Author: Marcé

South Africans looking to lessen their impact on the environment can look forward to a handful of new electric vehicle (EV) models set to launch locally in 2024. With the electric vehicle revolution gaining momentum worldwide, the South African automotive sector is gearing up for a substantial shift. EV industry shake-up Until now, options have been fairly scarce, with just a few models available on South African roads from major brands. The main issue is pricing, thanks to high taxes. The cheapest new EV you can currently buy in South Africa is the GWM Ora 03 at R686,950. That could…

Volkswagen has been actively working towards improving the efficiency and affordability of EVs, and lucky for us, their efforts are yielding promising results. In a recent announcement, the German carmaker shared that its battery start-up, in collaboration with US partner QuantumScape, has achieved impressive outcomes with solid-state cells designed for electric vehicles. The innovation uses tech similar to the solid-state hard drives in your PC. According to the carmaker, the solid-state prototype from QuantumScape has not only met but exceeded industry targets in recent tests. VW’s EV upgrade During extensive tests conducted by VW’s battery unit PowerCo over several months,…

When you think HP, we bet you don’t conjure up visions of RGB-clad gaming laptops. It’s a safe bet that you envision people in suits slaving away at rows of desks in a monotone office. Well. the brand is out to change impressions with its Victus range of gaming laptops. Sort of. The HP Victus 16 doesn’t necessarily ascribe to the traditional gaming laptop aesthetic. Its muted design supplies a more business-casual feel while promising gaming chops at a mid-range price point. Don’t let the understated exterior fool you, however — this laptop packs a punch where it matters. Day/night…

If you’ve been keeping up with big tech politics, the latest courtroom drama has left many scratching their heads: Google lost against Epic Games in court last week. Epic Games, the creator of wildly popular game Fortnite, managed to emerge victorious against tech giant Google. A US jury concluded that Google operated an illegal monopoly, favouring its app store over competitors. The lawsuit, initiated by Epic Games in 2020, accused Google of unfairly establishing dominance in the app store realm, affecting the millions of users who rely on the store to download apps on Android smartphones. While Google plans to…

You’re probably packing your bags for that well-deserved December holiday. We get it — we’re all ready to ditch the office and relax. You’ll have to pack extra carefully if you’re flying this year because the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is tightening hand luggage regulations to align with aviation safety and compliance standards. These regulations, applicable across ACSA’s entire airport network, intend to more efficiently manage hand luggage on aircraft. They should also identify non-compliant items before they reach the security checkpoint. It’s important to note that these rules aren’t new. The ACSA has just decided to be more…

Bose is taking on the Sonos Arc with its brand-new Dolby Atmos-enabled Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. Pair it with the Bose Bass Module 700, and it’s supposed to be the ‘ultimate solution’ for your home audio needs. At this price point, we surely hope so. The soundbar is undeniably a contender when considering specs and build quality. It’s compact and offers balanced audio right off the bat. You can expect detailed sound and a fairly seamless experience when it comes to setup and maintenance. That said, it falls just short of being the no-brainer Bose envisioned. First up We get…

Gamers worldwide recently witnessed the culmination of The Game Awards 2023 (if you were in the appropriate time zone, that is). Traditionally, it plays host to new game announcements and reveals along with the accolades. Before we get into it, congratulations are in order. Baldur’s Gate 3 dominated The Game Awards in a stunning display of prowess. It secured an impressive six wins, including the coveted Game of the Year title. The developers behind this triumph, Larian Studios, led by founder Swen Vincke, left an indelible mark on the gaming world. Hosted by Geoff Keighley and his team, this year’s…

As South Africans prep their passports for the UK, EU or some tropical destination this December, it’s time to update that packing checklist. We’re here to add one thing to that list you may not have thought about yet — a virtual private network (VPN). We find ourselves in an increasingly digital world, where connectivity is paramount, but security concerns loom large. A VPN protects your data and privacy, especially when travelling to foreign lands or connecting to unsecured networks. What is a VPN A VPN can act as a guardian for your digital existence. Whether you’re sipping espresso at…

We get it, staying connected is non-negotiable. That tends to be a little harder to do in South Africa, compared to other countries with a properly functioning electrical grid. That’s probably why a recent study on Stuff revealed that battery life reigns supreme for smartphone seekers, with 33% valuing it above other factors. Then comes the task of finding a smartphone with a long-lasting battery life, which is especially true now that Stage 6 load shedding is back. Luckily, many readily available smartphones with beefy batteries are just waiting for new homes. Even better – many of the devices listed…

Smartphones have become an extension of humans, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. The options are seemingly endless, from size to performance and camera. South Africans are also spoilt for choice regarding brand availability, from Apple down to Samsung, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Realme – to name a few Android competitors. A recent study on Stuff has shed light on a surprising trend: South Africans prioritise battery life above all else when considering a new smartphone. Can it go all day? The survey asked respondents, “Which aspect is your biggest must-have when choosing a new…