For the second time in four months, Spotify is hiking prices in South Africa – this time, though, there’s more value on offer, including lossless (non-compressed) music streaming for the first time. New Premium plans – Lite, Standard and Platinum – are being introduced in five markets around the world: South Africa, India, Indonesia, Saudi…
Following the hardware success of the Steam Deck, Valve is making a major commitment to virtual reality with the official announcement of the Steam Frame. This long-rumoured headset, previously codenamed “Deckard,” is designed to be a versatile, wireless, and “streaming-first” device, launching in early 2026 alongside the newly announced Steam Machine and Steam Controller. Read:…
The Competition Commission found that Google and YouTube reproduce South African news content, but provide no remuneration to local publishers. Google and YouTube have agreed to establish a combined R688 million media support package to fund national, community and vernacular media in SA. This is one of the key recommended remedies in the Competition Commission’s…
Home affairs has gazetted (PDF) a screen talent and global entertainment scheme – abbreviated as Stages – a visa reform aimed at boosting South Africa’s standing as a global destination for film and other creative productions. It introduces a digital platform to process visa applications for international film and creative production companies, cutting red tape…
Rockstar Games has announced another delay for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, pushing its release back from May 26th, 2026, to November 19th, 2026. The title remains slated for launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X / S consoles. Read: Bandwidth Blog & Smile 90.4FM Tech Tuesday: Supersonic plane takes flight! The delay…
Mint Group named 2025 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year. Mint Group today announced it has won 2025 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award. The company was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. “Our recognition as the…
Europe’s telecommunications operators are set to gain access to the bulk of key spectrum coveted also by internet providers, with the backing of an advisory body to the European Commission, people with direct knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday. The issue pits Deutsche Telekom, Orange, TIM, Vodafone and other telecoms companies against Amazon, Apple,…
Apple is reportedly nearing a final agreement to integrate a custom version of Google’s Gemini model into the more capable version of Siri, which is set to debut in 2026. This partnership will see Apple pay Google an estimated $1 billion annually for the technology, according to a report from Bloomberg. Read: Bandwidth Blog &…
Devices and equipment worth over R500 000 have been confiscated. A joint operation in Lenasia on 5 November resulted in the successful seizure of hundreds of illegal streaming devices valued at more than R500 000. This is according to DStv operator MultiChoice, which notes the operation was led by the Johannesburg Hawks Serious Commercial Crime…
Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub Vodacom Group has announced what it has described as a “pivotal” agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide internet access to businesses across Africa. The agreement will also result in expanded rural network coverage. “Integrating Starlink’s satellite backhaul into Vodacom’s mobile network will accelerate network coverage expansion while increasing network…
