Stuff South Africa https://stuff.co.za South Africa's Technology News Hub Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:30:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Stuff South Africa South Africa's Technology News Hub clean In This Issue – The Gadget Awards (February-March 2024) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2024/02/16/in-this-issue-gadget-awards-february-march-2024/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:30:55 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=189716 February-March 2024Are your award-winning tech senses tingling? That means they’re working because it’s time for another edition of the Stuff Gadget Awards. We’ve poked, prodded, bent, knocked, squinted at, smelt, listened to, felt, sat in, played with, and pondered all the best gadgets from 2023 and come with a few we thought deserved an award. In between all that we also managed to touch some grass, test more tech, and had fun doing it. We hope you have as much fun reading about it in the February-March 2024 issue of Stuff.

Looking back at the best tech of last year is cool and all but the tech never stops. This February-March issue of Stuff also contains sparkly new tech to gaze longingly at and stuff that hasn’t yet emerged that we’re still looking forward to. Whether you’re into PC, console, or mobile gaming, running around outside, or optimising your productivity, there’s probably a gadget for you inside somewhere.

For the plucky folks clinging to their New Year’s fitness resolutions, we’ve got training gear for gym-goers, runners, hikers, and swimmers to reignite that motivation. Or maybe you want to channel your inner Ansel Adams and purchase a new mirrorless. As luck would have it, we’ve rounded up the best mirrorless camera options for slick video, wildlife stills, street shoots, or content creation.

The tech-train doesn’t stop there. Take a trip down memory lane with the Blackberry 850 from 1999. Looking for some light in the dark? Check out the flashlight feature on p66. Want to get more life out of your iPhone 15 Pro Max? p72 has the upgrades you need. And, as ever, the Stuff Top Tens feature with a few more lists this time around. Get your copy of Stuff Magazine today, either online direct from Stuff, or out in the wild from your favourite retailer.

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In This Issue – The Gift Guide (Dec 23/Jan 24) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2023/12/04/in-this-issue-gift-guide-dec-23-jan-24/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:23:32 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=186965 It’s just about time for us to close out another year in technology with you all. Before that milestone creeps by, in just a few brief rotations of our planet’s circumference, we’ve got one more magazine for you all. The Dec 23/Jan 24 issue of Stuff is on shelves everywhere. As is traditional at this very traditional time of year, the main event is Stuff‘s annual gift guide. 

There’s plenty of things harder than choosing an excellent gift for someone you’re very familiar with. Maybe it’s analysis paralysis, maybe you’re on such good terms that you’ve already given them all the good stuff. No matter your situation, if you’ve got an inkling of which sphere of technology they’re most interested in we’ve got the presents you need to purchase. Whether you’ve got the bank to do so… that’s something you’ll have to work out on your own. The Dec 23/Jan 24 issue of Stuff is here in a purely advisory capacity.

It’s not all about the end of the year in the Dec 23/Jan 24 issue of Stuff. Every end is also a new beginning and that new beginning tends to involve promises of exercise and enhanced movement. Well, we’ve got just the tech for you. No matter your chosen method of muscle moulding, we’ve got recommendations for what you should wear on your wrist. They’re all equally capable but some have specialities — including, in the case of the Casio G-Shock, unkillability.

And, semi-finally, we’ve rounded up all of the earbuds you should be wearing while putting some wear and tear on those running shoes of yours in the new year. Because who works out to the sound of their own demons any more? Crazy people, that’s who. Everyone else prefers other folks’ demons, in the shape of excellent tunes (the best music stems from mental illness and/or drugs, which is often the same things) or interesting podcasts (which are a mental affliction in their own right). Long story short, we’ve got the ‘buds that should become your new best er… buds.

As ever, there’s loads more where these three came from. Reviews of the latest and greatest tech, from Samsungs biggest and best tablet to all of Apple’s newest smartphones, an early look at all of the best tech that hasn’t landed yet, and ways to upskill your already awesome devices are key features of the Dec 23/Jan 24 issue of Stuff Magazine. Get your copy today, either at retail, online, or directly from Stuff. 

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In This Issue – The Do Everything Better (Oct-Nov 2023) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2023/10/02/this-issue-everything-better-oct-nov-2023/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 10:11:59 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=184124 There’s a brand new issue of Stuff, if not on the horizon then out on the shelves of your favourite retailer. The Oct-Nov 2023 issue of South Africa’s best tech magazine is packed to the eyeballs with ways for you to get better at everything. We really do mean everything, with topics like productivity, home theatre (which you really should check out while the Rugby World Cup is ongoing), and more turning up on the list. 

One skill that’s always useful is the ability to travel light. Airlines love to charge for extra weight, which means every gram saved equals a similar weight in souvenirs stuffed into your luggage on the return journey. In the Oct-Nov 2023 issue, Stuff‘s Toby Shapshak has the travel tips you need to maximise your luggage space and minimise the weight you’re lugging through airports and departure lounges. Because it’s 2023 and everyone should be min-maxing their travel plans.

Another category where you could do with a spot of upskilling is coffee. Oh, everyone can make a cup of Joe but some folks are better at it than others. Our group test of the coffee machines that could well change your life will cement your position in the group of folks that everyone wants to hang out with. Turns out, the ability to hand out coffee that everyone loves is a pretty compelling reason for others to like you. It helps if you’re also not a git, but we didn’t include any advice on that score in the Oct-Nov 2023 issue of Stuff. You’re on your own there.

We briefly mentioned it but your home theatre region could always look a little better. New tech drops all the time and we’ve checked out most of it to give you options. From the best projector on the planet (that doesn’t involve building an actual cinema around it) to the best budget TVs and the soundbars that should power all of it, our home theatre future will change the way you see… well, anything that’s broadcast on a TV.

Stuff‘s Oct-Nov 2023 issue also includes all of its usual touchpoints of awesome. This issue is loaded with reviews for the latest tech. Folding phones, lightweight running shoes, streaming TV boxes, smartphones, lithium iron phosphate batteries, and the best games you need to play this month are just a few of the options tucked within these pages. Gadget Doctor, Stuff‘s iconic Top 10 pages, and the very hottest Hot Stuff also grace these pages. Get your copy today, either at retail outlets, directly from Stuff, or online

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In This Issue – The Women in Tech (Aug-Sept 2023) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2023/07/31/in-this-issue-aug-sept-2023/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:44:34 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=175828 It is time, once again, for the cover on the digital or physical shelf to change. Stuff‘s Aug-Sept 2023 issue is here and it’s packed with all the tech and gadgets you need to know about this month. If you’re looking to get on the road while retaining all the essential gear needed to keep your tech ticking over, you owe it to yourself to pick up the latest issue of the magazine. 

It’s also August and that’s almost universally recognised as Women’s Month. Stuff has its annual overview of some of the most impressive women in South African tech. Meet the innovators, CEOs, and scientists leading the way for the rest of SA’s girls and young women to follow. We unfortunately couldn’t include all of them but that’s because we’d quickly run out of pages.

It’s still a little wintery outside and that means staying inside to play video games doesn’t cause quite as much guilt as it might otherwise. The Aug-Sept 2023 issue of Stuff is loaded with the gaming gear you should consider for your cave (masculine or feminine, it doesn’t matter). And since hardware isn’t all that fun on its own, expect an overview of the games you should be playing on your shiny new kit.

Every issue is jammed with more than we can comfortably list here and the Aug-Sept 2023 edition is no different. Whether you’re in the market for outdoor speakers or ways to enhance your music appreciation (not like that), we’ve got you covered. There are also sneak peeks at the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset, reviews of notebooks, smartphones, and drones, and even a way to upskill the already-amazing Galaxy S23 Ultra waiting for you inside. Don’t delay — pick up your copy today, either direct from the source or in stores, both physical and digital

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In This Issue – The Load Shedding (June-July 2023) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2023/06/01/in-this-issue-load-shedding-june-july-2023/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:45:51 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=166219 Another cycle has been completed and it’s time for an all-new issue of Stuff. June-July 2023 promises to be a cold one and it’s all the colder because… well, you know why. We’ll get to that in a moment. First, it’s time for a brief look what Stuff is packing in this issue. As usual, there’s loads to see, much to learn, and plenty to lust over. We’ve tested some of the latest gear to issue forth from the tech industry, from the Sonos Era 300 to Huawei’s new smartwatch/earbuds hybrid. The latter is, perhaps surprisingly, rather slick.  

Now it’s time to address the elephant in the coal shipment. Load shedding. It’s not going away, as we’re constantly being reminded by that Stage 6 notification that, unlike some CEOs, just won’t quit. But you don’t have to sit in the dark, just because Eskom seems to want you to. Stuff’s June-July 2023 issue features the gear and gadgets that, short of a complete solar/inverter overhaul of your home, will allow you to navigate the ‘Shed with minimal discomfort.

Another great gadget for getting through long periods where nobody’s really working (like meetings, but don’t tell that to your supervisor) is the not-so-humble smartphone. It’s been some time since we did a proper roundup of your best options across all of the price brackets. We’re sure you can see where this is going. In the event that you can’t, Stuff’s June-July 2023 issue contains a spectacular supertest of the smartphones lurking out in the market. Will you find your next upgrade here? Only one way to find out.

Tablets are only bigger smartphones that don’t make voice calls and take terrible photos. Right? Actually… there’s a bunch of specialist tablet hardware out there that translates into pretty nifty handheld gaming experiences. And since this is niche information, we’ve done the homework on the options you have at your disposal. Looking to clock up some record times, rack up online game wins, or just chill out for a while? Here are the tablets you should look at owning.

As ever, there is plenty more to see in this issue of Stuff. If you’re the proud owner of a Kindle Scribe and want it to be even better, that’s something we can help you with. Ditto if you’d like to explore the murky world of sideloading apps onto your various devices. We won’t ask where you got the .APKs from. We can also help with your image editing skills, offer advice on which new tech you should buy (and avoid), and provide an advance look at the tech heading your way at high speed. Get your copy of the June-July 2023 issues of Stuff at retail, at various online stores, or from Stuff directly. The choice is yours.

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In This Issue – The Smart Home (April May 2023) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2023/04/03/the-smart-home-april-may-2023-issue/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:56:47 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=163676 If you weren’t aware that the year is flying, let’s point it out for you. It’s already time for the April May 2023 issue of Stuff Magazine. If you’re marking your calendars with ferocious regularity, you’ll know that we’ve just entered the second quarter of the year.

And that can only mean one thing — smart homes. By which we mean, the current issue of Stuff (in stores now) will show you how to smarten up your home. It’s not quite a full-on ChatGPT conversion but it’ll do for now. Smarter speakers (yes, with AI in ’em), appliances, gadgets, cameras of all descriptions, all of which exist on your home network with the express purpose of making your life easier. Or, at the very least, your insurance claims extremely well-supported. Check out the April May 2023 issue if you’re looking to improve your home’s AI quotient.

It’s not just homes that are bulging with intellect in 2023. The average motor vehicle is doing the same. And electric vehicles… those are even smarter than the average. Page through the current issue of Stuff to check out the very best of electric cars in 2023. The majority are already available in the South African market and the outliers won’t be outside of your grasp for long. Make sure you’re informed before you’re subject to high-pressure sales techniques that probably don’t work on you but let’s just be sure anyway, yeah?

If you’re not looking to spend the equivalent of a couple of houses in a single shot, we’ve also got something a bit more affordable for your perusal. Stuff has tracked down a batch of budget laptops to suit all manner of pockets and use cases. You’ll see the word ‘Chromebook’ crop up a time or two but there’s also the odd budget headliner that may fly under your radar. That’s more because they don’t get the marketing spend of the bigger, sexier models, but don’t worry, little notebooks. We see you.

There’s always more to see in an issue of Stuff and the April May 2023 edition is no exception. We’ve got instant upgrades (for the Sony ZV-1F), a Sony PlayStation console retrospective, a how-to guide on making the most of Mastodon, and that’s just the educational stuff. Okay, fine, it’s all educational (shhh, don’t tell anyone). We’ve also tested Samsung’s Galaxy S23, the Sony PlayStation VR 2, some new Sennheiser kit, and a bunch more besides. Oh, yes, and Meta’s new Quest Pro headset. Frankly, you can’t afford not to pick up this issue. Find it online (direct from Stuff or other locations) or in stores today. 

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In This Issue – The Gadget Awards (February-March 2023) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2023/02/06/in-this-issue-the-gadget-awards-february-march-2023-issue/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 08:19:35 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=160202 February-March 2023Every year Stuff faces the same challenge. Choosing the best technology from an entire annual cycle can really take it out of you. But the effort is always worth it when we see the results in print. At least, it’s worth it for us. We’re hoping that it’s worth it for you too. Whether it’s the best smartphone or laptop or tablet or motor vehicle, Stuff has crunched the numbers and come up with several winners. Oh, and we also found time to do our usual gadgets, gear, and other awesome bits too. Check it out in the February-March 2023 issue of Stuff.

A new year in technology also stretches before us. As well as looking back over the past cycle, the February-March issue of Stuff is also focused on the future. There’s loads ahead for tech-heads covering just about every single category. As usual, we have the inside scoop on everything you should be scoping out as 2023 reaches its stride. Whether you prefer your tech in your pocket, on your desk, in the rest of your home, or in the gym, we’ve got something for everyone.

If your tastes range more toward the here and now, the current issue of Stuff is jam-packed with kit and apps designed to make your life easier. For those looking to up their fitness game, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid contender for one of the best wearables the now-Google-owned company has ever released. On the intangible side, check out Stuff‘s collection of apps you need to install for 2023. It’s going to be a long year, you might as well be prepared.

There is, as ever, always more to see. Upgrading your GoPro Hero 11 Black already? Sure, that’s a thing we can help with. Want to cast your mind back to 1984 and the launch of Tetris? That’s another option in the Feb-March 2023 issue. Keen on the latest in concept electric vehicles? You’ll find all that, and more, in the current issue of Stuff Magazine. Get your copy today, either direct from Stuff, or from your favourite retailer. 

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In This Issue: The Wish List (December 2022-January 2023) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2022/12/05/in-this-issue-the-wish-list-issue/ Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:55:41 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=157008 It’s beginning to look a lot like the end of the year. And the beginning of the next one. That means trips to various retail outlets, searching out the ideal gift for that distant relative whose name you can’t quite remember. And for your immediate family too, sure. That’s where Stuff‘s annual Wish List comes in handy — if you’re battling to choose a gift for a significant other, we’ve got you covered. Provided they like tech, of course. All of Stuff‘s suggestions are tech-related, for some reason.

Perhaps you’ve got all the gifts sorted out. Well, aren’t you an exceptionally well-organised one. You’ve probably got — or got your eye on — Apple’s new (and cripplingly expensive) Watch Ultra smartwatch. But is it really worth dropping R20,000 on one? Find out in Stuff‘s long-term test of Apple’s most expensive wearable (that isn’t made from actual gold).  Find that test, and more, inside the pages of Stuff‘s Wish List issue.

Flip 4 Fold 4Perhaps you were one of the many who picked up one of Samsung’s lovely new Galaxy Flip 4 smartphones. We’re sure you’re happy in your new relationship. But there’s always a way for these things to get just a tiny bit better. Check out our Instant Upgrades for Samsung’s flipping nice smartphone and make that already excellent partnership just a little better. Just a little.

For those with a more creative bent, we’ve got all the gear and apps you could possibly need to help you turn your camera and audio captures into compelling video, image, or podcast content. And if you happen to partake of your own product, this issue also packs in many unexpected ways to upgrade your home audio setup. Finally, if you’re in the market for some new in-ear headphones, Stuff has tested the very best of what’s out there this year.

There’s always more to see in each issue of Stuff Magazine and this year’s Wish List edition is no different. Apple’s newest smartphones, action cams from the greats, the best games to release in recent weeks, and all the best tech you can’t have yet are included in this issue. There’s even a method for upgrading your reading ability if you’ve somehow neglected that. Find this, and more, in the December 2022-January 2023 issue. Find it in stores today. 

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In This Issue – Load Shedding Survival Guide (October-November 2022) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2022/10/10/in-the-october-november-issue-of-stuff/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:17:10 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=153983 For many, October is a spooky month. Frankly, it’s scary how much tech we have in this month’s issue of Stuff. We’ve gathered gadgets in all shapes and sizes to help you, dear reader. There are some to help you face the blackouts and some for when the two-word terror load shedding subsides and you need to make up for the lost time. We’ve also spent some time with Samsung’s newest smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Apart from having to remember to keep all your batteries charged, another thing to remember is that load shedding isn’t free. It costs you valuable time and when it comes to productivity, time is quite literally money. In this issue, we have the essential tech to maximise your productivity when your load isn’t being shed. Whether you’re a student, café creative, home worker or digital nomad there’s something in this issue for you.

Load shedding doesn’t only cut into your work time, your leisure time is also under threat. Instead of spending hours fumbling around in the dark looking for things to alleviate the boredom, check out our roundup of mobile games worth looking into. Whether on Android or iOS, these games are sure to make sitting in the dark, in lines or on a commute a lot more bearable.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has the same processor and display as its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Are the larger battery and extra temperature sensor enough of an upgrade? Samsung seems to think so. That’s by no means the only change. The physical dial from almost every past generation of Samsung smartwatch is in the bin. In its place, a digital version. Is this a worthy upgrade from the Watch 4 Classic? Enough reason to switch from Apple? The answers are waiting on page 74.

But we haven’t stopped there. For the latest news on tech, games, apps, streaming, and more, check out the latest issue to stay in the loop at the water cooler. You’ll also find Stuff’s Top 10 pages, updated to stay with the times. You’ll also find reviews on the latest thin-and-light laptops and of Samsung’s flagship foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold 4. There’s all that, and more, in the current issue of Stuff. Get your copy today. 

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In This Issue – The Women in Tech (August-September 2022) Issue https://stuff.co.za/2022/08/01/in-this-issue-the-women-in-tech-august-september-2022-issue/ Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:53:11 +0000 https://stuff.co.za/?p=150454 August is a pretty special month. It’s the host of International Women’s Day and is widely considered Women’s Month. It also mostly contains Leos, but that’s just statistics. The August-September 2022 issue of Stuff Magazine is out in the wild and it celebrates at least a few of these points. We’ll give you a hint — it’s got nothing to do with Leos. We’re pretty sure. No, it’s women in tech that headline Stuff’s newest issue. And not international women in tech, either. We know they exist, but why should they get all the good press? We’re talking about South African women in tech. Mostly. 

Gaming is proving ever more popular. It’s not just a pastime anymore. It’s far more than a hobby. Now, playing video games is a legitimate career. There are millions in prize money if you’re competitive, and just as much money lying around if you’re an internet personality. But in order to get to that point, you’ll have to burn out a few controllers or computer mice. Mouses? The August-September 2022 issue of Stuff has all of the kit you could possibly need to get your game on. Even if you’re not being overly serious about your future while doing it.

Sony’s LinkBuds S headphones are here and they’re a little less… offbeat than the original Linkbuds were. Don’t get us wrong, we’re fine with the donut-hole design but we feel even more positive about the version without the gaping hole in it. Why? Oh… no reason. Actually… a few reasons. Those reasons are contained in our review, which you’ll find adorning the pages of the August-September 2022 issue.

Looking to get away from it all? The weather is supposed to turn soon. Hopefully. There’s a great big batch of tech that should accompany you on your journey. It’s not quite Rincewind’s Luggage, but these holiday add-ons are pretty smart all the same. Tune in to the August-September 2022 issue of Stuff to see what you should be packing in the cargo bay of the plane whose tickets you can definitely afford this year.

There’s plenty more where that came from. You’ll find Stuff’s Top 10 pages, suitably updated for the current period. You’ll also find ways to upgrade your Galaxy S22 Ultra because nothing stays new forever. Then there’s a bunch of futuristic cars, heavy metal video games, drones, tablets, and video games to look forward to. There’s all that, and more, in the current issue of Stuff. Get your copy today. 

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