This significant recognition signifies the SPARK 20 Pro+’s outstanding performance in the international design arena and further illustrates TECNO’s strength in product design.

Organised by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the French Design Awards, recognized as a prestigious international honour within the global design community, prioritizes impartial evaluation with a distinguished panel of globally experienced judges.

By bringing together diverse talents from across the globe, the French Design Awards illuminate the power of design to shape the world and the universal impact of innovative design.

The competition, featuring expert judges from the UK, New Zealand, Portugal, Germany, and more, received over 1,000 entries from 30+ countries, highlighting the universal impact of innovative design across diverse fields.

“It is a privilege for us to extend recognition to global designers through the French Design Awards, a united community that amplifies their profound influence across the design industry,” stated Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of the IAA. He added, “I am pleased to witness the exceptional design features of the SPARK 20 Pro+, and it’s thrilling to observe a remarkable fusion of design and innovation in their product.”

TECNO SPARK 20 Pro+ has been beautifully designed and refined to create a sleek and ergonomic device that appeals to modern, trend-setting Gen-Z users.

Inspired by the universe, the Quadrant Star Array Camera Design of the SPARK 20 Pro+ boasts an impressive 108MP main camera, showcasing a sophisticated visual aesthetic with its symmetrical design.

The 56.5° Ergonomics Double Curved Design, with G3-curvature, offers a sleek 7.55mm body at only 175g, ensuring aesthetics and comfort. Introducing a glasses-free 3D design, the device uses nanoscale photolithography for a unique visual experience and camera module protection.

Beyond the aesthetics of the design, the SPARK 20 Pro+ prioritizes sustainability and user experience. Reflecting an innovative approach, the device offers Magic Skin 2.0, a second-generation advanced silicon leather material, boosting its sustainable and anti-bacterial properties. With Magic Skin, users enjoy a premium and luxurious texture and durability like genuine leather.

SPARK 20 Pro+’s recognition at the French Design Award reaffirms TECNO’s expanding global influence and innovative capabilities, acknowledging the brand’s distinctive fusion of contemporary modern design with cutting-edge technology.

What you should know about TECNO

• TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 countries and regions across five continents.
• Since its launch, TECNO has been revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging global markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies.
• Today, TECNO has developed into a recognized leader in its target markets, delivering state-of-the-art innovation through a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, HiOS operating systems, and smart home products.
• Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals.
• By creating stylish, intelligent products, TECNO inspires consumers worldwide to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures.

“We are close to finalising a deal to provide Cricket South Africa with our innovative Afriwatch1,” says Seati Moloi, CEO and Founder of Khoi Tech. “What impressed the Proteas’ Technical team is not only the ability to collect and report on group training data, but also sleeping data. This kind of information is critical for players’ recovery during tournaments.”

Having only launched in October last year, a vote of confidence like this from the Protea’s is a major step forward for Khoi Tech – a company that differentiates itself from competing multinational smart-watch brands by being innovative.

This approach is exemplified by the Soweto-based tech startup’s work to develop a software application that merges multiple devices in a single database – enabling the provision of programmes for sports team training, employee wellness, doctor to patient remote monitoring and more.

The unique and tailored offering for corporates has resulted in increased interest from various SA companies, government departments and sports teams.

The watch provides real-time information on vital health metrics, including heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation (spo2), stress levels and sleep patterns. This can result in the early detection and management of potential diseases like fevers, heart attacks, or strokes.

Another important feature is the smart watch’s ability to enable real-time alerts to the wearers’ family members and employers in the case of emergencies. This has the potential to save lives.

“With this data at your wrist, quick life-saving interventions become possible, revolutionising personal healthcare,” adds Moloi.

Khoi Afriwatch1 has remarkable battery life, lasting up to four days on a single charge while continuously monitoring vital health data. It supports 12 sports modes, music control, alarm clock, call rejection, message alerts, and even remote phone-camera access.

Khoi Afriwatch smart-watches use open-source apps for individual usage which are compatible to Android, IOS and Huawei operating systems. The open-source apps also easily integrate with other sports and heath applications including Strava, Apple health, Samsung Fit etc.

Supporting local innovation

Khoi Tech created the Afriwatch1 smart-watch in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company then approached Telkom with the concept. After a thorough evaluation, R500 000 was granted through the Telkom FutureMakers Programme for further research and development.

With the financial and resources support provided by Telkom, Khoi Tech has been able to complete its research and development as well as refine the technology.

Khoi Tech conducted clinical trials with a leading Soweto private clinic, Vilakazi Health Care. The trials were to validate Khoi smart watches’ health data against their clinical machines’ data. The data that was tested and validated includes heart rate, body temperature, spo2 and blood pressure with the results of 94% accuracy rate on average.

Khoi Tech is a member of Proudly South Africa and Khoi Afriwatch1 is tested and approved by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

Khoi Afriwatch2, which also includes a blood pressure monitoring feature, will be launched by the end of 2023, as well as other consumer tech products including smart glasses and wireless earphones.

“What Khoi Tech has achieved is a testament to Africa’s potential to develop world-class tech solutions that cater to humanity’s needs not just locally, but globally as well,” says Telkom’s Group Executive for Innovation and Transformation, Dr Mmaki Jantjies. “We are proud to support and invest in local innovation.”