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Stuff Gadget Awards 2024 winners - Cameras and speakers
What a year! What a lot of gear! Struggling to remember what’s hot and what’s not? Our annual Gadget Awards have done the hard work for you – join us in celebrating the very best tech to have come out in the previous 12 months. If you’re planning to add a new camera or speaker to your gadget arsenal, these are all excellent choices. After all, they’ve just won an award. DRONE / ACTION CAM OF THE YEAR GOPRO HERO 13 BLACK There’s a reason every action camera is called a GoPro.
Stuff Gadget Awards 2024 winners - Headphones
What a year! What a lot of gear! Struggling to remember what’s hot and what’s not? Our annual Gadget Awards have done the hard work for you – join us in celebrating the very best tech to have come out in the previous 12 months. If you’re planning to add something to your gadget arsenal, these are all excellent choices. After all, they’ve just won an award. AFFORDABLE HEADPHONES OF THE YEAR SAMSUNG GALAXY BUDS FE Samsung’s Galaxy Buds have been excellent almost from the very start.
How To Turn A R2k Coffee Machine Into A R20k Masterpiece
Why buy an expensive coffee machine when you can upgrade a much cheaper one into a championship beast? That’s what we did in our coffee-fuelled (and dependant) household. After watching a video of James Hoffmann, an ex-barista champion turned social media exponent, on the most modified coffee maker craze in the world ever, we had to try it. Essentially, you take a Gaggia Classic machine, strip it apart, and then replace some of the components with other components to digitise the analog.
Random Access Memories (2014) - Amazon Echo
by | Feb 21, 2025 | 2014, Amazon, Amazon Alexa, Amazon Echo, News, Other Tech News, Random Access Memories, Stuff Guides | Alexa, tell me the exciting origin story of the very first Echo! Sorry, but you can’t chat with websites just yet… although, given how many Alexa devices have arrived since the original Echo, it’s probably only a matter of time. After all, back in 2014, the idea of a talking speaker was just as strange, and early adopters were cautious.
Use protection: Safety gear you’ll want when being handy
So you’ve got your workshop all set up (just kidding, you’ll never be finished) and you’re about to start performing timber surgery. But before you start sticking irreplaceable appendages close to rapidly spinning steel, there are a few items you should stock in addition to an excellent selection of power tools. After all, even the most seasoned carpenters are prone to losing fingers at short notice. It’s best to remain paranoid, prepared, and preventative when there’s any sort of blade involved.
We have football at home: Everything you need for the perfect matchday
There are few things better in life than sitting down to a 13h00 bout featuring your favourite English football team going up against its bitterest rivals. We can picture it now: a cold beverage in hand (with more stashed nearby), a large-screen TV blaring, and some food on its way. Throw in one of your team’s defenders scoring a last-minute header to give you the edge over your mates in Fantasy Premier League and you’ve got yourself a perfect Saturday.
Let’s workshop it: Setting yourself up for home carpentry
Sometimes you just get the urge to create something from one of the planet’s most renewable resources. Wood literally grows on trees, after all. If you’re setting up a home workshop, you’ll need to populate it with the tools and gear most likely to give you results in the shortest possible time. That’s where we come in.
Stuff’s Festive Gift Guide (Online Edition) - Fitness tech for fitness freaks
There’s always that one person who is really into fitness and is therefore impossible to buy gifts for at the end of the year. Well, not this year. If you’ve already been through the fitness freak section of Stuff‘s annual print wish list and nothing’s jumping out at you, we’ve got a few other options. If you can’t find something excellent here… well, that’s probably a skill issue. Fitness is a skill, after all. So is choosing an excellent gift.
What2Watch: House of the Dragon
If you wanted to identify the stage in the golden age of television that we are living through right now, I think we’re in the prequel phase. Or, what happened before what happened. The star of the prequel phase is House of the Dragon, the prequel to arguably the greatest fantasy TV series ever, Game of Thrones. Who was the first dragon queen? Why are there ongoing feuds amongst the great houses of Westeros? What happened before Hodar, before “Winter Is Coming”?
Mini Meme - Mobile Games To Beat The Heat - Stuff South Africa
As the nights begin to roll in later every evening, get your head ready for summertime with these six mobile games packed with idyllic scenes and blue skies. Whether you’re killing time in the shade waiting for it to cool down or soaking up the sun beside the pool or other body of water, these mobile games offer some of the best ways to spend your summer days. And the best part is most of them are free.
Instant Upgrades - Kindle Scribe
It took some doing, but it’s finally here. Amazon, the pioneers behind the e-reading revolution, released the Kindle Scribe, and not so long ago, announced a successor to the massive (and gorgeous) e-reader we cherish so dearly. That inevitably means the Scribe is due a much-needed price cut in the coming months, and we for one can’t wait. There’s no harm in jumping the gun, either. If you can stomach the R10,500 starting price, you won’t hear us stopping you.
Catch 10 Of The Most Frightening Disney+ Titles To Stream Ahead Of Halloween
There’s no better time to pretend you’re a horror aficionado than in the week leading up to Halloween. Streaming services are loaded with some of the very best horror flicks imaginable, and Disney+ is no exception, even if it doesn’t quite fit the brand. The House of Mouse is, in fact, home to some scarier titles that’ll have you swearing you just heard someone moving about in your garden – even beating out similar horror lists involving the likes of Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime.
Keep your cool this summer with this Stuff
Summer is upon us. If you abide by meteorological convention, it starts in December and ends in February in the southern hemisphere. However, there aren’t any rules (at least as far as we could find) that say you have to wait until then to get your summer gear out. These days, spring is plenty hot enough to warrant switching on the aircon or having a dip in the pool. But those are far from the only ways to cool yourself off when the temperatures venture into the thirties and beyond.
Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3 - Should you upgrade?
While the new iPhones were undoubtedly the highlight for many at Apple’s ‘Glowtime’ event earlier this week, the Fruit Company also announced two new entry-level AirPods models, joined by new colours and more than a few updates to the existing AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2 respectively. New models, colours, and updates are cool but are they worth the asking price if you’ve already got a pair of the old ones?
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 - Should you upgrade?
Oh, look. It’s September. It’s time to once again ask: do you really need the latest iPhone 16? Apple, obviously, has its own views on the subject (see the $800 starting price), as do the condemnatory, sarcastic folks on this side of Stuff. You can probably see where we’re going with this. Apple has, as usual, done the bare minimum. If you were lined up to pick up an iPhone 15 last year, we’d recommend skipping the leg workout and sticking to the couch instead. It’s not like you’re missing out on much.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max - Should you upgrade?
by | Sep 12, 2024 | Apple, comparison, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro Max, News, specifications, Stuff Guides | It’s time once again to ask whether you really need the newest iPhone. That’s not a situation unique to the newly-announced iPhone 16 Pro Max and it’s not a difficult question to answer either. Apple does its level best each year to ensure that the answer is ‘yes’. 2024 seems to be no exception. But it may not necessarily be the case.
Instant Upgrades - Canon EOS R6
Cameras are an expensive hobby. Believe us, we’d know. If it isn’t the costly centrepiece itself, it’s the massive array of lenses – most of which might end up setting you back further financially than the initial purchase. There is an answer, however. It’s simple, really: buy ‘old’ hardware. Seriously, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with picking up a camera that doesn’t have 2024 printed on it.
Random Access Memories (1979) - Sony TPS-L2 Walkman
by | Aug 9, 2024 | 1979, News, Other Tech News, Random Access Memories, Sony, Stuff Guides, Walkman | Ah, the original Walkman! Ancient music tech with all the charm of a brick – and the heft of one. Listen, when you can suck all of music history from the cloud into a svelte phone, there’s a chance you’ve been spoilt. But Sony’s chunky delight was a genuine slice of wonder 45 years ago.
Random Access Memories (1979) – Sony TPS-L2 Walkman - Stuff South Africa
Ah, the original Walkman! Ancient music tech with all the charm of a brick – and the heft of one. Listen, when you can suck all of music history from the cloud into a svelte phone, there’s a chance you’ve been spoilt. But Sony’s chunky delight was a genuine slice of wonder 45 years ago. Finally, you could take your own music anywhere, without the inconvenience of trailing a massive extension cord behind you and trying to balance a record player on your head while carrying an amp and speakers.
Instant Upgrades - Apple Watch Ultra
Seriously, has there ever been a smartwatch as expensive as the Apple Watch Ultra? Technically yes, if you’re counting its follow-up – the unimaginative Watch Ultra 2 – but it was Apple that initially set the precedent to sell a smartphone that costs as much as a whole flagship smartphone, that Samsung copied as soon as it could. Why did we ever let them get away with this again? To be fair to Apple, even all these years later, the OG Watch Ultra is still just as capable as ever.
Instant Upgrades - Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Foldables aren’t easy to come by in South Africa without a big stack of cash on hand. Seriously. Look it up. Even those devices that don’t have Samsung’s branding plastered all over, aren’t exactly what we’d call ‘cheap’. Of course, this is assuming you’re after the latest and greatest foldable on the market. If you can settle for last year’s model – in this case, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 – you’ll be paying half the price at the tills. That’s a win in our books.
Mini Meme - A Movie Kind Of Love - Stuff South Africa
It’s time for another Mini Meme and with this one, we invite you to stop, take a good long look in the mirror and ask yourself: What’s the point of paying for access to hundreds of thousands of award-winning movies if you’re just going to rewatch the same five every few months? Or maybe you’re always on the lookout for new movies but can never remember the title when you find one or which service holds the rights to air it that month.
Mini Meme - Squinter Wonder Land - Stuff South Africa
Seeing as we’re well into the throws of winter, here are a few wintery-themed mobile games in case you’re the type who likes the idea of cold but doesn’t like to feel it in your bones. These go really well with a blanket and a mug of something warm. A Good Snowman Monsters get a bad rep, mostly because of their tendency to go GRAARHHH and eat people. Not this one – it just wants to build snowmen. The snag: all the snow sits inside claustrophobic gardens surrounded by hedges.
Random Access Memories (1999) – RIM BlackBerry 850 - Stuff South Africa
Now you’re talking. This one had a proper keyboard, unlike your newfangled phones. Yes – and that was a big deal at the time. The BlackBerry 850 was tiny, yet had all the keys you needed to rapidly smash out messages – even if you did sometimes wish you could file your fingers down to points. Still, that was better than mashing numbers on a Nokia until it revealed the right letter, or braving its terrifying autocorrect system.
Barcelona’s must-see sights
Barcelona is a glorious European city to visit – massively enhanced by its most famous son’s extraordinary architectural marvels. And I do mean extraordinary. And marvels. Antoni Gaudí is synonymous with Barcelona as he rightfully deserves to be. His eccentric, iconic architecture typifies why this is such a wonderful city with a rich history of creativity and artistry. The food is also fantastic.
Random Access Memories (1981) – IBM PC - Speedinet Wireless Internet Service Provider And Seo marketing and Social media marketing in house software developer
by | Apr 9, 2024 | IBM, IBM 5150, News, Other Tech News, PC, Random Access Memories, Stuff Guides | Wow, IBM. Has Stuff been taken over by suits? What next: “Why spreadsheets are fantastic”? Sure, ‘IBM PC‘ might evoke people doing dull things in dull offices, rather than the cool things people do with computers today. But this was 1981.
Random Access Memories (1981) - IBM PC
Wow, IBM. Has Stuff been taken over by suits? What next: “Why spreadsheets are fantastic”? Sure, ‘IBM PC‘ might evoke people doing dull things in dull offices, rather than the cool things people do with computers today. But this was 1981. IBM‘s debut PC, the 5150, revolutionised the market … despite the fact that it failed to outperform its rivals and was light on features unless you became light of wallet buying a load of upgrades prior to plugging the thing in.
Beta Yourself – Enjoy Music More - Speedinet Wireless Internet Service Provider And Seo marketing and Social media marketing in house software developer
THE BASICS Keep discovering Don’t be that person who insists music died after an arbitrary year that’s in your head. Your phone provides access to countless songs. Use digital radio and streaming service recommendations to seek out music that’s new to you, and ensure your listening habits don’t become as stale as an Osmonds tribute act. Test your ears Are you an audiophile? Are you sure?
Mini Meme - Set Adrift On Memoir Bliss - Stuff South Africa
When you need to keep track of a to-do list, important moments in your life, or fleeting ideas before they vanish, most folks reckon writing it down is a good way to do it. You could grab the closest piece of paper and pencil but who uses those anymore? Your smartphone is probably closer anyway — if you aren’t holding it already. Most phones come with a notes app baked in but those are generally pretty bland and don’t offer much in the way of features.
Random Access Memories (2008) – Android 1.0 - Stuff South Africa
Oh, look – a proper smartphone OS. Not like the rubbish system iPhone users have. Well, arguments still rage about what impact the iPhone had on Android. We know it began as a camera OS, before pivoting to phones and being swallowed up by Google. There’s evidence to suggest early iterations were BlackBerry-flavoured… but Android fans claim it was always designed for multiple input types, and Google long had versions running on keyboard phones as well as touchscreen devices.
Wandering the wilderness: First-time Windows setup tips
So, it looks like you’ve acquired a new Windows laptop, whether it’s brand new or second-hand (and wiped correctly). You’ll want to set up this useful little gadget properly from the start. This will allow you to go into this new endeavour on… the right foot. As we guide you through this setup, just a few things.
Exploring the walled garden: First-time iPhone setup tips
Welcome to the dark side… or the light side, depending on where you’re standing. Either way, it seems you’ve acquired an iPhone. Whether it’s your first iPhone or not, you may be open to a few tips when it comes to setting it up properly. Before diving into the setup process, you’ll want to make sure you have a few things within reach. Make sure you have your Apple ID and passcode handy, along with your current iPhone’s passcode. These will be essential during the setup process.
Why you shouldn’t give your older tech to your old relatives
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.
How To Set Up ICloud On Your Windows PC
If you find yourself straddling the line between Apple and Windows devices, you’re not alone. Many users navigate both ecosystems and thankfully, Apple has provided a solution: iCloud for Windows. But before you dive in, let’s walk through the setup process and explore how to make the most of this integration. Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify: iCloud is Apple’s suite of cloud-based services, including file storage, device syncing, and password storage.
Peddling pedalling tech: The best cycling gadgets
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.
Give Siri a break – here’s how to install Microsoft’s Copilot on your Mac - Speedinet Wireless Internet Service Provider And Seo marketing and Social media marketing in house software developer
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.
Random Access Memories (2001) – Apple IPod - Stuff South Africa
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.
Here’s how to keep your laptop (properly) clean
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.
Accounting Software: Cloud vs Desktop
by | Feb 18, 2024 | Accounting, accounting software, Business News, cloud software, Cloud vs desktop, News, Stuff Guides | When it comes to accounting software, the choice businesses typically have is between software that’s based in the cloud, and software that’s installed locally on a desktop computer. While desktop software has been widely used in the past, there’s a growing trend of companies switching to cloud-based accounting systems.
Accounting Software: Cloud Vs Desktop
When it comes to accounting software, the choice businesses typically have is between software that’s based in the cloud, and software that’s installed locally on a desktop computer. While desktop software has been widely used in the past, there’s a growing trend of companies switching to cloud-based accounting systems. This is driven by the biggest perceived benefit of cloud accounting: that all you need is a PC connected to the internet and a browser, and you can use it from anywhere.
The best techy Valentine’s gifts for her
It’s official – the globally recognised day we celebrate love is upon us, and it’s all about… buying things for the people we adore. Now, you could go out and buy your significant other a bunch of flowers and a box of those overpriced Lindt chocolates, or you could opt for the alternative. And Stuff it up a bit. We suggest opting for something gadgety for the tech-savvy woman in your life.
More travel essentials not to leave home without
If ever there was a delightful phrase, it’s “revenge travel”. That was last year’s mantra. This year’s is much more fun. Xiaomi 20,000mAh 50W charger R1,400 | Makro For the last few years, the most important thing I looked for on a new power bank was a USB-C port. This upgrade from the old square-shaped USB-A is already three times faster, but add extra wattage and the power bank charges a device much faster. Most smartphones can handle 20W to 30W – while laptops range from 30W to 65W.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Vs S23 — To Upgrade Or Not To Upgrade? - Stuff South Africa
Now that the question has done another lap around the Sun, it’s time for it to be asked once again: is it worth sticking with last year’s Galaxy S23 or biting the bullet and getting Samsung’s AI-touting S24? It’s not a decision you can make lightly, especially when the difference could mean the difference between affording rent for the month or playing Marvel Snap without all the lag. If someone’s already footing that bill, then you might feel you deserve the upgrade. And you won’t be disappointed.
Keep moving: The best fitness gadgets for 2024
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.
Back to the grind: Affordable office tech for South Africans
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.
Random Access Memories (2003) – Nokia N-Gage - Speedinet Wireless Internet Service Provider And Seo marketing and Social media marketing in house software developer
by | Jan 23, 2024 | Game Boy Advance, handheld gaming, N-Gage, News, Nokia, Phone News, Random Access Memories, retro-tech, Stuff Guides | 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.
Random Access Memories (2003) - Nokia N-Gage
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.
Stuff’s picks for the worst of CES 2024
Stuff’s picks for the worst of CES 2024 by admin | Jan 18, 2024 | Adam-X, AI, CES 2024, News, Newsletter, Other Tech News, pet tech, Razer, smart lock, Stuff Guides, worst tech | CES 2024 officially ended last week Friday. We’ve already picked the best and weirdest gadgets we came across from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, now it’s time to pick out the duds. This takes longer than you might think.
Best budget laptops to buy going into 2024
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.
2024 gaming laptops: prophesied powerful pixel-pushers
It is officially 2024 and while some might feel an air of uncertainty regarding technology, mostly thanks to artificial intelligence, we’re certain of a few things: choosing a gaming laptop isn’t going to get any easier this year, and it’s going to take a while before adding a ‘4’ to the ends of dates doesn’t feel weird. We can’t do much about the second thing except suggest you avoid writing dates as far as possible.
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