IS EVERYTHING OK? SANGOMA GOGO MAWENI DESTROYS HER HOUSE WITH A HAMMER
South African Sangoma Gogo Maweni made headlines as she demolished her house with a hammer in an Instagram video.
Her recent activities have been in the spotlight, especially her high-profile marriage with her husband. They’ve been seen enjoying dinners and exchanging gifts, and she even bought herself a nice birthday gift recently.
However, Gogo Maweni surprised her fans by deciding to destroy her house this time, stating that her emotions got the best of her. She expressed her excitement about starting a new project, which involved building a new house. She didn’t wait for builders and took matters into her own hands, wielding a heavy hammer with surprising strength.
Many were amazed by her ability to handle such a large hammer and break down walls. Some fans speculated that she might be rebuilding her parents’ house, and they praised her for such a generous gesture.
Apple Embraces USB-C: iPhone 15 Ditches Lightning Port Under EU Pressure
Apple’s Bold Move
Apple, the tech giant known for its iconic iPhone, has confirmed a significant departure from tradition. The company announced that its newly unveiled iPhone 15 would no longer feature the proprietary lightning charging port, opting for the USB-C cable as the “universally accepted standard.”
This groundbreaking decision comes after the European Union (EU) exerted pressure on Apple to make the change. In addition to this pivotal shift, Apple introduced a new Apple Watch series with advanced technology. However, not everyone is impressed with the latest announcements from the Cupertino-based company.
Analyst Insights
Ben Wood from CCS Insight remarked, “It isn’t a surprise given the maturity of the iPhone and Watch. It reflects just how refined the iPhone and Watch devices are and how tough it has become to deliver truly disruptive updates every year.” While Apple’s decision aligns with the EU’s push for standardized charging ports, some are concerned about the lack of headline-grabbing updates this year.
Transition Adapter
Apple addressed the transition by releasing a USB-C-to-lightning port adapter priced at £29 ($36). This adapter allows users to connect their existing lightning port accessories to the new USB-C-enabled iPhones or iPads. It’s worth noting that the latest iPhone, set to go on sale next week, is the first to feature an alternative charging port since 2012.
Wider Compatibility
Apple’s shift to USB-C doesn’t stop at the iPhone. The USB-C cable, already compatible with many Apple laptops and iPads, will also work with new versions of AirPods Pro earphones and wired EarPods headphones. This move aligns with the EU’s aim to simplify consumers’ lives, save them money, and reduce electronic waste through charger re-use.
Environmental Commitment
To offset potential concerns about electronic waste, Apple made several environmental pledges during its launch event. The new Apple Watch range will be carbon neutral for the first time. The company plans to increase the use of recycled materials in batteries and other components of the Watch and iPhone. Additionally, Apple is committed to eliminating leather from all its accessories and becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2030.
Enhanced iPhone 15
Apple CEO Tim Cook touted the iPhone 15 range as the “best and most capable iPhones we’ve ever made.” The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature brighter screens and improved camera systems. The high-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come with titanium frames for enhanced durability. These models also feature an “action button” in place of the mute switch, customizable for various functions.
Apple Watch Innovation
The new Apple Watch incorporates gesture control, allowing wearers to answer or end calls with a double tap of two fingers together on the same hand where the device is worn.
Price Considerations
Despite these innovations, some experts question whether consumers will be willing to pay the high price tags for devices that may not appear vastly different from their predecessors. The iPhone 15 starts at £799, and the iPhone 15 Pro starts at £999 in the UK.
Market Dynamics
Apple’s decision to change its charging port comes at a time when the global smartphone market is experiencing shifts. In the second quarter of 2023, the overall smartphone shipments dropped from 294.5 million to 268 million. However, Apple’s shipments experienced the least decline among major smartphone makers, going from 46.5 million phones to 45.3 million, according to Counterpoint Research.
Investor Reaction
Apple’s shares experienced a slight decline on the heels of these announcements, failing to recover from a previous sharp drop triggered by reports of the Chinese government banning officials from using iPhones. The launch of a new smartphone series by Huawei in China added to investor unease.
In conclusion, Apple’s move to adopt USB-C as its standard charging port is a significant shift that aligns with EU regulations and environmental goals. The iPhone 15 and new Apple Watch series offer notable improvements, but their higher price tags may pose challenges in a changing smartphone market landscape. Apple’s commitment to sustainability and recycling, however, reflects the company’s dedication to addressing environmental concerns.
