On 1 December DStv Mobile released the latest gadget in their Mobile TV range: the Walka. A handheld TV - as portable as a walkman or ipod, except a full-on TV and every TV junkie's dream.
I've been experimenting with one over the past few days and it's the bomb - it's the sort of thing I've always dreamed of having but that hasn't existed until now.
As you may know, DStv Mobile launched the Drifta USB earlier this year - a USB device that gives you access to various DStv channels on your computer or laptop. It's cool enough but too limited because you have to have a computer to use it.
The Walka doesn't have this limition because it's a self contained device that functions solo so you can watch on-the-go.
Besides the thrill of being able to watch telly without the stress of it being on a cellphone screen or needing a laptop close-by, the thing that really blows my hair back is how trendy it is - the ultimate fash. accessory. Like the future of accessories that people will oggle when you stand in a que and watch.
Here's a close-up of it:
It isn't too small, nor too big - can fit in your pocket. It comes with earphones and has a built-in speaker and stand alone stand.
It receives the reception via DVB-H broadband technology so it has a a small aerial that pulls out.
It runs on a cellphone-like battery that can be charged either on your computer via USB or with a regular plug. I've been impressed with the battery life - I watched loads on Saturday - switching off and on in between - and it used two of the five bars.
These are the channels available on it:
M-Net Series
eNews
CNN
SuperSport Blitz
SuperSport1
SuperSport2
SuperSport3
SuperSport4
Cartoon Network
Discovery
SONY Max
E! Mobile
Africa Magic
Channel O
M-Net Mobile - a mobile version of the channel that doesn't include movies. It's available between 14h00 and about 10h30 daily because of no movies on it. There aren't any movie channels because of broadcast rights etc.
So what are the prices? ... The device itself costs R649. The subscription's free to DStv premium subscribers until 2013 - hopefully they'll extend this once 2013 rolls round.
The subscription costs R36 a month for Compact and all other DStv bouquets - and for those who don't have a DStv subscription. You can get the subscription without needing to sign-up for a DStv bouquet.
The only channel that isn't available to all subscriptions is the M-Net Mobile channel - it isn't available if you don't have a Premium DStv package because of it being a Premium-only channel.
If you know someone who's a TV or gadget junkie or someone who refuses to go out because they insist on watching the sport - it would make a faboo festive gift for them - or for yourself.
They're available at Multichoice and also at Game, Makro and all the big stores so when you're out and about take a look, see what you think and be sure to pose with it too.
I'm dying to take it to the beach and pubs and to wear it in ques. I have to get my car license renewed at the traffic department next week - such an annual yawn but not anymore - I'm
so wearing it while I wait.
Where can you watch from?Mobile reception for the Walka, the Drifta and the Drifta USB is available in nine cities in South Africa: Johannesburg (including Soweto), Nelspruit, Cape Town, Polokwane, Durban, Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Mbombela.
To see if you can get reception in your area, see this map on
DStv's Mobile site:
Am I covered?