East Africa Marketing Manager Moses Marji commented.

Leveraging on the incredible LG Hub robots, Marji noted that LG want to bring consumers the possibility of not just a smart home, but a truly intelligent home – one that enables their consumers to automate their home and control it as they want.

The hub robots keeps the family in sync by keeping track of all activities occurring inside the house while simultemously personalizing itself to each individual member of the household.

“At LG, we have long recognized the importance and potential of internet of Things powered smart homes, and the need for significant investment in disruptive technology with advanced networks that communicate and bring individual components together in order to increase the efficiency of the entire house.” Marji added.

By making the benefits of connected IoT technology more accessible than ever before, The Hub Robot is positioned to become the true center piece of the next generation of smart homes.

LG’S NEW AIRPORT GUIDE ROBOT MAKING LIFE EASIER.

The rapid growth of technology and robots in the last ten years has been on the rise as more and more innovations are brought up to assist us with our day to day lives. Without any doubt LG leads the chasing pack when it comes to the innovation and creation of this.

Though robots can have a positive impact in the society, many also fear of its potential dangers such as invasion of privacy and losses of jobs and as we have seen in most futuristic movies such as The Terminator, Artificial Intelligence take over in which the robots take over the world.

Often viewed as merely machines capable of performing automated work, robots were used to take on jobs that required incredible precision or were too dangerous for humans to undertake themselves.

This though has changed in recent years as developers have been able to come up with intelligent machines that have its own thinking capacity. This has given the rise to new opportunities through robots to be explored such industrial operations, space exploration and medical innovations.

For most travellers, most if not all enjoy flying across different countries for various purposes such as work and holidays. But the major hustle and bustle comes when one arrives at the airport three hours prior due to the hectic nature of airports. Some of the world’s largest airports are incredibly complex and are constantly bustling with thousands of people travelling from one destination to another, scrambling to locate their luggage, the never ending lines and trying to locate where ones flight is located. Security checks are another threat as we all have to ensure we are safe.

LG’s Airport Guide Robot applies advanced technology to eliminate such stress with its design and user friendly features. This robot acts as the perfect human airport worker that never tires and loses its amiable demeanor.

This advanced technology by LG is able to undertake tasks such as scan ticket barcodes to provide flight and gate information, as well as show time and weather of the travelers destination to get you ready for what’s lying ahead. It can also speak in four different languages which are Korean, Chinese, English and Japanese and is equipped with potent voice recognition technology reducing ones stress at the airport.

“We continuously strive to make a better tomorrow for our consumers and with the new Airport Guide, the continuous running we occasionally see at the airport as one tries to catch a flight can cease to exist.” Moses Marji, LG East Africa Marketing Manager said.

LG TARGETS PHONE DURABILITY TO ENHANCE USER EXPERIENCE

The rapid growth in the number of smartphone users has been on the rise annually. From 2014 where we had 1.5 billion users to the current 2.34 billion users and further projected 3billion users by the year 2020, the growth is fast and rapid.

This however is due to a number of key things the mobile industry has put into effect over the years making it one of the most constantly used forms of technology in the modern day. LG has done this by consistently placing and emphasizing on delivering user- friendly products that boast features such as increased screen size, longer battery life and single handed usability that are designed with specific appeal to key user demographics.

One key factor that LG has been able to bring out forward is its durability on its smartphones. Previously, phones such as the flip phone were too heavy or too large for the consumer.

Though most smartphones are similar in design and template, there is a vast difference in the type of materials that go into manufacturing the device. Such materials determine a number of factors such as its weight, durability and how thin the phone can be as well as its ergonomic usability.

LG’s phones with no doubt have are sleek when it comes to design from the curved rear panel of the G4 to the durable V20 that was recently ranked as one of the most durable phones in the recently concluded Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The LG V20 undertook a number of conducted tests that were conformed to U.S military standards, the results of which showed that the phone can survive repeated drops landing in a variety of positions.

“ Although the progress of smartphones is on the rise, a number of key issues have been neglected by developers such as the durability of the phone, at LG, we ensure that phones can be durable to breaking and at the same time look fashionable and its outcome is astonishing” explained Moses Marji, General Manager Marketing LG Electronics.

At the same time LG is also ensuring that the screen to bezel ratio is way above 85% ensuring that the smartphones have more screen coverage hence enhancing usability, convenience and user experience.