Author: Stuff writer

For many of us, staying connected and navigating the intricacies of modern technology has become second nature. However, there remains a significant portion of the population, particularly older folks, who may struggle to keep pace with the digital revolution. As a result, well-intentioned efforts to bridge the digital divide by passing down old tech to older relatives may not always yield the desired outcomes. Turns out there are some risks and consequences of this practice, however well-intentioned it may be. Rather, techy young ones often find themselves as their family’s unofficial tech support, or a Family Information Officer (FIO) if…

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As we roll into 2024 with the enthusiasm of all the cyclists in Cape Town’s narrow streets, it’s probably a good time to reconsider your cycling kit. Hitting the streets (or the trails) means you’re committing to trading your legs for wheels. That means you should be mentally and physically prepared in terms of safety and health. Luckily, cycling tech has come a long way, and you’re in for a treat. Kryptonite Lock Fahgettaboudit | R2,000 Ensure the safety of your bike with the Kryptonite Lock Fahgettaboudit. Crafted from 18mm hardened special steel, this lock is virtually theft-proof. For added…

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One thousand songs in your pocket. How quaint! What’s Spotify got, 100 million? Well, yes, but cast your mind back two decades and most people had huge CD collections that very much didn’t fit in their pockets. Even cars were sold with the ‘benefit’ of filling boots with chunky CD changers. Then MP3 arrived… but most players on the market were junk. Apple’s wasn’t. While rivals battled over specs – never mind the dreadful industrial design and abysmal interfaces – Apple played to its strengths: brilliant marketing, a great user experience, and lickable design. Hang on. Sure, it was shiny…

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Microsoft Copilot, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that leverages generative models like DALL-E 3 and GPT-4, is the biggest company in the world’s take on consumer AI. It’s supposed to help everyday Office 365 users streamline simple tasks and help with general productivity. While originally designed for platforms like iOS, Android and Windows, Mac users may also be keen to access Copilot in their ecosystem. While not officially available on Mac at the time of writing, there are ways to access Microsoft’s latest on your platform. Before we delve into the integration methods, it’s essential to understand what Microsoft Copilot…

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We bet you’re rearing to conquer the great outdoors while the Sun is still shining warm and bright. At least, the adventurers among you are. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner eager to explore, having the right gear is essential. Facing the elements isn’t as straightforward as, say, running on a treadmill in a comfortable temperature-controlled environment of the nearest Virgin Active. You need a lot more protection and must be prepared for just about anything Mother Nature can throw at you. We want to make sure you’re equipped to handle any trail you choose to tackle. That’s…

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You’re more than likely walking around with a SIM 24/7… That is, if you have a mobile device of some kind. If you’re here, we’re guessing you do. That’s why you should be more cognizant of SIM swap fraud, how you can be targeted, and what you stand to lose if someone gains access to your SIM and mobile number. This sneaky scheme targets unsuspecting individuals and aims to hijack their phone numbers and wreak havoc on their personal and financial lives. Copy, paste SIM swap fraud is a sophisticated form of identity theft. In an ‘attack’, cybercriminals manipulate cellular…

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Back in 1999, Sony Pictures took a risk that would change its future forever — it bought the film rights to popular comic book character Spider-Man from a floundering Marvel Comics teetering on bankruptcy. After a successful trilogy, a failed one, and an animated masterpiece, Sony found itself scrambling for a new approach to its popular franchise. Eventually, rescue came in the form of Disney and Marvel Studios, when a deal was struck to introduce Peter Parker to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s been eight years since Spidey’s MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War, and now Sony finds itself…

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Let’s face it – your laptop is probably grimy. But it’s also an essential tool in your daily life, aiding you in work, entertainment and communication. Which is why we won’t judge, considering you’re making the effort to keep it clean now and then. We get it, it’s easy to overlook its cleanliness when you’re busy. But it can lead to a myriad of issues over time. From dust accumulation hindering performance to grime buildup affecting aesthetics, neglecting your laptop’s hygiene can result in costly repairs and diminished functionality. All you have to do is maintain your laptop’s cleanliness and…

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Ah, good ol’ Valentine’s Day. It’s the time of the year couples get to show their love for capitalism their significant other, and singles dread. Maybe this year, you spoil your man for a change and gift him something he’ll love – tech. Whether he’s a coffee connoisseur, an outdoor adventurer, a gaming enthusiast, or a cinephile, there’s something on this list that’ll turn his eyes heart-shaped for sure. Valentine’s tech gifts for him Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee Machine | R3,300 Say goodbye to disappointing instant coffee, and welcome a Nespresso machine into your life. The Vertuo Pop variant comes…

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Sunglasses, guidebook, ironic hipster Count Duckula T-shirt? Yep, you’re just about all packed – but don’t forget to bring a gadget companion or two along on your big trip… Sony ZV-E1 – R48,000/outdoorphoto.co.za Stuff says – Like a cheaper, smaller A7S III with super video skills  Key specs: 12.1MP full-frame CMOS 4K@120fps 3in rotating touchscreen 121x72x54mm, 483g Even influencers go on holiday… and if you’re harbouring dreams of YouTube or TikTok stardom, your smartphone just isn’t going to cut it for capturing your summer adventures to share with the world. Enter Sony’s video-centric new ZV-E1: the first model in its vlog-friendly…

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