Magazine

It doesn't take a "Genius" to understand simple math...(Image source: Apple/edited )

Apple Watch Series 3: 5 precise reasons why Apple should kill it off once and for all

Launching back in late 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 has been at the center of much controversy particularly following the debut of watchOS 7 in fall 2020. For a company renowned for making products that are built to last, planne...

Brahm Shank, 22 Jul 2022 19:31

Beat Saber will likely be the first game that users will install on this work of art...(Image source: PlayStation Blog - edited)

PSVR 2: 4 alleged specs that will unleash the next generation of gaming

PSVR 2 is a virtual reality headset from Sony that is expected to feature a number of next-generation hardware features that include eye-tracking, a highly advanced lens system, an even wider field of view, and a refreshed design.

Brahm Shank, 09 Jul 2022 10:09

Apple reinvents the "closed system". Coming this fall. (Image source: Unsplash - Edited)

Lockdown Mode in iOS 16: 4 brutal costs of going incognito

Coming later this year to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, Lockdown Mode is a feature for users who may be at risk of being targeted by high-level digital threats, including those from the NSO Group. Learn how to activate the...

Brahm Shank, 08 Jul 2022 12:25

Get all of the adventure for less money during the Steam Summer Sale. (Image source: various - edited)

Steam Summer Sale 2022: 3 essential open world survival games to explore

It's no wonder open world games are consistently some of the most popular ones out there—the genre has a lot of variety to offer. If done well, there is almost endless replay value in an open world game, making bargains like those...

Julian van der Merwe, 01 Jul 2022 18:49

Even Steam agrees that great games don't always have to break the bank. (Image source: Steam)

4 Steam Summer Sale multiplayer games under US$10 to enjoy with friends

There are few things better than a good game, however, two things that are better than a good game are a good game at a great price and a good game you can share with friends. That being said, let's have a look at some great co-op...

Julian van der Merwe, 01 Jul 2022 08:45

Does Google take pleasure in hearing the screams of its victims, or is it just business? (Image source: Google and Pixabay)

Hangouts needed to face the chop but Nexus is one of 4 Google projects that was axed way too soon

It must be difficult to be a Google project, never knowing when the technicolour tech giant will inevitably pull the plug on you like it has for so many of your compatriots. Google's latest victim is the much-maligned Hangouts—whi...

Julian van der Merwe, 30 Jun 2022 08:33

Nintendo's "byte-sized" event packed in a number of highly-anticipated titles. (Image source: Nintendo)

Nintendo Direct 2022: 6 thrilling games that will jumpstart late-night Switch gaming sessions

Following recent news regarding the cancellation of E3 2022, Nintendo opted to showcase a number of upcoming third-party games and one new Mario title via a short-form version of Nintendo Direct dubbed “Nintendo Direct Mini”. Take...

Brahm Shank, 29 Jun 2022 07:58

Bring more friends into the fold during FaceTime calls with Center Stage. (Image source: Apple - macOS Ventura)

macOS Ventura: 5 helpful tips for using the Continuity Camera

At WWDC22 Apple introduced a breakthrough new way to leverage the sophisticated cameras on modern iPhones to deliver a unique set of webcam features that will work seamlessly between smartphones running iOS 16 and Macs running mac...

Brahm Shank, 29 Jun 2022 07:31

The last bastion of the Touch Bar has not evolved nearly as much as its MacBook contemporaries. (Image source: various - edited)

4 superb M2 MacBook Pro alternatives for Windows users that can't stand macOS

Between bright OLED displays and powerful processor platforms, Apple's refreshed M2 MacBook Pro 13 doesn't bring all that much to the table in terms of upgrades. Is the stale design worth living with for the convenience of macOS? ...

Julian van der Merwe, 28 Jun 2022 12:39

A higher-quality display and new lens array will fundamentally improve the AR/VR experience. (Image source: Unsplash)

Meta Quest 2 Pro: Noted analyst offers features and price prediction list

Renowned tech supply chain analyst and tech leaker Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared a number of predictions regarding a new mixed reality headset from Meta that is expected to launch later this year. The new headset is allegedly slate...

Brahm Shank, 24 Jun 2022 08:36

A snapshot illustrates a few of the prominent new features in iOS 16. (Image source: Apple)

iOS 16 Beta 2: 4 deeply interesting changes not to miss

Apple recently released iOS/iPadOS 16 Beta 2 for registered developers with extended options for customizing the Lock Screen, new filtering tools in the Messages app, Apple Card enhancements, and more to help users stay organized....

Brahm Shank, 23 Jun 2022 10:47

Just because a game doesn't take itself seriously, doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. (Image source: Valve - edited)

3 Steam indie games that lost the plot but kept the insanity

Let's face it, we've all just about had it with the same cookie-cutter games featuring the serious, grizzled men with big guns and muscles in place of personality. Fortunately, game developers have caught on to this and there are ...

Julian van der Merwe, 22 Jun 2022 08:02

The Google Pixel 7 series seems like it will be quite a low-risk, iterative release, which is not necessarily what a lot of Pixel fans want. (Image source: Google)

3 Google Pixel 7 leaks including a 2nd-generation Tensor SoC and a camera snoozefest

The next entry in Google's flagship lineup is bound to make waves in the tech community in late 2022. Between Google's own I/O 2022 tease and the pretty consistent stream of leaks about the Pixel 7, we get the idea feelings about ...

Julian van der Merwe, 20 Jun 2022 07:27

If only a software update could fix the Meta Quest's abysmal battery life. (Image source: Unsplash)

Meta Quest V41: 4 fantastic new features for metaverse fanatics

The latest software update for the Meta Quest debuts an incredibly intimate medium for hanging out with friends in the metaverse, deep integrations for Windows 11, and more options for parental controls. Polish your headset lenses...

Brahm Shank, 19 Jun 2022 20:56

If this is reminiscent of your desk, you likely know what the creators of these projects had to endure for their craft. (Image source: Robin Glauser on Unsplash)

3 inspirational DIY tech projects like the USB-C iPhone that warrant greater recognition

DIY people are the best of us—they persevere and succeed, regardless of how many profanities it takes to earn their success and how many tiring days or even weeks it takes to build their next wonderfully creative project. As an od...

Julian van der Merwe, 18 Jun 2022 18:43

macOS Ventura drops support for a jaw-dropping number of intel-powered Mac laptops and desktops. (Image source: Apple)

macOS 13 Ventura: 4 features maddeningly not supported by Intel macs

When Apple execs marched onstage at WWDC 2022 to introduce macOS 13 Ventura, they were quick to demo a number of helpful productivity and continuity enhancements coming to the Mac later this year. However, they conveniently opted ...

Brahm Shank, 14 Jun 2022 16:53

Screenshots suggest that a number of the new Maps app features could become available in macOS Monterey. (Image source: Apple)

Apple Maps in iOS 16: 3 trip-enhancing features you may have missed

Apple recently previewed a number of features and enhancements coming to the Maps app in iOS/iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura this fall. Take a closer look at what Apple users can look forward to when they hit the road later this year,...

Brahm Shank, 13 Jun 2022 00:43

If gamers are representing more and more average users, things are looking up. (Image source: Valve - edited)

May 2022 Steam Survey offers up 3 takeaways including Nvidia RTX indifference and continued AMD popularity

While obviously not representative of the overall PC market, the Steam Survey is a great indicator of the state of mainstream PC gaming and where the industry is heading. With the market finally starting to recover from component ...

Julian van der Merwe, 11 Jun 2022 17:19

A handful of the vibrant new watch face configurations in watchOS 9 (Image source: Apple)

watchOS 9 Beta 1: 5 highly underrated features coming to your wrist this fall

During WWDC 2022, Apple announced the next major software release for the Apple Watch. Coming this fall, watchOS 9 will deliver an expansive array of health and fitness features while also enriching watch faces with refreshed aest...

Brahm Shank, 08 Jun 2022 19:41

Stage Manager enabled on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro powered by the M1 SoC. (Image source: Apple)

iPadOS 16 Beta 1: 4 notable enhancements for pros

At its annual Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple saved the best for last with the introduction of iPadOS 16. The next version of Apple’s tablet-tailored operating system delivers rich enhancements to multitasking, expanded tool...

Brahm Shank, 07 Jun 2022 20:24

The vibrant new lock screen experience in iOS 16 Beta 1 (Image source: Apple)

iOS 16 Beta 1: 4 radical new features debuted at WWDC22

Apple debuted the next major version of iOS at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference, including monumental lock screen enhancements, updates to Focus Mode, breakthrough machine learning implementations, and more. Take a quick ...

Brahm Shank, 07 Jun 2022 16:33

Why Apple couldn't partner with someone like iFixit for its Self Service Repair program is a complete mystery. (Image source: various - edited)

4 sneaky ways Apple's Self Service Repair is undermining the right to repair movement

Apple's Self Service Repair program gives a good idea of what Apple thinks DIY repair should look like, and the prognosis is not good. It's so convoluted that it seems as though Apple only launched the program out of spite, or per...

Julian van der Merwe, 06 Jun 2022 17:12

Apple's latest generation MacBook Pro proves that thinner and lighter isn't always better for pros. (Image source: Unsplash)

Apple Silicon leaks: 3 specs to expect from the M2 chip and A16 SoC

With refreshed Apple silicon undoubtedly on the horizon, self-proclaimed “leakers” have taken to social media, including “ShrimpApplePro” of Twitter, to issue their predictions on what could be next from the iPhone maker. While le...

Brahm Shank, 04 Jun 2022 13:07

AI might take your job, but at least it'll look cool doing it. (image source: Possessed Photography on Unsplash)

Gigapixel AI and 3 other ways artificial intelligence is shaping the future

We've all heard of deepfakes, search algorithms, and the AI-powered computational photography systems that enhance our cat photos, but those applications are just the tip of the iceberg. AI is becoming more and more present in ind...

Julian van der Merwe, 30 May 2022 10:34

Left: Door Detection offers context for doors including signage and distance. Right: Apple Watch Mirroring provides a larger canvas for navigating watchOS (Image source: Apple)

iOS 16: 4 innovative accessibility features that are changing the landscape

Ahead of WWDC 2022, Apple is already sharing a number of accessibility features coming to iOS 16 and watchOS 9 this fall. From auto-generated captioning, to LiDAR-enabled door detection, prepare to gain a distilled picture that re...

Brahm Shank, 25 May 2022 08:54

While iOS 15.5 may seem like an incremental update, a quick dive below the surface proves there's a lot more than meets the fingers. (Image source: Apple/edited)

iOS 15.5 takeaways: 6 undeniably helpful features and future indicators

Ahead of iOS 16 Beta 1 debuting early next month, Apple released the final build of iOS 15.5 and iPadOS 15.5 for all iPhone and iPad users. While it may not seem like much has changed on the surface, the update features a host of ...

Brahm Shank, 24 May 2022 10:04

Epic Games may not be everyone's favourite game store, but it certainly has some good value sales. (Image source: Various - edited)

Epic MEGA Sale: 3 absorbing RPGs you can get into for a great discount

The best things in life aren't necessarily always free — sometimes they're heavily discounted. Epic Games is running its 2022 MEGA Sale until June 16 — let's have a look at some of the best RPG titles on offer.

Julian van der Merwe, 24 May 2022 09:15

Everyone is tightening belts lately, so it's good to know that there are more than a few free photo-editing options to keep your hobby alive. (Image source: various - edited)

Budget photography: 4 free Photoshop alternatives for beginners

While a US$9.99 monthly Photoshop subscription is almost nothing for a professional studio spending thousands on expensive camera gear, a lot of people only do photography as a hobby and don't want to pay a monthly fee for editing...

Julian van der Merwe, 23 May 2022 09:31

The ZBook Studio G9 seems nearly uncompromising in terms of performance. Perfect for multi-monitor workflows. (Image source: HP)

HP ZBook Studio G9: 4 top-notch features that make it an attractive purchase prospect

HP recently revealed a number of interesting specifications for its upcoming ZBook Studio G9 laptop releasing sometime in June 2022. Promising true desktop-class performance in an ultraportable form factor, this high-end computer ...

Brahm Shank, 17 May 2022 10:28

"Make it a computer but worse." — the inventor of the gaming console, presumably. (Image source: various, edited)

Warframe and 3 other banging free-to-play games with cross-platform multiplayer support for universal dominance

We all have that one friend that vehemently insists consoles are better, and that no, it's not because of aim-assist. Next time you hear this, invite them to play one of these games and then show them what it means to be part of t...

Julian van der Merwe, 17 May 2022 08:59

At least they come in multiple colors. From left to right: Coral, Lemongrass, Fog, and Charcoal. (Image source: Google)

Pixel Buds Pro: 4 features Google blatantly borrowed from Apple

At its annual I/O event, Google revealed the new Pixel Buds Pro. Available for preorder this July, take a look at what Google’s high-end headphones offer for US$199. Are the Pixel Buds Pro an innovative leap forward or simply AirP...

Brahm Shank, 16 May 2022 08:32

The Pixel 6a is a great phone when considered in a vacuum — unfortunately it does not exist in a vacuum. (Image source: Google - edited)

Mediocre Pixel 6a: 3 older flagship phones that pummel Google's newest midranger

Google's latest stab at a midrange phone is lackluster at best — sure, it has Google's custom SoC, but the camera system is a rehash of last year's Pixel 5 and 5a, it only has a 60 Hz display, and now it's arguably less durable th...

Julian van der Merwe, 15 May 2022 10:18

Google Pixel 6 running Android 13 featuring enhanced Material You theming options that extend to app icons. (Image source: Google)

Android 13: 4 incredible new features revealed at I/O

At Google I/O 2022, the Mountain View tech giant revealed a number of exciting features coming to Android 13 later this year. Take a look at what to expect from the upcoming version of stock Android, including a more versatile Goo...

Brahm Shank, 15 May 2022 05:04

Even an inexpensive PC can run these cheap games. (Image source: Valve - edited)

May Steam sales: 3 cracking action-RPG games to be had on the cheap

PC gaming is expensive, so it's a good thing marketplaces like Steam always have some sort of sale going on. It's not easy to pick when the sales are so short, so instead of buying a game on a whim, have a look at these three grea...

Julian van der Merwe, 14 May 2022 08:03

Apple fans are crossing their fingers for a slimmer charging case and lossless audio support. (Image source: Unsplash)

AirPods Pro 2: 3 rumored features that will bring music to your ears

This fall will mark three years since the AirPods Pro launched back in late 2019. While early adopters of the premium wireless headphones are surely suffering from the downsides of aging batteries, a second-gen model of AirPods Pr...

Brahm Shank, 10 May 2022 10:18

A leaked promo video for the Cambria headset offers an animated representation of what the device could look like. (Image source: RealiteVirtuelle - YouTube)

Project Cambria: 5 bold features to expect from Meta's next headset

With Meta allegedly slated to reveal four new headsets over the next two years, perhaps the most anticipated addition to the lineup is Project Cambria. The next-gen headset is expected to feature breakthrough mixed reality technol...

Brahm Shank, 05 May 2022 02:43

Keep those old-but-gold phones out of the landfill and simultaneously stick it to the man. (Image source: OnePlus, Google, Notebookcheck)

LineageOS 19: Google's Pixel 2 and 3 other iconic old phones getting Android 12

LineageOS 19.1 recently dropped, bringing Android 12 support to a whole host of devices, with many more on the way. Whether you have a moral objection to upgrading phones more than once a decade, or you simply can't afford it, wit...

Julian van der Merwe, 03 May 2022 08:04

Windows 11's first anniversary may be cause for celebration. (Image source: author, pngkit)

Windows 11 22H2: 4 indispensible features coming (back) in the August 2022 Sun Valley 2 update

Between missing features, bugs, and draconian hardware requirements, Windows 11 has had quite a mixed reception, to say the least. It is not surprising to see that less than 2% of PCs are running the OS. Will the 22H2 Sun Valley 2...

Julian van der Merwe, 02 May 2022 22:51

The Pixel Watch joins the Galaxy Watch on its right and the Apple Watch on its left. (Image source: u/tagtech414 via reddit)

Pixel Watch leak: 4 eye-opening takeaways

Recently, #TeamPixel fans were given an alleged sneak peek at Google’s first dedicated smartwatch. In true iPhone 4 fashion, a near-final version of the device was found left behind at a bar in the US. Take a look at what to expec...

Brahm Shank, 02 May 2022 12:00

They are calling it Android 13 Tiramisu and I cannot write about Android without getting hungry...(Image source: Android Dev Blog/Unsplash - edited)

Android 13 Beta 1: 5 undeniably sweet features

With Android 13 Beta 1 rolling out to eligible developers ahead of its “platform stability” phase this June, many stock Android enthusiasts cannot wait to learn what is new in the latest build. Let’s take a closer look at what to ...

Brahm Shank, 29 Apr 2022 23:25

Apple tax or true quality? You be the judge. (Image source: Apple)

Apple's US$129 Thunderbolt Pro Cable: 4 reasons why it's so expensive

Apple had tech enthusiasts turning their heads when it released the new Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable alongside the Mac Studio and Studio Display earlier this year. At a hard-to-swallow US$129 for the 1.8-meter version, and an even heft...

Brahm Shank, 28 Apr 2022 18:25

OnePlus Nord N20: 5 flagship-killing features

Earlier this week, OnePlus launched the Nord N20 in the United States. Available exclusively from T-Mobile starting at US$282, the Android smartphone packs in many flagship features for a third of the price. Beginning next week, O...

Brahm Shank, 21 Apr 2022 17:03

Say goodbye to that pesky Microsoft 365 subscription once and for all. (Image source: Microsoft - edited)

Ditch Office 365: 3 free Microsoft office alternatives for Windows, Linux and macOS

Microsoft offers two flavours of its infamous Office software: Microsoft 365 for US$69.99 per year or US$149.99 for a perpetual licence. If neither of those options sound ideal, you're not alone in thinking that. Fortunately, ther...

Julian van der Merwe, 20 Apr 2022 04:07

The Pixel 6a will reportedly be available in black, white, and green finishes. (Image source: Onleaks/91Mobiles)

Pixel 6a rumors: 4 highly intriguing specs

Google is expected to debut a more affordable smartphone to join its Pixel lineup, dubbed the Pixel 6a, at its Google I/O event on May 11. Offering many of the same features and performance for a fraction of the price, here is wha...

Brahm Shank, 20 Apr 2022 03:52

Windows 11's launch saga made many enthusiasts apprehensive while hardware requirements led to dismally low adoption rates. (Image source: Notebookcheck - edited)

Windows 11 taskbar downgrade and 3 other ways Microsoft is making its ubiquitous OS worse

Microsoft poised Windows 11 as a huge upgrade to Windows 10, claiming increased performance and improved security. This is partially true, especially if you are using an Intel Alder Lake CPU, but the launch of Windows 11 was marre...

Julian van der Merwe, 19 Apr 2022 03:53

It's okay, we all fail sometimes...although some definitely more spectacularly than others. (Image source: various - edited)

iPhone 13 mini and 3 other tragic smartphone fails that deserved better

Some smartphone innovations are great ideas and make a lasting impact on the market. Others are also great ideas but either fail to launch completely or somehow go the way of the dodo, never to be seen again. Let's look at some re...

Julian van der Merwe, 16 Apr 2022 19:33

Now if we could just update manually without waiting for OTA software rollouts...(Image source: Unsplash)

Meta Quest v39: 4 features coming to a metaverse near you

Meta announced that version 39 for the Meta Quest will be rolling out gradually over the coming weeks, enabling a new multitasking interface for all users, a brand new virtual space, and enhanced sharing capabilities for iOS users...

Brahm Shank, 14 Apr 2022 21:03

Brands like Google, OnePlus, Redmi, and Samsung are really driving the midrange phone segment forward. (Image source: various - edited)

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and 3 other sub-US$450 phones that deliver in the photography department

Most people may not realise that you can get great quality photos and videos for a fraction of the price of the top-dog iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. While they may not feature 10x optical zoom lenses or ProRes vi...

Julian van der Merwe, 14 Apr 2022 20:34

The longer I stare at this screen the slower the update seems... (Image source: Unsplash)

iOS 15.4.1: 3 surprising reasons why iPhone users should update

Though Apple released iOS 15.4.1 just under a couple of weeks ago, many iPhone users still running an earlier version of iOS 15 may be at risk due to a major security flaw that Apple says “may have been actively exploited”. Take a...

Brahm Shank, 12 Apr 2022 20:18

Samsung sure knows how to make a flagship, but here's why Sony makes the best flagships. (Image source: Sony/Samsung - edited)

Xperia headphone jack loyalty and 3 other ways Sony's premium phones out-flagship the rest

Sony's Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 III, and Xperia Pro-I phones offer a complete flagship package and worthy competition for even the best that Samsung and Apple have to offer. While Sony eschews unnecessary trends like a 108 MP camera...

Julian van der Merwe, 12 Apr 2022 19:05