Leading African streaming service Showmax has partnered with KwaZulu-Natal’s largest local manufacturer of electronic products, QVWi, a Skyworth Digital Company, to bridge the technology and accessibility gap with a range of affordably priced streaming devices.
From 1 August 2024, select devices will come preloaded with Showmax as a pre-installed app and a complimentary two-month subscription to Showmax Entertainment.
One of the most pocket-friendly and easy-to-use devices is the QVWi Leap TV S2 streaming stick with built-in Google Chromecast technology. The Google-based streaming device transforms almost any TV into a smart TV capable of running the latest app technology. Simply plug the device into the TV’s HDMI port and start streaming shows directly from the Showmax app to the TV. Also available is the Leap S3 streaming TV box and a range of smart TVs, which provide easy access to Showmax’s extensive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more, at an affordable price point. Showmax Entertainment offers an unbeatable selection of everything from the latest HBO to The Real Housewives of Durban, Lagos, and Nairobi.
A key differentiator for Showmax is being a leading investor in local original content, such as drama series Adulting; iconic documentaries like Tracking Thabo Bester; and trending reality shows like The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa. Since its relaunch in February, a record 40 Showmax Originals have been added to the platform, from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Showmax Originals continue to generate widespread acclaim. Spinners became the first African series ever to screen at CanneSeries, before going on to beat the Emmy-winning final season of Succession to win Best Foreign TV Series at the 29th Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Awards, one of the biggest accolades in Asia. Similarly, Catch Me A Killer was the first South African series ever to screen at Series Mania. At Kenya’s Kalasha Awards this year, The Real Housewives of Nairobi was named Best TV Show, while Pepeta took home Best TV Drama and the Viewer’s Choice Award. And at the upcoming kykNET Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV, Koek is the most-nominated drama series overall.
Showmax also focuses on delivering top international content, including the three biggest films of last year – Barbie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and 2024 Best Picture Oscar winner Oppenheimer – as well as hit series like HBO’s House of the Dragon. July highlights include two of the biggest hits of 2024 so far: The Beekeeper, with Jason Statham, and the musical remake of Mean Girls, not to mention Anyone But You, the biggest romcom at the global box office since 2016.
The QVWi Leap TV streaming stick is priced competitively with a recommended retail price of R999, ensuring affordability and access to streaming while removing the expense, waste and inconvenience of upgrading older model TVs to support the latest streaming technology.
Showmax CEO Marc Jury says,
“We are thrilled to partner with QVWi to bring these innovative, affordable streaming devices to the market. Our goal has always been to make entertainment accessible to everyone. This partnership helps us achieve our mission to be the home of streaming for Africa by providing our customers with more affordable options to enjoy our fantastic content.”
QVWi Retail CEO Nazim Cassim adds,
“Collaborating with Showmax allows us to leverage our technological expertise to create products that enhance the user experience. These devices provide a smooth and lag-free viewing experience that will immerse you in the action, whether you’re binge-watching a show or enjoying a blockbuster movie. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible sights and sounds that await you.”
Coming up in July and August viewers can look forward to a wealth of Original and international content including the ongoing House of the Dragon Season 2, satirical political drama The Regime Season 1 with Kate Winslet, all of Africa’s Housewives in action including The Real Housewives Girls Trip: South Africa Season 1, new Showmax Original family sitcom One Weeks, and the upcoming The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice Season 1, arriving 8 August.
The new QVWi devices will be available from 1 August 2024 in all leading retailers and include a range of streaming devices as well as smart TVs.
Pricing for the bundled deals includes the following:
- S2 Streaming Stick + 2 months Showmax. From R999
- S3 Streaming Box + 2 months Showmax. From R1199
- 50” 4K UHD TV + 2 months Showmax. From R5999
- 55” 4K UHD TV + 2 months Showmax. From R6799
- 65” 4K UHD TV. From R9999
QVWi Leap TV Streaming Device Key Features
- Compatibility with a wider range of TVs and home entertainment systems
- A premium HD viewing experience
- Lightning-fast processors, dual-band Wi-Fi, and up to 100M ethernet support, which deliver a smooth and lag-free viewing experience
- Chromecast built-in technology for cordless viewing at the tap of a button using a phone, tablet, or laptop
- Easy-to-navigate interface for users of all ages
- One TV home screen with a library of apps
- A Google Assistant button on the voice remote that can be used to request specific shows or search by genre, actor, and more
- Personalised recommendations and watchlists based on individual subscription and viewing habits
- Bluetooth compatibility, allowing users to manage connected devices from one hub