Author: Stuff writer

New year, new you, right? We welcome the age-old resolution to be better for ourselves. Whether that’s keeping fit or eating healthier – it’s admirable. This is why we’ve compiled the best fitness tech available on the market – from high-tech trackers to state-of-the-art stationary bikes, here are the best gadgets that will have you breaking a sweat in no time. Navigating the world of fitness tech can be overwhelming, with countless options promising to help you achieve new personal bests. Whether you’re a dedicated runner or a casual gym-lurker, we don’t judge. The only thing that matters is that…

As we plunge head-first into the unpredictable tides of 2024, whether you find yourself navigating the concrete jungles of the corporate world or embracing the pyjama-clad elegance of remote work, we’ve got you with the office tech essentials that won’t cost you your lunch money. Picture this: you’ve just escaped another video meeting marathon, where your ancient laptop’s camera made you look like a pixelated ghost. Fear not, for we’ve uncovered the Logitech C920 webcam. This little dude captures your finest ideas in glorious 1080p. For those looking to minimise pesky house noises, cue the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Sure, other…

The Basics Start small You might want to animate the next Toy Story or Akira in your shed, but rein in your ambition at first. Start by trying some basic animation: a simplified flying bird, a bouncing ball or a walking stick figure. Create a loop that repeats every few seconds and expand from there. Watch the world Unless you’re planning to create abstract animation best suited to late-night mushroom trips, what you build will be based on the real world. So study it. When you want to create a walk cycle, record someone walking (with their permission!) and play…

Okay, we’re back at the office, what now? Some believe that a clean slate may be the next step – an early spring clean, if you will. Some may find it comforting to move their office around, and make it feel ‘new’. We stand by the third option – upgrade your professional life with the latest and greatest tech. If you can afford it, of course. Not everyone will have the means to, but whether you receive a significant business supplement to buy yourself new gear, or use it as a tax write-off for the home office, there are ways…

What’s this horror? The mutant offspring of a Nokia 3310 and a Game Boy Advance? That’s what Nokia was aiming for, perhaps minus the ‘mutant’ part. Loads of people at the time carried around a phone and a GBA; Nokia reasoned it would clean up by combining the two. On paper, the signs were good. The N-Gage had a vibrant backlit display, online multiplayer support, enough face buttons to satisfy a Street Fighter II fan, and the clout to run games that (if you squinted a bit) looked like PlayStation fare. Big publishers lined up to support it too. Actually,…

You’ve made it back to varsity this year. Congratulations, for what it’s worth. We assume you’re keen on some useful kit to tote along to your university lectures. Every little bit of assistance will be welcome, after all. If you’re based in South Africa, you’re facing strenuous odds by way of an unstable power grid and economic situation. There are limitless gadgets that will make your student life better. Here, we will cover some of the basics you may need, in addition to some nice-to-haves and essentials. It depends on what you’re studying and your stationery needs. B.Ed students will…

The roads are suddenly filled with SUVs transporting children all over South Africa. That can only mean it’s back to school, with parents and students alike gearing up for the coming academic year. To alleviate some of the stress associated with this transitional period, we’ve curated a list of the best back-to-school tech for South African students (of the school-going type). Being a schoolgoer in SA means dealing with a unique set of challenges. There’s uncertainty when it comes to electricity access at school and home, as well as other economic issues. That’s more than enough stress to deal with…

Looking for an affordable laptop that won’t empty your savings? Whether you need it for work, play, or creative pursuits, we’ve got you covered with a roundup of the best budget laptops under R13,000. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you a selection of top picks that will serve as solid companions going into 2024. Before we dive into the details, a quick heads-up: if you’re looking for a laptop that can handle high-end gaming or video editing, you might want to check out our guides to the best higher-end laptops. Budget laptops are fantastic for everyday use but…

If you’re the sort who tracks every smartphone launch like a hawk, you must get up very early in the morning.  Whether you’re into affordable phones, cutting-edge flagships, or the latest folding technology, 2024 promises some exciting additions to the black-slab market. We’ve gathered information on confirmed releases, likely launches, and rumoured unveilings to keep you well ahead of the smartphone curve. No need to thank us. OnePlus 12 Following the OnePlus Open launch, all eyes are on the OnePlus 12 in 2024. This mainstream flagship, officially debuting in China in early December 2023, boasts impressive features: a Snapdragon 8…

Being always connected has its perks, but it’s no secret that our gadgets and social media can also bring on new kinds of stress. As we enter 2024, it’s worth fostering tech habits that enhance our lives rather than burden them. Whether you’re constantly reaching for your phone for no reason, get extreme anxiety when it’s not with you, or find yourself experiencing what are called ‘phantom vibrations’, you likely need a healthy reset to your tech habits. But do you, really? Finding reliable stats on humans’ negative relationship with technology is challenging. As with most facts you find online,…