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DionWired shows off its new cutting-edge tech lineup

DionWired invited us to have a look at the retailer’s newest lineup of tech at its flagship store at the Mall of Africa last night, and we came away pretty impressed.

Turns out, DionWired isn’t your usual box-pusher – instead, the company seems intent on making bleeding edge tech available to South African consumers.

To that end, we were shown three new product ranges coming soon to a DionWired store near you: the latest generation of Parrot drones (both the flying and the driving kind), a dedicated VR centre where people can have hands-on with Samsung’s Gear VR and lastly, a selection of surprisingly affordable 3D printers.

There’s no place like drone

I was shown Parrot’s latest flying drones by a helpful representative, who told me the newest models have 1080p/60fps cameras that can be directed from within the app used to fly them, flying time of up to 25 minutes, and they’re so cleverly-built that they’re unlikely to break easily. And even if they do, Parrot has a call centre that’ll assist owners with troubleshooting; if that’s unsuccessful, they’ll also help with part replacement.

Parrot Range

The biggest drone on offer went for R12 000, but there are also much smaller ones that have 480p cameras that are cheaper (R3500), and better-suited to drone training. In fact, the Parrot representative said he recommends people start off with the smaller ones in order to grasp the flying basics, and then graduate to the larger drones once they’re comfortable controlling them.

I also heard how drones have become popular with an unlikely-sounding group: wedding photographers; apparently, drones are very useful when it comes to getting the perfect shot of the bride walking down the aisle. It makes sense, in a way, but even so wedding photographers aren’t the first group that springs to mind when I think about drone enthusiasts. I live and learn.

Very real virtual reality

The VR corner proved particularly popular with attendees, whose jaws opened and shut in amazement as they experienced virtual environments for the first time. Having seen my share of amazing VR experiences, I know what they were going through. And yes, I still very much believe VR is truly the future, I can’t wait for it to arrive in force, and it pleased me no end to see new converts being added to the growing number of VR enthusiasts in SA.

VR Enthusiasm
Pictured: a VR convert.

Printing on paper is so 2005

Lastly, the 3D printers on show were hard at work printing various items while we were wined and dined. DionWired had three models on display, including one that retailed for R10 less than R8 000. That’s actually quite affordable for a full-blown 3D printer capable of churning out custom-designed 3D objects, considering they have cost in the region of R10 000 up to now.

3D Printers

DionWired regional operations manager Heindrich Willers told me that the chain is prepared to bring in these kinds of products even if they aren’t the biggest earners for the company, as it’s more important to earn the perception that the store is where South Africans should go if it’s the latest tech they’re after.

Completed 3D Cup
Regional manager Heindrich Willers drinking a toast to 3D-printed cups.

And looking at the store layout and its contents, I have to say the evidence of that intention is everywhere on display.

Expect to find these and other new products in a DionWired store near you, although you may have to visit your closest flagship store if you want access to the full range.

 

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