Author: Duncan Pike

You might’ve seen the news that Microsoft began rolling out the update for Xbox mode to everyone’s Windows PCs this week. You might’ve also seen that just because the announcement was official, and even if you installed the required update, the feature might not be available to you just yet. Well, if you’ve got the update and don’t feel like waiting for Microsoft to give you the go-ahead, you can force your system to give you Xbox mode right now. Here’s exactly how to do that. Give me Xbox mode Before we go any further, you need to know what…

We like flagship products as much as the next person (maybe a little more), but we can also appreciate that not every product gets to be one. Along with the flagships, brands also need the more accessible. That’s what Beyerdynamic is aiming for with the DT 270 Pro. These closed-back, kinda-over, kinda-on-ear headphones forgo high-end features to bring Beyerdynamic sound to more people. Maybe you don’t need active noise cancelling or in-app EQ. Maybe you just want a pair of headphones you can plug into your instrument or editing device — whether that’s your PC, laptop, smartphone, or recording desk.…

Microsoft has announced that ‘Xbox mode’ is finally rolling out to users worldwide. The full-screen, console-inspired overlay is meant to simplify gaming on your Windows-based machine, kinda like Steam’s ‘Big Picture’ mode but Xbox-flavoured. If you already do most of your gaming on your ROG Xbox Ally X, or you’re a Windows Insider, then this probably won’t be a big deal for you. That handheld console shipped with an earlier version of what became ‘Xbox mode’, and Insiders have been able to play with early builds for several months. The rest of us have had to wait. Some will need…

Wilson Audio, the American high-end speaker company, recently unveiled its latest flagship reference-class loudspeaker called the Autobiography, a nod to the company’s storied 52-year history. If you aren’t familiar with Wilson Audio, one look at this thing might make you question what you’re looking at. If you are familiar, you might think it looks awfully similar to the company’s previous flagship, the WAMM Master Chronosonic. Well, in the company’s words, “Autobiography is not a compilation of prior solutions. It is the result of understanding why those solutions succeeded, and how they could be refined, reimagined, and elevated.” Are you sure…

The folks at Logitech must feel like they’re on a roll lately. The company released the Pro X2 Superstrike last month, which introduced gamers to its new haptic inductive trigger system. Next up is the G512 X, a gaming keyboard that supports two different kinds of switches — mechanical and analogue — making this one of the most configurable keyboards on the market. The G512 X enters the fray The G512 X is available in black and white, 75%  and 98% layouts, and supports both Logitech MX mechanical switches and Gateron KS-20 magnetic analogue switches. Sadly, there’s no wireless option.…

Recently, TCL announced its new crop of SQD-MiniLED TVs inbound for South Africa. At the launch event, it showed off the C7L and C8L, which, on the surface, seemed to be the usual iterative updates to the same C-series sets it brought to the country last year, minus the C6 model. But beneath the surface, the new sets are packing upgraded tech we thought was worth unpacking. Before we can get to where we’re going, we need to understand where we’ve come from. Here’s an overview of the current TV landscape. Fair warning, this could get nerdy. What’s cracking with…

The folks at  Sennheiser’s labs have been hard at work. Last year, we got the HD 505, HD 550 and HD 500 BAM, and the impressive HDB 630. Now, they’ve spat out yet another set of cans called the HD 480 Pro. These are wired closed-back over-ear headphones aimed at the folks responsible for the music you enjoy. But that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to play with them, too. High Definition 680 Professional “A perfect balance of accuracy, comfort, and versatility, HD 480 PRO studio headphones empower you to create with focus and confidence in the studio and on…

If you didn’t think there were already enough plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) to go around, you’ll be pleased to know BYD South Africa has rolled out another one in the form of the Atto 8. Unlike the company’s Dolphin Surf, this one isn’t vying for the ‘cheapest EV’ title. Instead, it’s situated closer to the other end of the price scale, only just tipping past the R1 million mark. Here’s what you can expect for all that money. Atto boy The new Atto 8 will be available in two models: Premium (DM-i) and Performance (DM-p). The former’s front-wheel-drive powertrain…

There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of the Lorgar MSE90W yet. If it wasn’t obvious from the image above, it’s a high-end wireless gaming mouse from Lorgar, a relatively new gaming peripheral company under the ASBIS umbrella. While the MSE90W might not have a catchy name, it impressed us nonetheless by nailing the gaming mouse fundamentals and adding a few extra bits to sweeten the deal. But there are also a few areas we feel could use some polish. Shape is king Finding the right gaming mouse is such a subjective thing. While there are objective stats and measurements…

If you’re thinking about travelling to South Africa from somewhere else, you now have another roaming eSIM plan that probably won’t bankrupt you or make you cut your stay short just to afford mobile data. Melon Mobile, a local mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has teamed up with Airalo, an international eSIM provider. This gives tourists in SA another way to access mobile services, including data, voice, and SMS services, without the need to buy a physical SIM card or an expensive roaming plan. Who wants a South African eSIM? “Melon has always been about simplifying connectivity and putting the…