Chris Infotainment

President Lee Jae-myung recently captured the attention of both the public and media by sharing a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping, taken using a Xiaomi smartphone during his visit to Beijing. This event has led to a significant promotional campaign by Xiaomi Korea. Xiaomi Korea announced on the 9th that it would launch a price discount promotion for its flagship smartphone, the ‘Xiaomi 15 Ultra.’ The promotion ran from that day until the 15th, offering the device—which normally retails for 1,699,000 Korean won—for 1,299,000 Korean won, a 400,000 Korean won discount over approximately one week. The model being discounted is the same one that President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung used to take a selfie with President Xi and Peng Liyuan on the 5th, which attracted considerable public interest. The device was gifted to President Lee by President Xi during the November APEC summit in Gyeongju last year. Cheong Wa Dae confirmed that President Lee personally instructed his sta...

Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold, marking a significant step in its journey to redefine mobile technology through innovative form factors. This new device represents the culmination of a decade of foldable technology advancements, showcasing Samsung's engineering excellence tailored for multi-folding designs. The Galaxy Z TriFold is not just a phone; it's a revolutionary tool that combines portability, performance, and productivity in an unprecedented way. The design of the Galaxy Z TriFold is sleek and compact, ensuring it remains a premium phone that doesn't compromise on functionality. When unfolded twice, it reveals a 10-inch display that offers an immersive experience, ideal for both work and entertainment. This screen size provides a best-in-class mobile experience that sets a new standard in the industry. TM Roh, CEO, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the company's commitment to pushi...

Huawei's Dominance in the Foldable Smartphone Market Huawei has solidified its position as a leader in the foldable smartphone market, holding nearly 70% of China's market share in the first three quarters of the year, according to research firm IDC. The company is further strengthening its presence with the global launch of the Mate X7, a device that marks a significant step forward in both design and functionality. The Huawei Mate X7, which was released in China last month, features a thickness of 4.5mm (0.2 inches) when unfolded. The device, including the battery, weighs up to 236 grams. This slim profile makes it one of the most compact foldable smartphones available on the market. The phone was rolled out globally at an event in Dubai on Thursday, where it was showcased alongside other new products from Huawei. One of the standout features of the Mate X7 is its 5,600mAh battery, which promises "all-day battery life" thanks to a heat-dissipation system. The com...

The Shift Toward a Cashless Economy in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe is standing at the edge of a major financial transformation. While the country has long struggled with cash shortages, currency instability, and shifting monetary policies, the next five years could represent the most significant shift yet—potentially leading to the near-total replacement of physical cash with digital payments, mobile money, and advanced financial technologies. What once seemed like an inconvenience—queues at ATMs, cash premiums, and the scarcity of small change—has gradually pushed Zimbabweans toward a digital-first culture. The question now is no longer whether the nation is moving toward a cashless economy, but how fast, and who will be left behind. A Rapid Adoption of Digital Finance Few countries have adopted digital finance as quickly and organically as Zimbabwe. Unlike developed nations that spent decades building electronic payment infrastructure, Zimbabweans embraced digital money out of necessity. T...

Samsung Dominates Thailand's Smartphone Market in Q3 2025 Samsung has once again solidified its position as the leading smartphone brand in Thailand, securing the number one spot in the third quarter of 2025 with a commanding 24% market share. This achievement underscores the company’s strategic approach to catering to both high-end and budget-conscious consumers. According to analysis from Omdia, a global technology research and consulting firm, Samsung’s success can be attributed to its diverse product lineup. The company has effectively targeted different segments of the market by launching premium devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which appeals to tech-savvy users looking for cutting-edge features. At the same time, Samsung has introduced more affordable models like the Galaxy A07 and Galaxy A17, which have gained popularity among price-sensitive consumers. Strong Competition from Chinese Brands While Samsung leads the market, it is not without competition. Chinese brand...

A New Era of Digital Gifting in Nigeria As Nigerians increasingly turn to digital methods to connect and celebrate during the festive season, MTN Nigeria has launched its Y’ello Data Gifting initiative as part of the broader MTN Y’ello Tide. This campaign is designed to encourage customers to share data with their loved ones while also offering them a chance to win prizes worth millions of naira. The initiative highlights how digital connectivity can be an exciting way to gift this season, reinforcing that MTN is providing more value at a time when it's most needed. The campaign runs from December 1 to 25, with daily rewards such as Samsung smartphones and ₦20,000 shopping vouchers for the top 20 data gifters each day. As a core part of MTN Y’ello Tide, the data gifting experience allows customers to enjoy more yellow moments through rewards, bonuses, and shared connections. Participants also receive bonus data, with 1GB awarded to those gifting 10GB or more, and 500MB for gifts ...

The Impact of Rising Memory Prices on Samsung's Business In the current era of artificial intelligence (AI), Samsung Electronics' DS (Semiconductor) Division is anticipated to experience a significant boost in performance. This comes as a result of memory supply shortages and rising prices, which are favorable for the company. However, this positive development contrasts with the challenges faced by Samsung's smartphone division (MX). The division is expected to encounter growing concerns due to the increased cost of memory chips, which leads to higher product prices. According to market research firm IDC, the average selling price of smartphones next year is projected to reach a record high due to the rising costs of memory chips. Consequently, global smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 0.9% in the following year. IDC highlighted that Android devices in the mid-to-low price range, which are more sensitive to price changes, will be the most affected. Given th...

Samsung Electronics introduced the ‘Galaxy Z Tri Fold,’ a smartphone with a dual-folding design, on the 2nd. This product represents the culmination of Samsung’s foldable technology development since launching the ‘Galaxy Fold’ in 2019. When folded, it resembles a standard bar-shaped smartphone, but when unfolded, it reveals a large screen comparable to a tablet PC. As Chinese companies increase their share of the foldable phone market and Apple plans to release its own foldable phone next year, Samsung aims to highlight its technological capabilities through this new form factor and maintain its leadership in the foldable market. Folds into a Phone, Unfolds into a Tablet The Galaxy Z Tri Fold features an external screen of 6.5 inches, typical for a smartphone. However, when fully unfolded, it transforms into a 10-inch screen that rivals a tablet PC. The screen is wider than the existing Galaxy Z Fold 7 (8 inches), with a longer horizontal aspect ratio similar to a tablet. The dev...

Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold: A New Era in Foldable Smartphones Samsung Electronics has taken a bold step in the smartphone market with the launch of its first multi-folding device, the Galaxy Z TriFold. This move is aimed at reinforcing its position in a sector where competition is intensifying, particularly from Chinese rivals. The Galaxy Z TriFold represents a significant advancement in foldable technology. Unfolding into a 10-inch display, it uses three panels and is nearly 25% larger than Samsung's latest foldable model, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Priced at about 3.59 million won (US$2,440), the device is designed to appeal to a specific segment of consumers rather than as a mass-market product. Strategic Positioning and Market Expectations Alex Lim, Samsung Electronics executive vice-president and head of the Korea Sales and Marketing Office, believes the foldable market will continue to grow, and the TriFold could act as a catalyst for more explosive growth in key parts of t...

Apple's Return to the Top of the Smartphone Market Apple is set to reclaim its position as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer for the first time in over a decade, surpassing Samsung Electronics. According to a report from Counterpoint Research cited by Bloomberg, Apple is expected to achieve a 19.4% market share in terms of sales volume this year. This marks a significant shift, as it will be the first time since 2011 that Apple has led the global smartphone market in terms of shipments. The growth in iPhone shipments this year is attributed to a 10% increase, outpacing Samsung’s 4.6% growth in Galaxy smartphone shipments. While Apple has long dominated the revenue charts among smartphone manufacturers, Samsung has traditionally held the lead in shipment volume. This discrepancy is due to Apple’s focus on high-end devices with premium pricing, while Samsung offers a broader range of products across different price segments. Factors Behind Apple’s Success Apple’s recen...

Strategic Partnership Between Telecel Group and Huawei Telecel Group and Huawei Technologies have entered into a significant collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on a major network modernization and digital infrastructure project, aimed at boosting Ghana’s telecom innovation and connectivity. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to accelerating technological progress and expanding access to essential services. The MoU outlines a framework for cooperation on the Telecel Ghana Rollout Project, a multi-phase initiative valued at approximately US$70 million. This ambitious project is designed to enhance network performance and deliver next-generation digital services to both consumers and enterprises throughout Ghana. The implementation of the expansion has already begun in November 2025, marking the official start of an extensive rollout that will involve phased network upgrades across key regions of the country. Malek Atrissi, COO o...

A New Era of Storytelling in Nepal In Kathmandu, the streets are filled with coded boards near temples, shrines, and monuments. These digital installations might seem like just another modern addition to the city's landscape. However, a simple smartphone scan reveals something more: a voice narrating centuries of local history, myths, and traditions. This innovation is the brainchild of Saarang, a travel-tech company founded by Sachin Dangi and Diwakar Rizal. Saarang is transforming how locals and foreigners experience Nepal's rich cultural and historical heritage. The name "Saarang" is derived from the traditional Nepali string instrument, the saarangi, which was once used by traveling musicians to tell stories through song. This name symbolizes Saarang's mission: to continue Nepal’s storytelling tradition in a modern form across multiple languages. What started as an experiment has now grown into a network spanning over 250 locations across Nepal, from Budan...

The Global Shift in Classroom Technology Across the world, governments are rethinking the role of digital devices in classrooms. Digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches, are electronic tools that enable communication, information access, and interactive learning. While they have become central to modern education, their overuse is now under scrutiny. Countries once hailed for their rapid embrace of technology are now reversing course, citing evidence of declining attention spans, concentration, difficulty with information retention, and a rise in what experts call digital dementia, a condition where overdependence on screens leads to memory lapses, poor focus, and a decline in cognitive abilities once strengthened by handwriting, deep reading, and sustained attention. South Korea recently passed a landmark law to ban mobile phones and digital devices in classrooms beginning March 2026, after surveys revealed that more than a third of students admitted...

The Evolution of Phone Calling: A New Era in Communication The traditional way of holding a phone to your ear while making a call is slowly becoming a thing of the past, according to recent research. This shift in behavior is particularly evident among younger generations, especially Gen Z in the UK. A growing number of people are adopting alternative methods that reflect modern lifestyles and technological advancements. Changing Habits Among Younger Generations A new study by Talkmobile reveals that almost half of Gen Z Brits never use the conventional method of holding their phone to their ear. Instead, they opt for more hands-free approaches. Over a third of them choose to shout into their mobile phones while using the loudspeaker or walk-and-talk using earbuds. These trends have even been given names—Proudhailers and Walkie-Squawkies—highlighting the evolving ways in which people interact through their devices. Talkmobile, a company that has won nine customer care awards in the...

Strategic Vision for Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation Sri Lanka is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to technology and communications, with SLT-Mobitel playing a central role in this evolution. The company's Chairman, Dr. Mothilal De Silva, has emphasized that Mobitel will provide maximum support to the government's initiative to establish Sri Lanka as a technology and communications hub in the region. He highlighted that the company will remain fully committed to the objectives of the "Digital Sri Lanka" program, ensuring alignment with both national goals and corporate strategies. SLT-Mobitel has emerged as a strategic enabler for the nation, driving Sri Lanka's digital future through its innovative efforts. Following a robust financial recovery, the company has transitioned into a thriving national asset that supports the country's digitalization efforts and fuels economic growth across all sectors. Financial Recovery and Future G...

Introducing a New Telecommunications Service SK Telecom has introduced a new telecommunications service brand designed for customers who use only unlocked devices. On the 1st, the company announced the launch of its new service, ‘Air’ , which is specifically tailored for users of such devices. This move reflects the increasing popularity of unlocked devices among consumers. Targeting the 2030 Generation The key feature of Air is its focus on the 2030 generation, who value practicality by reducing financial burdens and avoiding unnecessary add-on services. The service offers simplified pricing plans with a data-centric approach. These plans are categorized into six tiers based on 5G core data usage ranges. Monthly fees range from 29,000 to 58,000 Korean won. The most affordable plan, ‘Air 7GB’ , provides 7GB of data, unlimited calls, and basic text messaging. All plans allow continued usage at a designated speed without extra charges after the basic data is exhausted. Reward Syst...

Exciting New Features in PUBG MOBILE Version 4.0 PUBG MOBILE, one of the most popular mobile games globally, has launched its Version 4.0 Update, offering an exciting blend of spooky fun, improved performance, and unique content inspired by Africa. This update introduces new game modes, enhanced gameplay, and immersive experiences, alongside initiatives aimed at empowering young creators and university students across the continent. At the center of this update is the eerie Wraithmoor Mansion, where players can encounter ghostly companions, supernatural threats, and even fly on a Magic Broom. The World of Wonder (WOW) mode also sees major improvements with new creator tools, visual programming capabilities, vehicles, and items that allow players to build and explore. Classic Mode gets a complete overhaul with the addition of the powerful Mortar weapon, improved reloading mechanics, and smoother weapon handling. A new gameplay experience called UNFAIL mode is introduced, where player...

Apple introduced the 'real-time interpretation' feature on the 19th alongside the launch of its wireless earbuds, the 'AirPods Pro 3'. When speaking in English while using the AirPods, the conversation is interpreted in real time, so the other person's AirPods receive the translation in Portuguese. Samsung Galaxy smartphones also have a feature that automatically interprets conversations with foreigners through the 'Interpretation' app. When using the wireless earbuds, Buzz, users can listen to the translated content via voice. As AI has become integrated into smart devices, it is now possible to translate different languages using just a smartphone and wireless earbuds. Without needing to install a separate translation app, having a smartphone connected to wireless earbuds allows users to listen to English in Korean and speak Korean to be conveyed in English. Then, can these features truly break down all language barriers like the interpretation devices i...

The Role of iPhone Crash Detection in a Recent UTV Accident A recent incident involving a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) accident in Kentucky highlights the potential benefits and limitations of Apple's crash detection software. According to local news reports, the Hayes Crossing-Haldeman Fire and Rescue team responded to an accident where a UTV had gone off a cliff in Rowan County. While the passengers were not injured, their survival was largely attributed to an alert from the iPhone’s crash detection feature. The Search and Rescue team later shared a message emphasizing the importance of keeping crash detection enabled on iPhones or Apple Watches when engaging in outdoor activities such as riding ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, or other vehicles. They also mentioned that Life 360 offers a similar crash detection option, which proved crucial in locating the two individuals involved in the incident. For those familiar with the author’s previous discussions, it is clear that they advocate ...

The Promise and Challenges of Mobile Learning in Ghana On a dusty afternoon in a village outside Sunyani, I observed a group of senior high students gathered around a single smartphone. They weren’t scrolling through social media; instead, they were revising past exam questions using an app designed for low data usage. When the power went out, the app saved their progress and allowed them to continue learning offline the next day. One student looked up and said, “If this was in every school, I’d never miss a lesson.” This moment encapsulates the potential—and the challenge—of mobile learning in Ghana: can affordable devices, smart design, and locally relevant content help overcome long-standing educational barriers? The answer is yes—but only if policies, design, and resources align properly. The Reality on the Ground Ghana has made significant strides in digital adoption. By the start of 2025, there were approximately 24.3 million internet users, representing about 70% penetration...