Author: Stuff writer

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,…

No one wants to be that family member. Y’know, the one that routinely forgets birthdays, public holidays, or to prep their presents before the holidays start. We’re not judging. On the contrary, we’d like to offer some assistance in this case because we’ve all been there. If you have an avid techy, gamer, or generalist geek in your family/circle of friends, and you’re after an easy-to-execute last-minute gift for them this festive period, you’ve come to the right place. While the gift may end up being a voucher or digital subscription, that doesn’t make it any less valuable. The folks…

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has intensified hand luggage regulations for all flights this holiday season and beyond. It’s trying to ‘enhance aviation safety and compliance’. While not new, the agency has vowed to be much stricter on regulations, which will see normal travellers scrambling for smaller laptop bags. According to the regulations, economy class passengers are allowed one bag and one slimline laptop bag or handbag, while first-class passengers can carry two bags and a slimline laptop bag. The total dimensions for each bag must not exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, with a weight limit of 7kg…