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Galaxy Note10 10+
Next-Level Productivity
Samsung DeX opens a new desktop world on both PC and Mac
Take multitasking to the next level with the Galaxy Note10 | 10+ in DeX Mode. Drag and drop files from device to device, or make quick edits on the big screen with no interruptions. You can even work on your phone while it’s connected to the computer via a USB cable. Put your presentation file on your smartphone at your desk, and access it easily by connecting to the monitor in the meeting room. Then flip through the slides on your phone using air actions. Own the Next-Level power of the Galaxy Note10 | 10+.
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Account manager (Cape Town) Bernice Blundell 073 618 1882 bernice@stuff.co.za Management Stuff South Africa is published by the Stuff Group (Pty) Ltd. Directors: Toby Shapshak, Sally Hudson PO Box 74, Melrose Arch, 2096 Kelsey Publishing UK Stuff UK content is published with the permission of copyright holder Kelsey Publishing Ltd, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG ... and a word about prices Generally, we show the manufacturer’s recommended price. Occasionally we (or suppliers) can make mistakes. Please remember that prices listed in Stuff are intended as a guide only. We make every effort to confirm that all information is correct (and triple checked) when we go to print.
© Stuff South Africa. All due care will be taken with material submitted, but the magazine and publishers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. Stuff South Africa assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial, graphic or other material. All rights in letters and unsolicited editorial and graphic material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and material will be subject to Stuff South Africa’s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Stuff South Africa is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, publisher and proprietor cannot accept responsibility for any damage or inconvenience that may arise therefrom. Stuff is published in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, the Middle East, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
This is a first for me. That’s a rare occurrence for most folks past the age of 35. I’ve written small sections that are like an editor’s letter in the past but wasn’t prepared to write an actual one. But that’s life. No matter what you do or how you prepare, you’re never really prepared. You just think you are. Stuff wasn’t prepared for previous editor Craig Wilson to leave, but nobody’s ever ready for departure. Not really. Which is a kinda downbeat way of saying that we – that is, myself and the entire Stuff team – wish Craig and his lovely wife Lauren all the best in their American ventures. We weren’t prepared for the sudden change of scenery and, from what we’ve seen in the weeks it took to put this issue together, nor was Craig. And that’s okay. That’s just life. Life; and trying to sell all your furniture on a deadline. What we have prepared, though, is an
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almost wholly Craig-less issue of Stuff Magazine. It’s not worse or better, it’s just a thing that is. But he’s left his fingerprints over everything that we do here. His touch isn’t fading away any time soon. Nor is the world of technology, come to that. The issue in your hands is proof of that. Whether it’s the 102 most wanted pieces of tech (p32), as chosen by the Stuff team (because 101 is for first-year varsity students and Dalmatians), the only reading gadget you’ll ever need (p75), old-school but oh-so-stylish scribblers (p56), cars (p58), earbuds (p72), or absolutely bonkers video games (p87), tech is here to stay. And we’re going to stay along with it. The people behind the scenes might change but Stuff will keep on doing what it does. We’re mad about… well, stuff. That’ll never change.
Follow us:
Brett Venter, Editor brett@stuff.co.za @DrakonisZA
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Stuff competition terms and conditions: Apple is not a sponsor, nor is it involved in any way with any Stuff Magazine contests or sweepstakes. Stuff Magazine does not offer Apple products as contest or sweepstake prizes. 1 Promotions, giveaways and competitions are entered through Stuff Group’s website www.stuff.co.za and are opened for Issue 99, 2019 on 23 September 2019 and close on 27 October 2019. 2 The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. 3 Employees of Stuff Group and their families are not allowed to enter. Advertising and public relations representatives may not enter competitions in the issue in which their promotions, giveaways or competitions are carried. 4 Prizes are not exchangeable for cash and/or other products. Prizes are available while stocks last. It is at the discretion of Stuff Group and the custodian of the prizes to ensure that, should there be a problem with the stipulated prize won, a reasonable replacement of the same value will be offered. 5 Stuff Group carries promotions, giveaways and competitions in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation on the part of the custodian of the promotions, giveaways and competitions. 6 Winners will be notified telephonically and by mail. It is the responsibility of the winner to ensure that the correct address and contact details are given. It is the responsibility of the custodian of the promotion, giveaway and competition to ensure that prizes are sent out correctly and within the specified time. 7 Prize delivery will take four to six weeks from the time the winner has been notified. 8 Promotions, giveaways and competitions are open to South African residents only. 9 All prize-winners will be published on www.stuff.co.za the following month, once the competition lines have closed. 10 Readers may not claim for more than one prize at a time, and once announced as a winner in any Stuff promotions, giveaways or competitions, will not be eligible for another prize for three (3) months thereafter. 11 By entering any promotions, giveaways or competitions, or by accepting any prize, entrants agree that their personal details may be retained by the promoter and/or Stuff magazine and used for the purpose of sending them information about future promotions, events and news, as well as for internal administration and analysis. 12 Unclaimed prizes will be kept for three months and will not be resent. 13 Participation in any promotion, giveaway or competition and/or acceptance of any prize implies full knowledge and acceptance of all rules.
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HOT STUFF 6
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The Hot Four ● Samsung Galaxy Note 10 & 10+ ● DJI FPV ● Cleer Enduro 100 ● Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Vital stats Snapchat Spectacles 3 Coming soon to a fashion victim near you Apps Including a frog in big pink earmuffs Games First play of Posh Pawnbrokers VR Icon Grado S1000e White Edition The Beatles in headphone form, sort of Start menu A cacophony of crowdfunded cleverness Stream Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan will be back. Wheels Tushek TS 900 H Apex Could this be Slov at first sight?
TESTS p51 Roam gnome
p38 Speak freak
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55 3 of the best Fitness watches Strap yourself in for a punishing workout 58 Tested Ford Mustang 5.0L GT Can stallions roar? This one does 59 Tested Nokia 4.2 Budget phones can look good. We promise 60 Tested Toshiba Portégé X30T-E This is no flip flop flipbook 72 Tested Sony WF-1000XM3 Ace new in-ears for the buddy-minded 74 Tested Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Make your living room explode (not really) 75 Tested Kindle Oasis (2019) A fancy e-reader with a sleep-friendly glow 77 Versus Electric toothbrushes Because you’re a dentalist 78 Long-term test Palm Phone Do we really need a small companion? 84 Tested Games Wolfenstein: Youngblood, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Astral Chain
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WIN! p88
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FEATURES 32 Cover feature Stuff’s 102 most wanted The Stuff team has a problem. An expensive problem. We compiled a list of all the tech (and occasionally non-tech) we want, from a R3.5mil sound system to a R700 toy gun. 54 Mini meme Animation apps In case you like to move it, move it 56 Upvoted Pens Fight for your write to party 62 Extra feature Work Tech Gear up and be the cool guy at work for once 80 Instant upgrades Sony Xperia 1 Fluff up your flagship 82 Beta yourself iOS 13 & iPadOS 13 Your Apple device is now even smarter 104 Random access memories Game & Watch Nintendo’s 1980 handheld gaming pioneer wasn’t completely rubbish after all – discuss
TOP TENS 90 Smartphones What’s the handiest, handsomest handset? 91 Phablets As above, just for bigger hands (or egos) 92 Tablets, mobile games Slick slates and ways to kill your battery 93 TVs All you need for a lazy night/day/year in 94 Laptops Porta-powerhouses to warm your knees 95 Wearables, smartwatches Strapping smart tracking tickers 98 Drones, compact cameras Shoot from the sky or from the hip 100 Headphones In-ears and on-ears, hear hear! 103 Games 10 ways to avoid adult responsibilities
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I LET WILD HORSES DRAG ME AWAY
I LOOKED UP AN OLD FRIEND
There was a time when it felt like really simple syndication (RSS) feeds would change the world forever. And for a time, they did. But RSS was a strange anomaly that seemed to run out of popularity, even though these feeds remain the most useful way to read stories from news websites. I recently revisited RSS and was pleasantly surprised to discover an old favourite, Feedly, is still going strong. Just as pleasingly, its app is as useful as it ever was. With Feedly I can see all the headlines of all the news services I read, in one place, in one app and, well, I can read them without pulling out a magnifying glass. That’s what really simple syndication was always meant to do and I’m glad Feedly is still doing it. Even if Google discontinued its Reader program. Toby Shapshak, Publisher and Editor-in-chief
I joined Ford SA in the Western Cape for the launch of its latest Mustang coupe, convertible and the limited Steve McQueen inspired Bullitt. The car has more aggressive styling and is exhilarating to drive thanks to its enhanced engine. For tech junkies it also includes fantastic driver-assist technologies and a 12in customisable LCD display. Control of the entertainment and communication centre is via voice command which, even for a blonde, is simple to pair with Apple CarPlay. Alternatively Android Auto as well as Bluetooth or USB connection are options for taking control. All commands can be given by voice or touch, so it’s easy to stay connected whilst the new Mustang gallops along. Sally Hudson, Business Director
Making Stuff up Publisher and Editor-in-chief Toby Shapshak toby@stuff.co.za Editor Brett Venter brett@stuff.co.za Deputy Editor Marcé Bester marce@stuff.co.za Art Director Brandon van Rensburg art@stuff.co.za Digital Publisher Nic Boerma nic@stuff.co.za Selling Stuff Business Director Sally Hudson, sally@stuff.co.za Senior Account Manager Thalia Pallotta 083 375 2418 thalia@stuff.co.za Getting Stuff to you Printing CTP
OUR MONTH
What this issue has brought us by way of geekery I TRIED TO DROWN A MERC
I only recently realised that the majority of people who traverse the streets of Sandton in their luxury SUVs will never take their giant wheelbases anywhere near a 4x4 track. Even veering onto the gravel off a single-lane rural road frightens them. And that’s a shame. I had the opportunity to take the brand new Mercedes-Benz GLE 4Matic onto rough terrain. No, not Beyers Naude. That’s just riddled with potholes – I spent time on a specially designed 4x4 course. The GLE is fitted with an active suspension system called E-Active Body Control which sends more (or less) power to certain systems when in 4x4-mode. The best part was trying to submerge the SUV in a pond. It didn’t work. Maybe we need to find bigger potholes? Marcé Bester, Deputy Digital Editor
I SAVED TECH FROM EXTINCTION
For a mere 50 bucks, I brushed the dust off a relic – a Garmin Nüvi 200 – built in an era long before the smarts of Google Maps. All the cool kids had one stuck to their windscreens and now I would be one of them. After a kilometre of driving my new prehistoric tech turned on me, spitting out old apartheid street names faster than a Jurassic Park frill-necked lizard. The unit needed upgrading but where to find new SA maps? Thankfully, most Garmin devices can be brought back from the brink of extinction using their MapManager software and the free regularly updated maps available at garmin.openstreetmap. nl. The downside? Everyone I know wants me to update their old Garmin, which goes to show just how much we love our old tech. Brandon van Rensburg, Art Director
Distribution RNA 011 248 3607 (Caitlin) Contacting Stuff Call us 087 087 7055 Email us stuff@stuff.co.za Subscribe stuff.co.za/buy Find us www.stuff.co.za StuffSA @StuffSA Caxton House, 368 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall, Johannesburg, 2196
South Africa
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Notes receivable At 151x72x7.9mm, the Note 10 demands less of your pocket than the Note 9 and weighs less too‌ yet pushing back those bezels has given this phone 10% more screen space.
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HOT FOUR #1 BOAST-IT NOTES
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 & Note 10+
Notes and queries Samsung has binned the Bixby button that has appeared on most of its recent devices (now you just hold the power button), and the headphone port is also a goner.
Samsung isn’t exactly known for springing surprises. So while much of what you get with its new Note 10 and 10+ could have been guessed before they were unveiled, that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty here to get excited about. With its massive 6.8in AMOLED Infinity-O screen, 12GB of RAM, 4300mAh battery and quad-camera array, the Note 10+ (R23 000) is the pick of the pair, but both come with slimmer bezels and all the internal workings needed to make your current phone sad. Then there’s the classic S Pen, which now features gesture controls that let you channel your inner sorcerer and control apps with a flick of the wrist. The extra camera on the 10+ is for depthsensing, while the others offer telephoto (12MP), wide-angle (16MP) and standard (12MP) shooting skills. One notable addition is ‘live focus’ video for bokeh effects. CPU and GPU performance are both well up on the Note 9, but perhaps most important of all is that the Note 10 is smaller than its predecessor, so giant bear-hands are no longer obligatory. As hot as… the envy of all those who don’t look like wizards when using their phones from R19 000 / samsung.com/za 7
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HANDS-ON NOTE 10+ Do we need two hands to operate this? When we’re using the S Pen, will people think we’re doing surveys on the street with a clipboard? To be honest we don’t care, because that is one lusciouslooking screen – and there’s just so much of it. We want to watch nature docs on this thing right now. The ‘aura glow’ finish should really be called disco, because it’s so funky you cannot help but ogle the rainbow shine as it catches the light. But this is no phone for the dancefloor – because although the camera is above par in good light, it’s not the same story at night. It can take up to five seconds to complete a shot, and that might result in brighter results but they’re blurry as hell half the time. The ultra-wide camera in daylight is one of the best we’ve used, however. Video stabilisation sees the biggest improvement, and using the S Pen as a remote shutter is fun (for a while). But it’s the pen’s drawing capabilities and the transcription feature, which even manages to decipher scraggy handwriting, that make the Note 10+ a doodler’s dream phone.
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Whatever floats your Note You won’t want your big shiny phone to get wet, but if it does receive a splash you can rest assured the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance will stop it getting frazzled.
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Murder, she Note The new AR Doodle feature lets you scribble all over your photos and videos using the S Pen, with your creations mapping themselves to the image – even when it’s moving.
The men who stare at Notes If you’re partial to a movie binge on the Uber to work, the Note 10+ has you covered with its enormous 6.8in QHD+ display. Both phones also support HDR10+.
Note of many colours Also making use of the S Pen is the new video editor, which lets you precisely trim down your clips with the stylus rather than having to jab at them with your finger.
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HOT FOUR #2 CAPTAIN BIRD’S-EYE Whose tern is it? Eight drones can fly simultaneously under one system, but it’s also possible to watch the feed of another budding Anakin Skywalker by engaging Audience Mode.
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DJI FPV Goggles
It’s hard not to be a bit jealous of birds. They don’t have to worry about taxes, or conforming to social norms about where it is and isn’t appropriate to go to the toilet – and most of them can fly, which looks like great fun. DJI can’t do anything about the first two points, but its FPV Goggles should replicate the feeling of flight like nothing else. The new headset uses digital image transmission to stream 720p HD footage at 120fps over long distances, with a latency of just 28ms. That’s a massive step up in visual quality on your
average FPV headset, making it perfect for drone racers… or anyone who just wants to know how it feels to be a pigeon. The system has a maximum range of 4km, and its antiinterference tech ensures a reliable feed to the Goggles at all times. Just try not to smash your drone into the side of a cliff, because no amount of HD cameras and top-notch transmission technology can make up for god-awful flying. As hot as...flying into the sun Rtba / dji.com
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Both the FPV Goggles and the accompanying FPV Camera are capable of capturing video content, with the Goggles letting you record onto a microSD card.
HOT FOUR #3 FURIOUSLY FAST AND TURNING FIFTY
Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Egrets, I’ve had a few Because the headset’s built-in memory records your flight, it’s easy to track down your drone if there is a crash: you can just check the footage to see where it landed.
You can tell who your Nissan-mad mates are. Mention the Nissan GT-R and you’ll see their eyes light up like rapidly-disappearing brake lights in the distance. They’ll reminisce about the hours spent mastering the race line in Gran Turismo 2 and what they’d ever do if they got behind the wheel of a real one. Well, the GT-R has turned 50 and is headed to South African shores in two trim options: GT-R Premium and GT-R Black Edition. But what it looks like (awesome) is secondary to how it performs (awesomer). And the 50th anniversary release has that section sewn up – the 3.8l V6 double over-head twin-turbo engine will turn a few heads. The 410kW power output ensures those heads turn quickly enough to cause whiplash, too. Nissan has claimed performance gains from the engine but has also included a dual-clutch 6-speed gearbox, electronically controlled springs, shifty-paddles on the steering wheel, and a smarter, techier cockpit design for those who can’t push the car far enough and fast enough to notice those gains. Hmmm, gains… Smells like… victory. At the intersection. As hot as… your brake discs post-dice from R2.2million / nissan.co.za 11
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Master strokes The Active2 gets a major system update from the original Active fitness watch, which Samsung says will improve swim tracking and overall reliability.
HOT FOUR #4 HARDY ’UNS OF THE GALAXY Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
Samsung’s original Galaxy Watch Active is only a few months old (see review, p55), but the sequel has already surfaced and is expected to go on sale later this year. The updated model brings back the rotating dial of the regular Galaxy Watch, which was absent from the first iteration of its fitness-focused spin-off. The physical dial has become digital, letting you cycle through screens by running your finger around a touch-sensitive ring. You get the same Super AMOLED display as before, but now there’s an ECG to monitor your heart and flag any irregularities, just like the Apple Watch Series 4. An LTE version will also let you make calls without your phone. Maybe. Oh, and there’s a special Under Armour edition. Designed to work seamlessly with UA’s MapMyRun platform (you get a six-month premium membership included), it’s also the only Samsung fitness watch that will pair with UA’s HOVR Connected running shoes, offering real-time coaching and stats. That’s probably worth the extra cash over the standard model. As hot as…Bikram yoga in salopettes Rtba / samsung.com/za 12
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SPECCED-UP FOUR EYES Snapchat Spectacles 3
$380 (R5 850 - import) / spectacles.com
What sort of person buys Snapchat Spectacles, and who are we to judge? Well, actually, we’re precisely the people to judge. Ridiculous, aren’t they? And yet, with some clever depth-sensing tech at play, social media dons might be onto a winner this time… ● Third eye The third-gen Spectacles feature familiar round lenses, but swap the plastic frames for steel – available in carbon or mineral (black or gold to normal people). Tap either button to video up to 60 seconds 14
or press and hold for a still; a little LED will light up to show filming has commenced and everyone is now a potential victim. Sync the glasses to your smartphone, edit as you see fit, and fire content over to Snapchat or export for uploading elsewhere. ● Eye eye What sets the new Spectacles apart, aside from the Bauhaus styling, is the second camera – which, as with multi-lens phone cameras, enables depth-sensing using the parallax effect (we swear they played on one of the smaller Splashy Fen stages this year). As well as promising better AR, both cameras can capture HD footage
Sound quality has had a big upgrade, with four mics picking up your inane jabber.
at 60fps to complement a suite of 3D effects – Snapchat is even bundling its take on Google Cardboard with the specs, in the form of a ‘3D viewer’. ● Eyely charged There’s 4GB of onboard storage, and an hour-long charge should let you capture around 70 videos or 200 stills. Rounding things off is a flat leather case that’ll give the specs a full juice boost in 75 minutes via USB-C. All of this tech comes at a cost, and we don’t just mean the respect of your friends: they’re also twice as expensive as the previous pair. Pre-order now for a November release.
BOTH CAMS CAN CAPTURE HD VIDEO TO COMPLEMENT A SUITE OF 3D EFFECTS
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How d’ya like them, Apples?
MOPHIE 3-IN-1 CHARGING PAD
BETTER THAN SPECS? ● Bose Frames
Wireless musical sunglasses with a 9-axis motion sensor, AI voice-assistant support and a dedicated AR platform… what a ludicrous set of words to string together. R4 500 / makro.co.za
With Apple still struggling to conquer the world of wireless charging (AirPower, we hardly knew ye), Mophie has stepped up to the little black plate. The company has launched a new Apple-exclusive 3-in-1 wireless charger that, as the name not so subtly suggests, can charge three devices at once. The 7.5W fast-charging mat uses the latest Qi tech to deliver an efficient charge, and is compatible with iPhones, Apple Watches and AirPods. The Watch gets its own designated charging spot, to ensure its display isn’t obstructed in bedside mode. If you’re an Apple addict who’s yet to experience the magic of wireless charging, this might be the perfect pad for your pad. R2 500 (import) / apple com
● Vue Smart Glasses
The Vue specs are now shipping after a successful $2.2m Kickstarter campaign. Activity-tracking, music playback and hands-free calling are supported. $249 / vue.backerkit.com
● Vuzix Blade
These shades have a head-up display, a haptic touchpad, 4GB of storage and an 8MP camera. And for some next-level shiz, there’s Amazon Alexa built in… and DJI drone support. from R13 300 (import) / vuzix.com
DJI OSMO MOBILE 3 Smartphones have undoubtedly democratised filmmaking, but having Tarantino-esque vision isn’t much use if your footage is wobbling about like a monkey on a unicycle. That’s where DJI’s Osmo Mobile 3 comes in. This 3-axis portable gimbal reduces shaky footage by cancelling out your movements in real time to deliver a super-smooth image. The 3rd-gen Osmo Mobile is foldable, making it even more portable, while the ergonomic grip should reduce hand strain when you’re shooting on the move. You can switch from portrait to landscape filming with a double tap, and built-in shooting modes (panorama, timelapse, slow motion, sport) help bring your brilliant/terrible ideas to life. Rtba / myistore.co.za 15
A P P S
This month’s mobile must-downloads
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1 Miximum
2 321Fit
3 Face Pause, Face Tube
4 Start with Yoga
5 Ruff
6 Un Pas Fragile
7 Flappy Royale
8 P1 Select
9 Chessplode
Free or R40 / iOS You might hate iTunes, but it’s great for dynamic playlists. Miximum brings similar smarts to iOS, and lets you construct playlists using rules rather than dragging and dropping tracks like a caveman.
R50 / Apple Watch Yoga apps don’t always help you relax, considering the pounding they give your wallet with IAP subs. This one’s different: a one-off charge, and routines beamed to a streamlined Apple Watch app.
Free / Android, iOS Being dropped onto an island to battle it out with 99 other players? That’s so last week. Far better to waste your time desperately trying to be the last survivor flapping between Mario-esque pipes. 16
Free / Android, iOS Borrowing from music players, 321Fit presents workouts as customisable playlists. It further encourages you through a blocky Teletext-style man working out, and loads of retro beeps.
Free or R70 / Android Not so much ‘rough’ as stripped to the bone, this writing app wants to get out of your way. A distractionfree interface is twinned with useful basic formatting and count tools, along with fast sharing.
R50 / iOS Another lo-fi mobile dungeon crawler? Yawn. But wait: this one’s by Michael Brough and therefore bonkers. Every move swaps your player’s abilities and power, thereby punching your brain in the face.
Free / Android These twin apps pause your Android’s screen whenever you have the audacity to remove your gaze from it. Handy for video, perhaps, but also foreshadowing a terrifying future for advertising.
R38 / Android ● R30 / iOS Recalling Florence’s mix of art, story and (sort-of) game, this one features a frog who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. Not exactly standard gaming fodder, but it’ll penché you in the feels.
Free / Android, iOS Chess in fast-forward with a zappy laser power-up. Take a piece and all those in its row and column – friend or foe alike – go pop. It’s enough to make even a wannabe grandmaster scratch their noggin.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
HIDDEN SIDE
Free / Android, iOS Lego’s previous AR apps were tentative steps that held Stuff’s attention for literally seconds. But Hidden Side shakes things up. For a start, you build an actual Lego set first, which is always good. Then you point your phone at it and go all Ghostbusters on the blocky horrors you find lurking within (it’s rated PEGI 3, so is suitable for all ages, but don’t blame us if you wet the bed). The game bits are fastpaced, if a bit repetitive; still, repeat play is rewarded with new critters to battle and weapons to unlock. There’s no IAP here, although you may end up emptying your bank account to get more sets to use with the game. Cunning play, Lego.
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G A M E S
OUT 8 OCT
FIRST PLAY CONCRETE GENIE PS4 Concrete Genie is every inch a PlayStation title. Developer PixelOpus’s second game, it captured the heart of PlayStation boss Shawn Layden from its very first pitch. “We have to have this game,” Layden told his team after he played it in a very early pitch meeting. “PlayStation has to have it.” It’s easy to see why Sony was so set on publishing this game: for anyone who ever had a PS2, Concrete Genie oozes nostalgia. The game casts you as a bullied outcast kid, Ash, who escapes from the trauma of his dead-end 18
town via art. In a weird turn of events, his art starts to come to life… and starts to help him confront his bullies. You can paint ‘genies’ on any flat surface – animated, friendly entities that help you solve puzzles and breathe life back into your dismal hometown. Think about how you’d create murals in LittleBigPlanet – it feels like that (no surprise, given Media Molecule helped out with the game’s tech). Traversal when you’re surfing on your paintbrush is reminiscent of Jet Set Radio Future, painting
on the walls to solve puzzles feels like Okami, fighting off enemies with your oversized brushes feels like Sly Cooper, and the curious world design has echoes of Ico or Shadow of the Colossus. There may be a lot of wildly different games in Concrete Genie’s DNA, but it still feels wholly original. While some triple-A titles feel like they’ve been designed by committee, this feels like a game made from the heart… and in designing it that way, PixelOpus may have produced a PlayStation classic.
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FIRST LOOK I DON’T WANNA HOLIDAY IN THE SUN… OR DO I?
THE TOURYST Switch
Our summer holidays rarely get more exciting than swimming out between the flags, risking factor 20 and calling on six months’ worth of Duolingo lessons to ask for directions in another tongue. You can imagine our surprise, then, when just
minutes after arriving by boat at the Monument Islands, the block-headed protagonist of The Touryst was mucking about in hazard-ridden underwater caves and being grabbed by what looked like the arm of an octopus. And that was just in the announcement trailer. That’s not to say this game doesn’t encourage you to
take it easy on your holidays at times. As you explore your colourful surroundings, you’ll be able to do a bit of souvenir shopping or even throw some shapes at the beach party. Surfing is on the itinerary too, and in a nice cheeky touch, the town’s arcade will feature a racing game that looks a lot like developer Shin’en
Multimedia’s previous game, Fast RMX. With its colourful voxel art style and emphasis on exploration, we’re getting an old-school Zelda vibe from The Touryst… Zelda with Hawaiian shirts and shades, that is. And as the colder days depart, this promising-looking indie could offer some perfect sunny accompaniment.
BESTOFGAMESCOMANNOUNCEMENTS
LITTLE NIGHTMARES 2
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC There weren’t many new games revealed at this year’s Gamescom event in Cologne, but one that did stand out was Little Nightmares 2, a sequel to the sinister puzzle-platformer that launched in 2017. The follow-up appears to feature more outdoor environments.
HOTLINE MIAMI COLLECTION
Switch Trippy top-down shooter Hotline Miami has spawned countless imitators, but few have matched its addictive gameplay loop and distinctive visual style. It seems right, then, that this indie classic – along with its sequel – is now available on the ultimate indie console, the Nintendo Switch.
CYBERPUNK
Stadia CD Projekt Red’s ambitious open-world RPG is nailed on to be next year’s biggest game, and now you won’t even need a console to play it. Google used its Stadia conference to confirm that the game, in all its neon-lit Keanu-y glory, will be playable on Stadia in 2020.
INCOMING OCTOBER ● GHOST RECON BREAKPOINT ● GRID ● THE OUTER WORLDS NOVEMBER ● STAR WARS JEDI: FALLEN ORDER ● SHENMUE 3 ● MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES DECEMBER ● LIFE IS STRANGE 2 – EPISODE 5
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THEY’RE MADE FROM BRUSHED ALUMINIUM TO DAMPEN DISTORTION
GRADO GS1 from R21 200 / audicoonline.co.za Are oversized Polo mints a headphone trend these days? Not that we’re aware of, but these Grado cans look so fresh we’d have no hesitation wearing them. Every pair from the Brooklyn brand’s Prestige Series is handbuilt and this edition – also going by the moniker of The White Headphone – is available in “very limited quantities”. They’re made in the main from brushed aluminium,
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which according to Grado helps to dampen distortion – every audiophile’s kryptonite – while an eight-conductor cable exerts control in the upper and lower ranges of the frequency spectrum. Yes, all that from a cable. I take it there’s some sort of link to the Beatles? Boom Shankar! Yes, there is. As you might have guessed from the
HITE EDITION nickname, they’re inspired by The White Album, which big boss man John Grado describes as a family favourite. You don’t need to be a Fabs fanatic, though: the minty look will feel equally appropriate for anyone recreating the video to Stay Another Day by East 17, or cosplaying as Gandalf. The accenting on the earcups also pops strongly against that black leather headband.
Is the ‘white’ thing the reason they’re so expensive? In a way, but anything under a grand for studio-quality open-back headphones is about the right ballpark these days… and there are some nice added extras in the box, including a quarter-inch gold adaptor and a Grado story sheet giving owners a bit of background on the history and heritage at play.
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iPhone a friend
FOSSIL GEN 5 Wear OS watches and iPhones are usually about as friendly to one another as Wenger and Mourinho, but Fossil’s Gen 5 wearables look to change that. For the first time on a device packing Google’s software, you’ll be able to take incoming calls from your tethered iPhone on the watch itself. And that’s not all that’s new: an extended battery mode will purportedly give you multiple days of use on a single charge, while keeping key features like notifications and heart-rate readings active. A swim-proof speaker allows you to hear alarms and responses from Google Assistant, and all devices in the range now run on the Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform. Pretty significant upgrades, if you ask us. Rtba / fossil.com
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DROP EVERYTHING & DOWNLOAD
Journey R80 / iOS
Increasingly, iOS devices resemble gaming time machines, placing old PC and console hits right in your mitts. Now it’s Journey’s turn. When on the go, you can explore its mysterious world, leap into the air with your magic cape, and skid down sand dunes in a manner that won’t do anything good for the soles of your feet. Having this game working on a phone is bonkers – although at the time of writing, so are the camera controls, unfortunately. You have to make tiny thumb movements to avoid abruptly yanking your viewpoint about. Still, Journey remains beautiful, finite and solo – just the ticket if you found yourself overwhelmed by the thematically similar (but massively multiplayer) mobile semi-sequel, Sky.
Hasta la Vista, fellow joggers
JAYBIRD VISTA
If you’re training for a marathon, you probably don’t want your headphones to do any of the following: fall out, weigh your ears down, die on you just before the final stretch, or test your already stretched resolve with finicky controls. Jaybird appears to have thought of all of this while designing its new true wireless earphones. The Vistas’ fins lock each bud into the ear, and at just 6g you’ll probably forget they’re there. Battery life is 6hrs (plus 10 with the case), customisable one-button controls make it easy to pause, skip tracks, turn up the volume or call Siri/Google Assistant while you run, and they’re rated IPX7 against water, sweat and disgusting sports drinks. Rtba / jaybirdsport.com 21
S T A R T M E N U ST KIC AR K TE R
The latest startups, crowdfunded projects and plain crazy ideas
Switch it up
LYRA
You could stuff your Android with retro gaming emulators, but the playing experience is rubbish on a slippy glass screen. The Lyra offers a far more palatable way to enjoy the classics on the go. As it uses a Raspberry Pi CM3L, performance should be closer to that of a Picade than all the Pi Zero (and similar) handhelds knocking around. And it’s easy on the eyes and digits, with a 5in 800x480 display, a D-pad, four face buttons and a pair of triggers. An HDMI output is included for TV antics or personal computing, and you can save some cash by building the thing yourself. Of course, you’ll almost certainly trap a speck of dust behind the display that’ll nag you forever. from £149 / creoqode.com BACK IT STACK IT
ST KIC AR K TE R
ST KIC AR K TE R
Touch it up
Turn it up
Hold it up
Make it up
Loads of computers equals loads of keyboards, mice and trackpads. With Mokibo, you can banish them all. This svelte keyboard – 7.5mm thick and just 250g – connects to three devices. But it also has 90 embedded touch sensors, and the entire thing transforms into a trackpad that’d even make a MacBook Pro green with envy. £107 / mokibo.com
This tiny device measures 4cm across and weighs just 35g. For audio oomph, it uses bone conduction technology to transform a hollow object into an impromptu loudspeaker: a table, a car dashboard, your head. It’ll ramp up to match the power of five blaring smartphone speakers – hardly audiophile bliss, but fun as an audio toy. £20 / tinyurl.com/y6dn88r4
This swish iPad stand feels like a magic bullet for iPad owners. Your tablet connects magnetically to a microfibre base that can be effortlessly rotated between landscape and portrait. Attach the USB-C connector and your iPad can access anything plugged in around back via USB-C, USB-A, HDMI and a headphone port. from $99 / magic-dock.com
Powered by a Raspberry Pi 4, this module has a programmable mini-screen and buttons, plus a metal case with 14 magnetic components. Sensors, buttons, LEDs and Lego connectors help you bring inventions to life. Upgrade and you can create chunky vehicles with wheels and tracks to terrify the cat. $199 / pi-top.com
MOKIBO
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I GONDI GOE-
I GONDI GOE-
SACK IT
HUMBIRD
MAGIC DOCK
PI-TOP [4]
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WTF IS FORM? Oh my, please don’t tell me these are Google goggles?
Well… yes and no. Welcome to the underwater world of aquatic AR, where swim tracking is tackled wearing a pair of goggles with a Google Glass head-up display. Unless you’re a mermaid, Aquaman or Kevin Costner, you tend to need your arms to help propel you through water, so a wrist-based tracker can be bit awks for keeping an eye on times when you’re flapping about.
Garden Bose
BOSE PORTABLE HOME SPEAKER Bose’s new Bluetooth speaker doesn’t have a very memorable name, but it does remind you why these things are still fun. Blast music in your bedroom, all over the house and on your way to the shops with 360° sound, deeper bass than you’ll find in any competing speaker of the same size (it’s claimed) and 12 hours’ playing time between charges. While connected to Wi-Fi, you can jump between playlists and control your smart home with Alexa or Google Assistant, which are built in and have had their ears pricked up by a Bose-made voice pickup system. AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect are also supported. Rtba / bose.com
What about different strokes?
Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis? The Form goggles use an accelerometer and gyroscope to automatically detect stroke type, stroke rate and split times. That’s because they’ve been developed using data collected from swimmers of all levels, and the makers claim the goggles can also identify when you’re turning or resting.
Water a brilliant idea. So where’s all the tech?
A small black box with a two-button control sits on the right side and houses all the goodies. Data can be displayed in either eye and showing any combination of the metrics you want to see in real time. Just slip into the pool and off you go. There’s a 16-hour battery charged with a magnetic cable and Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with the Form app. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, everything is waterproof to a depth of 10 metres.
What if I don’t like numbers in my eyes? You can disable the display and still track your swim. Analysing your activity data afterwards still retains the benefit of keeping your wrists free; and as well as the Form app with its own social platform, it’s compatible with Strava, TrainingPeaks and Garmin Connect. Yours for $199 (R3 100) from formswim.com.
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New play room
SAMSUNG SPACE GAMING MONITOR Earlier this year Samsung unveiled the Space Monitor, a slimline display that could be stored flat against a wall thanks to its clever stand. Now it’s used that same tech to create the Space Gaming Monitor, a 32in 2560x1440 screen designed for gamers. It can be attached to any desk or table, and boasts a 144Hz refresh rate to minimise image lag and motion blur, while AMD Radeon FreeSync keeps the refresh rate synchronised with your graphics processor. In practice, that means smoother gameplay without screen-tearing or stutters. It’s all powered by easily concealable cables to keep your gaming area clutter-free, meaning more room for cheesy snacks and Mountain Dew. R9 300 / samsung.com/za
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POWERED FOR BUSINESS, DESIGNED FOR LIFE Touch HP ENVY 13 X360 RYZEN 5 2-1 • Windows 10 Home • 13.3” FHD Touch Display • 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage • AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor • AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 Graphics • (10119859) • Available Online and at Selected Stores
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HP ENVY 13 X360 RYZEN 7 2-1 • Windows 10 Home • 13.3” FHD Touch Display • 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage • AMD Ryzen 7 3700U Processor • AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 Graphics • (10120047) • Available Online and at Selected Stores
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HP PAVILION 14 i3 NOTEBOOK WITH SSD • Windows 10 Home • 14” FHD Display • 4GB RAM & 256GB NVME SSD • Intel Core i3 8145U Processor • Intel UHD Graphics 620 • (10119858, 10120049/52/53) • Available in Gold, Silver, White and Mauve • Available Online and at Selected Stores
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HP PAVILION 14 i5 NOTEBOOK WITH SSD • Windows 10 Home • 14” FHD Display • 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD NVMe Storage • Intel® Core™ i5- 8265U Processor • (10120050) Available in Silver • Available Online and at Selected Stores Only
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HP PAVILION X360 i3 2-1 • Windows 10 Home • 14” HD Touch Display • 4GB DDR4 RAM • 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD • Intel® Core™ i3 8145U Processor • Intel UHD Graphics 620 • (10120048) • Available Online and at Selected Stores
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SHOP ONLINE AT INCREDIBLE.CO.ZA E&oe (errors and omissions excepted) Prices Valid till 31 October 2019
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Take care out there
SAFELET
It may look like the more generic of fitness trackers but the Safelet is a little… safer. Rather than tracking your steps, it’s keeping an eye on your location. In case you encounter any danger on your travels, a press of the SOS button on the wristband syncs it up with the accompanying app. Should the midden strike the windmill, your SOS is sent to your nominated guardians, who can be peeps you know or the community at large. Location data is shared, as is a recording of what’s going on, and your guardians can either respond or dispatch the relevant emergency services to you. Check out stuff.co.za for a full test of the service. R1 000 / safelet.co.za
Enough (carbon) fiber in your diet
RUBATO LASSIE
The creation of father-and-son team Roger and Oliver Lambson, the Rubato Lassie is a South African-made stringed instrument with international pricing. That’s not a stretch to believe, as this puppy consists of a carbon-fibre monocoque that resists neck-flexing even if you’re rocking strings with the sort of gauge used to bind ocean-liners to shore. Throw in some pickup vibration damping, an ultra-low string guide and a 2.5kg weight and you’ve got a guitar you won’t wanna smash at the end of the performance. Stuff ’s eagerly awaiting its go on the Rubato Lassie but that’ll have to… well, wait. Each axe is made to order and creation takes four to six weeks. $3 970 (approx R61 000) / rubato.guitars
So, no-one told you…?
LEGO IDEAS CENTRAL PERK First, the bad news: TV sitcom and perennial Netflix fave Friends is now 25 years old. Yup, it’s made its quartercentury and we’re all getting old. The good news? We’re getting a commemorative Lego set to celebrate. Central Perk and all its denizens (the six friends in question, as well as Gunther) can now be assembled from 1070 pieces, comprising everything from the iconic couch and table to the exterior window that you only ever saw in reverse. And, should you not want the whole diorama effect, the main seating area can be removed for playtime. Just the thing to display next to your #21302 484-piece Big Bang Theory set, eh Sheldon? R1 250 / greatyellowbrick.co.za 26
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DECIPHER ALLOW US TO EXPLAIN…
Series Canon
CANON EOS M6 MARK II We get that you’ve already got a pretty good camera in your pocket but this compact mirrorless from Canon wants to make you think twice about reaching for it. The EOS M6 Mk II’s 32.5MP sensor uses the same DIGIC 8 processor found in 2018’s EOS M50 and the new EOS 90D DSLR. 14fps continuous shooting, 4K video (at 30fps), and 1080p video (at 120fps) are there for fans of oddly-located fractions. Canon’s also elected to offer a flexible 3in touchscreen panel to users. You know what that means, right? Yeah boy, selfie-city! Without having to flip the camera every shot to make sure that your Blue Steel hasn’t morphed into La Tigre. Everyone knows that’s a softer look, far more suited for catalogues than social media, anyway. R13 500 / canon.co.za
BIOHACKING Biohacking refers to several activities, from using tech to augment performance (if you own a Fitbit or similar, you’re a biohacker), to doing the same with food, or any sort of social activity that monitors or changes your biology. But the really sexy stuff involves so-called ‘grinders’. Grinders are on the ragged edge of the biohacking movement, crossing into transhumanist territory with their willingness to alter their bodies in service to tech. RFID chips are the most common implants, which often have to be done at home or in back rooms because surgeons won’t sign off on procedures. Imagine detecting magnetic fields thanks to a chip in your fingertips or making payments with a swipe of your wrist. For some folks, that cyberpunk future exists now. And it’s all the more hardcore, even earned, because these operations and functions are being pioneered by a visionary few.
THE REALLY SEXY STUFF INVOLVES SO-CALLED ‘GRINDERS’.
Bigger is better?
SAMSUNG 98IN Q900RB QLED This isn’t the first we’ve seen of Samsung’s tech-defying, walletfrightening 8K TV flagship. We’ve spent some time with the 65in version of the Q900 (p59, May 2019) but, at the time, we didn’t have any pricing. Samsung’s 65in Q900 might be the world’s most affordable 8K panel but that term doesn’t apply here. It’ll set you back a cool million bucks for Samsung’s huge Smart Hub-sporting, AI-facilitated-upscaling, nigh-on-100-inch-wide Q900RB television set. The big difference right now? An updated remote, an extra HDMI 2.1 port, and the biggest and best panel in the business. If you can’t brag about having this slice of glass hanging in a prominent spot, we’re not sure what there is left to brag about. R1 million / samsung.com/za
The point? To interact directly with tech. A smart home becomes smarter when it can detect its owner moving through its environs. It’s possible to detect you if you’re not carrying a smart device but what if you were a proper part of the system? Examples of popular biohacks include biomagnets for sensing magnetic fields, modified and augmented eyes, the Northstar V1 bioluminescence implant, or the Pegleg network drive implant that made waves in August this year. Like it or not, we’re barreling towards a future where we’re very much part of the system. Now may be a good time to decide which part we want to be.
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From stunt drivers to unlikely heros and tireless zombies, there’s some sizzling-hot seasonal series to stream
Surviving R. Kelly
The Politician
Transparent
The Lifetime documentary miniseries caused one heck of a stir when it first aired. The powerful examination of sexual abuse on the part of Robert ‘R’ Kelly had farreaching consequences – both for Kelly and the women he abused. If you missed it at launch, you’ve got another chance now that it is available on Showmax. Mini-series / Showmax
Ryan Murphy, fresh off the back of hits like Glee, American Horror Story and American Crime Story, makes his Netflix Original debut with this comedy series about a Californian high-schooler (played by Ben Platt, who’s far too old to be in school) with political aspirations. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange and Dylan McDermott co-star. S1 / Netflix
Jill Soloway’s dramedy series put Amazon Studios on the TV map, bagged armfuls of Emmys and Golden Globes and explored trans issues in a way seldom before seen on TV – but like all shows (except Coronation Street) it has to end somewhere, and that somewhere is with this feature-length finale to tie up all its loose ends. S5 (one-off finale) / Amazon Prime
The Good Place
The Walking Dead
Hyperdrive
Another much-loved comedy series returns for its small-screen swansong. The Good Place, with Kristen Bell as a woman erroneously transported to a utopian afterlife, burned briefly but brightly, picking up legions of fans for its sharp writing and willingness to explore the kind of philosophical avenues other comedies wouldn’t touch. S4 / Netflix
The Walking Dead has its followers shambling slowly behind it as it tracks the very human survivors of the zombie apocalypse (just don’t say the Z-word). Season 9 is upon us and, soon, we’ll be dying to see what happens next in Season 10. Well, someone will be dying, anyway. Be sure to keep up so you know who the real monsters are. S9 / Showmax
Part reality TV show, part video game, Hyperdrive puts us in mind of Disney-made racing title Split/ Second. The premise? Collect a bunch of drivers, put them in a frankly insane stunt course and film the results. It’s basically Ultimate Beastmaster meets the Fast and Furious franchise – with better safety gear. S1 / Netflix
DO M N TH ISS ’T IS
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan S1 / Amazon Prime
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If you’re not familiar with Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan character, buffed-up Jim from The Office (John Krasinski) will be along shortly to shower you in political intrigue, action, and a few far-fetched scenarios. Don’t come into this expecting a rehash of the novels, this one’s more of a ‘based on’ kinda vibe. Season One’s available now, Season Two broadcasts from 1 November. Season Three? Yeah, the third season of this action-thriller series has been confirmed. Jim Halpert’s no Harrison Ford but he cleans up pretty good for an analyst.
S T R E A M
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W H E E L S
Tushek TS 900 H Apex
ALL YOU NEED IS SLOV Forged alloys and race-spec rubber should mean the Apex feels right at home on the circuit.
NEWS DASHBOARD
Rtba / tushek.eu More four-wheeled vapourware that’ll never see the light of day? Hold up, doubters. It’s not exactly a household name yet, but Tushek has been cranking out dream cars for over a decade. The brand became Slovenia’s first supercar maker in 2008 with the TS 500 Renovatio, and now it’s looking to punch through the speed stratosphere with its debut hypercar. What’s so ‘hyper’ about it? Well it’s not the Lambo-style scissor doors, however cool they might be. It’s the hybrid powertrain, which combines an Audi-derived supercharged 4.2-litre V8 with a pair of electric motors. Petrol power gets sent to the back wheels and electricity drives the front, with a total output of 700kW. This means it’s not slow. Think 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 380km/h.
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All that power must add a fair bit of heft, no? You’d think, but Tushek reckons this is the lightest car of its kind around. A chrome-moly space frame, removable targa top and carbon-fibre tub all help keep weight down, and the ultra-light six-speed sequential gearbox is taken straight from the racing world. It tips the scales at 1410kg, undercutting the Ferrari SF90 Stradale’s 1570kg – and even beating the Bugatti Chiron’s power-to-weight ratio. How long before we see one cruising through Knightsbridge? The first prototype has only just landed in the UK for the exclusive Salon Privé event, and Tushek wasn’t talking prices to any old chop that wandered up to its stand. But seeing how it’ll consider the R37m Lotus Evija one of its main rivals, a bigly sum could be on the cards.
NEW VENTURES IN HIPHI
The HiPhi 1 isn’t a mobile homage to outdated audio equipment – it’s the first electric SUV from Chinabased Human Horizons, and is promising 644km of range. Note the suicide-hinged rear doors and gullwing roof flaps, which make the Tesla Model X’s doors look humdrum.
AUTO MAGIC FOR THE PEOPLE Things are looking good for MG’s new all-electric venture: the ZS EV is undercutting its rivals so much that it’s already sold its entire first batch. The compact SUV only promises 260km of range, but for R404k (in the UK) you won’t find anything else electric that’ll also fit a family of five.
SPED LETTER OFFICE
At the other end of the price scale is the latest hardcore hot hatch from Renault Sport. The Megane RS Trophy-R will be mighty costly in base trim… but adding the fancy brakes and wheels that let it smash the Nurburgring lap record for front-wheel-drive cars? That’ll be at least R1.4mil, please.
MOST WANTED
WANTED When we want something, we really want it. Whether it’s available or not. We’re never going to afford a cruise liner of our very own, or a R250k speaker setup. Still gonna drool over ‘em, though. 32
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Sega Mega Drive Mini Shortly before we started peeking at each other’s work and scuffles broke out, one thing we could all agree on was that Sega joining the retro console revival is a good thing. Here in all its shrunken glory is the Mega Drive Mini, faithful replica of a ’90s cult classic for the Cybernet generation, spiritual home of Sonic the Hedgehog, and the console for kids who didn’t wet the bed after playing Kirby’s Adventure on the NES. Given the original 16-bit Mega Drive was mighty expensive, R1 400 seems a bit of a bargain for reliving the glory of dislodging motorcyclists with nunchucks in Road Rash II. R1 400 / nexushub.co.za
● Megamind
●● Megadeth
●●● Megabytes
Among the 42 pre-loaded games are Earthworm Jim, Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe and a host of original Sonic titles.
You’ll find no battery-fatigued Bluetooth here: the console comes with two classic wired three-button control pads.
Games can be played in a stretched 16:9 aspect ratio, and an HDMI connection means no outdated analogue TV cables.
MOST WANTED
GoCycle GX
iFi Aurora
Children of the ’80s may remember the Raleigh Vektar, with its ‘onboard computer’ for tracking time elapsed, distance travelled and speed. Ahead. Of. Its. Time. The GX does much the same with an app, leaving the fold-up bike to electronically assist you up to 32km/h. R52 750 / gogcycle.com
Not quite named after former lower league footballer Iffy Onuora, this all-in-one music system is clad in bamboo and inspired by the architecture of Tokyo. If that trivia doesn’t impress your guests, drown them out with six drive units and two bass radiators that adapt sound to the room. R23 650 / ifi-audio.com
Panasonic transparent television
Orbitsound Air D1 You know in Spectre when Bond returns to his sparse Notting Hill apartment? The one thing he’s missing is music, but God forbid 007 should clutter up the place with two speakers. Instead, the active Air D1 creates audiophilegrade stereo from a single cabinet using clever proprietary tech. The stand looks properly mean too. R218 200 / orbitsound.com
We once had a lovely Panasonic MiniDisc player withatransparent digital display on the remote – and we’ve had a thing for see-through tech ever since. This concept OLED TV keeps appearing at tech showstoteaseus... Pana,please,make the damned thing. Rtba / panasonic.com
Anden Domino A hand-made magnetised Apple Watch charging base is quite the thing to have on your table. Select between brass or aluminium and walnut or cherry finishes and you’ll have something to charge your Apple Watch that’s almost as attractive as you are, winner. R2 730 / madeby anden.co.uk
When it comes to desirable stuff, we like the little things. You know, secure places for our stuff, gorgeous audio-visual technology, a boat the cost of a beachfront property in Clifton…
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Master Lock MLD08EB
Princess R35
Smeg KLF03
Beosound Stage
Get into a hotel room and the first thing we do is wedge a load of tech in the safe. But get home and our wares stay strewn around the house… which is not good. So We need this solid steel safe, from the brand that helped Houdini, with biometric fingerprint recognition. R6 310 / za.rs-online.com
Without question our top billionaire’s toy of 2019, the Princess R35 doesn’t just make motorboating easy with its unique Active Foiling System; it also comes with a Naim sound system, waterproof Focal speakers and a panoramic display for watching surfers bail out. R9.73 mil / princess.co.uk
Who knew we needed a rose gold kettle to match that Apple Watch? Boiling the perfect brew in the classiest way possible, the sheen on the steel of Smeg’s special-edition KLF03 kettle (and TSF01 toaster, same price) will remind you just how shattered you look every morning. R2 300 / smeg.com
What to put with a transparent TV? Just unveiled in Venice, Bang & Olufsen’s first ever soundbar is a proper Danish love-in and oozes appropriate levels of Scandi cool. Designed in collaboration with Norm Architects and featuring Kvadrat fabric, it comes in a silver or bronze finish. from R22 800 / bangolufsen.com
Beats Powerbeats Pro Our favourite true wireless buds… until we accidentally left them in a hotel room and caught a flight to Joburg. Beats’ most refined sound yet, rapid pairing with Apple’s H1 chip, all-day battery life with the charging case, and a hooked design so they stay in those weird-shaped canals. It’s time we got a replacement pair. R4 900 / myistore.co.za
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Honda E It seems incredible to us that a company as famously forward-thinking as Honda hasn’t made an all-electric car yet, but we’re pinning our hopes on that being because the stupidly cool E gets things right first time. Judging by the 112kW power and 300Nm of torque, this is every bit a city car in city clothing. It’s got sporty rear-wheel drive, but the reason for this is sadly mundane: a turning circle of 4.3 metres and an Auto Park feature to help you navigate the tightest of streets. Reserve one now if you’re overseas… but Honda, please make a Type R hot version. We’ll love you forever. R550 000 (est) / honda.com
● Mad dash
●● Winging it
●●● Green miles
Two 12.3in displays dominate the woody retro dash, and can be used independently by driver and passenger.
Where we’re going we don’t need wing mirrors – the E swaps them out for a side cameras, which is a first for a compact car.
Range is up to 200km miles, with a fast charge of 80% in 30 minutes, and you can ask the car to find you a charging point.
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Fujifilm X-T3 It boils down to three reasons why we hold this camera in such high esteem. Firstly, it’s one of the most tactile cameras we’ve tried, where every analogue dial is customisable… yet when those raw millennial instincts take hold, it’s the first in the series with a touchscreen. Secondly, you won’t see better out-of-camera jpg images – and honestly, we don’t have time to faff with colour balance in Lightroom. Finally, 425 autofocus points is a huge improvement on the X-T2 and it’s deadly when it comes to locking onto faces, which is entirely our kind of camera-based creepery. R30 500 / ormsdirect.com
● Viddy giddy
●● Nasal appraisal
●●● Frame game
Video isn’t traditionally Fuji’s forte, but this model does 10-bit 4K video at 60fps, which is somewhat of a milestone.
Big beak? This camera has got you covered with a more prominent viewfinder than its nose-squashing predecessor.
Expect 11fps using the mechanical shutter, ace for sports and wildlife. You can raise that to 30fps using the electronic shutter.
MOST WANTED
Mondaine Smart Clock
Electrified X2 Wereyoujustthinking:‘Goodness me, that’s a stunning bicycle, I can’t believe there’s a 504Wh integrated battery in there, with a range of about 145km (on eco mode) and even a smart stealth lock anti-theft system’? Yeah, so were we. The 166 LEDs that keep you informed of speed and battery level are just the icing on the brake. R47400 / vanmoof.com
The classic Mondaine watch, famously based on a Swiss railway clock design, has been fixed on our wrists for 10 years. Those familiar fingers have never let us down. It’s a fine example of unadulterated good design, and that’s why we want one on our wall as well. R3 850 / mondaine.com
Rolleiflex The original Rolleiflex went out of production in 1976, but we’ve had a fascination with them since welearnedImogen Cunningham used one. They look complicated, but if the monkey in the silent movie The Cameraman can load film into that bizarre tin box then we can probably work it out. from R9 500 / ebay.com
Apple iMac 2019 (27in) When hooking up Stuff ’s art director, there was nothing more lustworthy than the latest iMac’s huuuuuge 27in Retina screen with its staggering 5K resolution. It makes editing photographs far less of a chore. He insists the colour accuracy is mighty important when creating each issue of the potentially awardwinning magazine you’re holding. from R25 000 / myistore.co.za
You can’t always have what you want. That’s a universal truth, but it’s never more true than when you want to buy a Tesla Model 3 and you live in South Africa
Kindle Oasis Kindle perfection at last: the new Oasis (reviewed on p75) has waterproofing, weeks of battery life and – for the first time – the ability to swap cool glare for warm white to massage your eyes at night. It’s even got Audible integration for when you don’t want to keep your eyes open at all. Rtba / circuitcity.co.za
Tesla Model 3
Marcato Atlas 150
Libratone Track Air+
Buying a Tesla is not going to give you Greta Thunberg status, but it’s a start. But which one? Rumour has it the Model 3 will benefit from all the tech and software updates whereas the other models will eventually be phased out. Full premium audio too, please. from R730 000 / tesla.com
When we first bought a very cheap pasta maker, it seemed we’d bitten off more than we could chew… and chewy is not the texture you want for tagliatelle. We should’ve trusted the reviews, which all point to this baby. There’s even a motor attachment to lighten the load. R1 200 / yuppiechef.com
We’ve long been vocal about these wireless buds, and that’s because they’re head, shoulders, knees, toes and earlobes better than Apple’s AirPods. Subtle style is paired with ANC and 6hrs of battery life… and they’re sweatproof, which is great news for our gym sessions. R3 300 / libratone.com
Smeg Drip Coffee machines with built-in milk-frothing trouble us. The thought of cleaning them makes us unhappy, and the thought of not cleaning them makes us inconsolable. So just give us freshly ground beans to feed into this gloriously retro drip coffee maker. It’ll keep the elixir warm for 40 minutes, which is plenty of time to enjoy the blissful aroma. R3 500 / yuppiechef.com 37
MOST WANTED
Oculus Quest
Audi E-tron Scooter In a wishlist like this, we should probably be picking Audi’sE-tron electric car. But a car’s a car, right? The E-tron we’re after is both an electric scooter and a skateboard. There’s a handle to grip, but it has four wheelson axles that allow you to weave across the pavement like you would on a normal board. Rtba / audi.com
Of all the gadgets we’ve tested this year, the Oculus Quest has left by far the biggest impression. Granted, many VR games still tend to make us queasier than eating a rancid toothpaste sandwich, but at least with the all-in-one Quest we won’t trip over a tangle of wires. R19 000 / 180by2.com
Dyson V11 Somehow, Dyson has made cleaning a room the morning after a house party as fun as trashing it in the first place. Not only does its latest cordless vac come armed with 20% more suction than its predecessor, but it also has an LCD screen that lets you hop between modes and check the battery level. Rtba / dyson.com
Playdate We love the Nintendo Switch like we imagine a mother loves her first-born, but – and this is crucial – the Nintendo Switch doesn’t have a crank. The Playdate is an adorable indie handheld that does, and you can use it – sometimes only it – to play games on the 2.7in black and white display. Rtba / play.date
Desire takes different shapes. Sometimes you just want to be entertained and play games, sometimes you want to clean your stylishly-appointed home really, really well
Ikea Symfonisk Lamp Ikea’s thing is nice Scandinavian furniture, while Sonos is quite good at audio. When the pair join forces you get this, an attractive table lamp that conceals a powerful Wi-Fi speaker. Like any Sonos product it’s controlled with the app, and can be added to your multiroom setup. R2 750 / ikea.com 38
Death Stranding Although much of Hideo Kojima’s first post-Metal Gear Solid project is bound to be incomprehensible nonsense, it’s easily the game we’re most keen to see in the runup to year end. Kojima calls this a completely new type of action game; the trailer suggests it might not be just hype. Rtba / playstation.com
Teenage Engineering Speak
KitchenAid Smart Display
Before you say anything, no, it’s not a calculator. The PO-35 Speak is the latest of Teenage’s teeny synths, which we’ve accidentally started to collect. It has a built-in mic, to record your voice and make it go all Daft Punk before adding drums and sequencing it. R1 550 / teenage. engineering
While other smart displays give step-by-step visual recipes, only KitchenAid’s will survive the saucepan of water we inevitably throw all over it. As well as being splash-resistant, this Google Assistant smart device features tasty recipes from Yummly. Rtba / kitchenaid.com
Nike Joyride It’s out with the foam and in with the beads in Nike’s new Joyride running shoes. The cushioning system places more than 10 000 beads below your foot to absorb the impact of your stride before bouncing back to thrust you forward. Can’t promise they’ll finally get us to sign up for a Two Oceans Marathon, but they sound awesome all the same. from R3 100 / nike.com/za
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Beovision Harmony It may surprise you to learn that, despite getting to stare at a whole lot of them as part of this job, some of Stuff ’s staff don’t actually own a 4K TV. When they do finally make the jump, though, they should totally opt for a TV with oak and aluminum wings that majestically open every time it’s turned on. That’s the deal with B&O’s Beovision Harmony, which pairs its swanky front fans (that also happen to be speakers) with an LG 77in 4K OLED panel. Does it matter that it costs about four times as much as a TV that can’t do an impression of a butterfly? Well, possibly, but nobody said this list had to be realistic. R312 000 / bang-olufsen.com
● In sink
●● Stellar cast
●●● Array of hope
When you’ve finished bingeing on GLOW, the wings retract in a slick sequence as the display gradually lowers.
The three-channel audio setup works with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth, should you want to fill the house with sound.
You also get a 7.1 surround-sound decoder, letting you connect up to 16 Beolab speakers and really scare the neighbours.
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JVC DLA-NX9 Most of us will only be able to afford the R330 000 JVC DLA-NX9 in a decade’s time, when it’s already done a 10-stretch in a rich person’s house. But there’s a reason for that. This is the most advanced home projector around. It has JVC’s legendary D-ILA hardware, for the best blacks any projector can provide, and is the first with 8K e-shift. This isn’t ‘real’ 8K, but there’s not much point in having that yet anyway. E-shift uses a refractor that nudges the 4K panel by half a pixel 60 times a second to get you an algorithmically enhanced 4K image with 8K’s worth of detail. R330 000 / jvc.com
● Rate 18
●● Scale model
●●● Black marque
This projector has an epic 18-element lens to deliver extreme sharpness; 8K resolution isn’t worth much without it.
With next-gen upscaling even for 1 0 80p content, you can watch SuperSport in 8K. That puts the ‘line’ in lineout.
JVC’s trusty D-ILA tech offers incredible contrast even if you’re not quite ready to paint your walls, ceiling and floor black.
MOST WANTED
Rega Planar 2
Apple Pro Display XDR
This is the kind of turntable you might choose if you spend several aeons researching different models. It’s been around since the middle of the 1970s, getting a little design tweak every so often since, and seems to have won more awards over the years than Stevie Wonder. R9 000 / audicoonline.co.za
OK, so we don’t really need one of these lush screens,butwe’ve been smitten ever since clapping eyes on one at WWDC.‘Gorgeous’ doesn’t really cover it – and as an excuse, we think our iMac’s screen is dying. The only snag: we’d need a shiny new Mac to use it with… Rtba / myistore.co.za
GPD Win 2 This is a pipe dream made into reality. It’s basically a Nintendo 3DS console that runs Windows and lets you play any PC game you like…or attempt to run them, anyway. The Win 2 has an Intel Core laptop CPU that isn’t about to smoke an Alienware gaming machine, but you can use it to play classics like Grand Theft Auto V and Skyrim. R11 000 / gpd.hk
Sony RX100 VII
Forget being that person on the road nodding along to a 12.9in iPad Pro. Whop one of these out instead. It’s a micro-synth that runs on AA batteries and will let you play around like Deadmau5 on the way to work. It’s no toy, though, and would also make a handy addition to a modern home studio. R2 360 / modalelectronics.com
Our belief is you can never have enough Lego – and there are loads of fab kits to choose from. But as much as we admire the chubby Harley motorbike and the superb Ford Mustang (see p88 to win one), this Jurassic Park set has a massive stompy dinosaur and even a suitably tousle-haired Dr Ian Malcolm minifigure. It’s just not a fair fight. R4 500 / greatyellowbrick.co.za
We’re kids at heart, but we’re also irresponsible kids with access to credit cards. That’s how you wind up with a Tamagotchi-plant
A synth, a turntable, a teeny Windows machine, and an ultraportable Sony? Just the thing for an overachieving narcissist DJ
Modal Electronics CraftSynth 2.0
Lego Jurassic Park: T. Rex Rampage
The best camera to own is one you’ll use a lot. Sony’s RX100 VII fits into a pocket and has features that make some of the latest fullframe DSLRs seem behind the times. How often do you meet a camera that can shoot photos at up to 90fps? This is the ultimate travel compact. R25 000 / ormsdirect.co.za
Lua R1 700 might seem excessive for a plant pot, but Lua combines an old-school virtual pet with the thrill of keeping something real alive. It uses sensors to detect how your plant’s feeling, and relays this via animations plastered across a 2.4in LCD. Handy if, like us, you have the opposite of green fingers. R1 700 / mu-design.lu
Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster Guitars tend to spawn collections, so make your first one versatile. It won’t be light on the wallet but Fender’s multitalented hollow body lets you go unplugged, or you can use its internal smarts to blend and replicate countless electric tones on stage. Rtba / fender.co.za
Lyra In the eternal quest to find the perfect retro gaming handheld, the Lyra recently caught our eyes (see Start Menu, p22). This beauty is powered by a Raspberry Pi CM3L and is fully dedicated to the golden era of gaming, when the chunky pixels were so sharp you could cut yourself on them. from R2 750 / creoqode.com 41
MOST WANTED
Kindle Paperwhite
B&G Little Sister Private Build This one’s not very gadgety–it’sa normal semi-acousticguitar–but it has to be on this list becauseit’s just so gorgeous. Wetriedoneout two years ago and you can still see the drool stains on the shop’s carpet. It’s hand-builtinIsrael,with a brass bridge and tailpiece and… did we mention it’s gorgeous? R63 000 / thenorthamericanguitar.com
If there’s one device universally adored or desired by the Stuff team, it’s the Kindle Paperwhite. The Oasis is great, if you can afford it, but for sheer reading bliss you can’t beat Amazon’s side-lit sliver of slick reads. You can keep your iPad, we’re sticking with e-ink. R3 100 / circuitcity.co.za
Avid Acutus Reference Mono SP We read up on all the tech specs for this crazy-looking turntable, and we think we actually understood some of them. But there’s only one figure you need to see here, and that’s the price. At last, something to do justice to that collection of rare Phil Collins 12-inches. R570 000 / audihifi.com
Beoplay H9i It’s hard to go back to normal headphones once you’ve tried active noise-cancellation. Well, unless you live and work alone in an acoustically treated bunker (whichisquiteappealing,actually). Anyway, we had these B&Os in the May issue (p46) and we’ve been pining ever since. Our review called them “a masterclass in accuracy”. That’ll do for us. R8 300 / bang-olufsen.com
Stuff has expensive taste, as evidenced by the inclusion of a custom-built guitar, a Merc that hasn’t been made yet, a full-spec Mac Pro and a R3.5million speaker system
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MercedesBenz EQV
Apple Mac Pro (2019)
MBL 101 X-Treme
Wattbike Atom
It’s a moose, isn’t it? But listen, we’ve got kids, and that fleet of Lamborghinis is starting to feel awfully impractical. Merc’s electric MPV is just a concept for now, but it’s expected to be launched for real this year, with a 400km range and a techpacked interior. Rtba / mercedesbenz.co.za
We’re quite happy with the home recording studio, but its brain – a 2017 iMac that seemed quite well specced at the time – is prone to freezing up under heavy processing. What we need, clearly, is the most powerful media machine ever, ideally optioned up to about R150k. Rtba / myistore.co.za
Ha, and you thought the turntable was expensive! This omnidirectional speaker system isn’t so much German hi-fi engineering as high sculptural art. The bit on the right is the bass tower, and the whole lot weighs about 1 600kg. The Jam Heavy Metal is 762g. R3.5million / mbl.de
This is the only item on this list that could actually change our life. We love cycling but we don’t like being run over, so we no longer even own a bike. But with one of these in the house, and a little help from Zwift, we’re sure we’d be chasing Egan Bernal up Mont Ventoux within weeks. R30 000 / wattbike.com
Nintendo Labo VR Oculus, Vive, PlayStation VR… Labo VR? Yeah, that sounds right. Ninty’s cardboard VR setup might seem basic but lay hands on the Blaster, head out and blast things and tell us that there’s no such thing as love at first (virtual) sight. Warning: may lead to new Switch console purchases. from R700 / store.nintendo.co.za
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Moog Grandmother We’re done with electronic music now, aren’t we? It’s all going to be banjos and washboards in 2020. But just in case the beepy-boopy stuff makes a comeback at some point, it’d be really handy to have one of these 32-note beasts under the spare bed. Inspired by the legendary Moog synthesizers of the ’70s and early ’80s, it’s a semi-modular analogue synth with built-in arpeggiator and 256-note sequencer, meaning you can basically do whole songs on it. And yes, it’s called the Grandmother. Presumably because it’s adorably eccentric and sometimes makes unexpected squelchy noises. R14 300 / moogmusic.com
● Patched up
●● Active ’verb
●●● Axe murderer
‘Semi-modular’ means you can use patch cables to reconfigure the routing between the modules, or just play it as it is.
There’s a real spring reverb tank built in, for adding authentically wobbly ambiences to your mystical soundscapes.
You can plug other instruments into the back of the Grandmother to use its filters. Yep, even your guitar can join in.
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B&W Formation Wedge We’ve always wanted a B&W Zeppelin. In the world of iPod docks it was very much a superyacht in a sea of tugs… and the Formation Wedge is the Zeppelin’s spiritual successor. With smart speakers becoming increasingly capable on the audio front, this kind of one-box hi-fi seems to have fallen out of fashion, but there’s nothing out of date about the Wedge. Obviously there’s nowhere to plonk an iPod – it relies on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 to pipe in the tunes – but with 240W of sound-pushing power inside, it’s the way it pumps them out into the room that’s most important. Rtba / bowerswilkins.com
● Hi there
●● Hot mesh
●●● Coney island
The Wedge supports 24-bit/96kHz audio, so it’s a good choice if you subscribe to a hi-res streaming service.
You can team the Wedge up with other products from the Formation range to make a mesh-networked multiroom system.
There are five drivers inside the Wedge: two tweeters, two 3.5in mid-range drivers and a 6in sub. Tasty.
MOST WANTED
Nintendo Switch Lite We’re only interested in playing one Nintendo game: Mario. So a cheaper, portable-only Switch that allows us to get our fix of fat plumber when we sneak into the office in the morning is pretty much our ideal Ninty console. AnyoneknowwhenSuperMario Odyssey 2 is due out? R4 000 / nintendo.co.za
Sony WF1000XM3
LGSignature Z9 8K OLED
Noise-cancelling is a luxury we always thought we’d have to do without on true wireless earphones, unless they were going to be the size of lightbulbs (which would kind of defeat the object). But Sony has managed to squeeze the tech into the little XM3s… and they sound fantastic. Rtba / sony.com
You may not be an early adopter, but for LG’s 8K OLED TV you should be willing to make an exception. Even though there’s nothing to watch (yet), it’ll make 4K stuff look even better… and you can’t beat OLED for picture quality. At 88in, though, there is the small matter of finding somewhere to put it. Rtba / lg.com/za
Bose Frames There’s something vaguely sci-fi about Bose’s speaker-packing sunnies that we can’t help but find appealing. Sure, they’ll never soundas good as a proper pair of headphones, but for catching up onpodcasts they’d be ideal, plus if people get up close and hear the voicesthey might think we’re spies. R4 500 / makro.co.za
Imagine playing a Switch Lite while wearing a set of Bose Frames while your favourite vinyl record spins in the background on a maglev turntable. Now go do it
Apple MacBook Air There’s one main thing we want from a laptop: portability. So while the latest 13in MacBook Air might be a little light on ports and slightly stingy with the storage, it’s light in the way that matters; and the addition of Touch ID is just a bonus. This is Stuff’s No4 laptop for a reason. from R15 000 / myistore.co.za
Amazon Echo Wall Clock
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
The Echo Plus is pretty much just for playing Genesis albums and telling us when the chicken Kiev’s ready, but sometimes those timers catch us out. Amazon’s Echo Clock will allow us to keep an eye on how long’s left thanks to indicators on its face. R550 / amazon.com
Dolby’s soundbouncing Atmos tech is genuinely game-changing, but proper surround sound in a small flat isn’t really an option… especially if you ask your downstairs neighbour. This huge soundbar (read the review on p74) looks like the answer. Rtba / mitechdirect.com
Mag-Lev Audio ML1 There are sound technical reasons for suspending the platter of a turntable in the air and using magnets to spin it: the less chance of vibrations getting to it, the less likely it is that your records will skip. But that’s not really why we want one; we just think it looks really cool. from R45 500 / maglevaudio.com
Jaguar I-Pace We could never own a Tesla because well, we live in South Africa, but Jaguar’s all-electric I-Pace suits us just fine as an alternative. Roomy, rapid, and good-looking without being embarrassingly ostentatious, it’ll do the best part of 500km before needing to be plugged in. What more could you want? from R1.7mil / jaguar.co.za 45
MOST WANTED
Jaybird Vista
Technogym MyRun Running on a treadmill is some people’s idea of hell, but this isn’t your normal hamster wheel. It pairs with an app to coach you as you run, and tracks key metrics that help to improve your form and technique as well as fitness. It’s also one of the only treadmills pretty enough that we’d happily have it on show in the house rather than stuck in the garage. R60 000 / technogym.com
Music is a big part of running, and these are simply the best true wireless sport buds you can buy. They’re tiny and light (6g per bud), andpackkick-ass sound you can customise to suit your ears. Then there’s 16 hours of battery life, a five-minute rapid charge and a neat charging case. Rtba / jaybirdsport.com
Elden Ring Nobody makes action RPGs quite likeFromSoftware, who have perfected their formula through a range of atmospheric and utterly involving titles from Demon’s Souls to Bloodborne. And with the upcoming Elden Ring, they’ve enlisted George RR Martin to craft the backstory. Rtba / fromsoftware.jp
Too much of a good thing? The only way to know you have too much fitness tech is when it starts physically weighing you down
Compex SP 8.0 Being able to train your muscles without actually working up a sweat is appealing, but this wireless stimulator isn’t a lazy ticket to fitness. It lets you target muscle groups to build strength without impact and helps recovery – ideal for when you’ve just hammered your body. R14 300 / compex.com 46
Sony WH-1000XM3 One for the travellers. If you’re spending extended amounts of time in airports, you have to adorn your ears with Sony’s excellently cancelled and awesome sounding cans. And if you’re scoffing right now, you’ve obviously never worn a pair. It doesn’t matter, though. We’re not listening. R6 000 / sony.com
Noise-cancelling cans, a SoulsBourne game, some great audio, and a new streaming service? Sounds like a fun weekend to us
Mirror
Polar Ignite
Disney+
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fittest of them all? Us, probably… if we could join up to 70 real-time streamed training sessions via this futuristic wall-mounted interactive home setup. You can get direct coaching feedback beamed to your home, train alongside other classmates and pair up a heart monitor. R22 700 / mirror.co
We obsess about stats in training but the real gains are made during recovery, not the workout. This recovery-focused fitness watch (reviewed on p55) would help us close that loop with a nightly recharge feature that tracks the autonomic nervous system to give better advice on when to train again. R4 000 / polar.com
While we’ll admit the inclusion of yet another service on top of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Showmax makes a mockery of the idea that streaming would ‘simplify’ TV, the sheer glut of cool stuff to watch on Disney+ – from all the MCU movies to new Star Wars series – makes it a must. Just one snag: When will we get it in SA? Rtba / disney.com
Naim Mu-so 2 We’re too old and too impatient to start a vinyl collection now, having apparently reached the age where convenience means everything. The Mu-so proves this doesn’t have to mean compromise too, by being a compact wireless speaker that sounds big, brash and boisterous, as well as being compatible with any digital format going. Rtba / naimaudio.com
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Sony A7R IV Since we’re talking about our most wanted gadgets, we’ll go big or go home here: at almost R97 000, this camera/lens setup isn’t likely to find its way into our camera bag any time soon, but we’d dearly love to see what the combo of a 61MP full-frame sensor and super-sharp optics can do. Just when we thought Canon and Nikon had finally caught up, now it looks like they’ve got more catching up to do courtesy of this monstrously capable mirrorless camera offering ‘medium format level image quality’. Time for a bank-note search behind the couch… R59 000 (+R37 600 for FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM lens) / sony.com
● Sexy back
●● Eye see you
●●● 4K computer
Sony’s 61MP backilluminated CMOS sensor is joined by a 567-point focus system and a 5.76m-dot OLED viewfinder.
Eye AF lets you lock onto the eyes of your subject and track them (pets included) in real time for both video and stills.
Professional 4K recording and a full readout with no pixel-binning are also included so your movies look their best.
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Nanoleaf Canvas Part smart lighting, part luminescent masterpiece, the Nanoleaf Canvas is a stellar way of transforming a boring wall into a colourful, interactive bit of art. You can join the panels together in whatever design you want, and then light them up in your choice of colour via the accompanying app. Here you can also set timers, organise Alexa or Google Assistant integration, programme the lights to change in time with your music, and lots more. A recent update also added a feature called Touch Actions, which turns each panel into a smart home switch for controlling your other devices around the home. from R3 300 / nanoleaf.me
● Panel show
●● Adhere we go
●●● Scene, not herd
There are nine panels in a Canvas starter pack, but you can add to this with extension packs to make it your own.
Installation is nice and easy – each panel comes with double-sided tape to fix it securely to your chosen piece of wall.
You can set your own light scene by app or touch, or choose from hundreds of userbuilt options in the Nanoleaf library.
MOST WANTED
Canon PowerShot G7 X MkIII
Roomba S9+ Topping iRobot’s brilliant robot vac range, the S9+ is the firm’s most powerful cleaner yet. It also automatically empties its bin into the included CleanBase, which holds 30 days of dust to save you the hassle. The price tag is obscene, but with two dogs and a baby crawling around the place we think it’s wholly justified. R27500 / irobot.com
While phones do a good job taking snaps on the go, we’re always keen to pull out a proper camera when the moment arises. As a pure point-and-shoot job, the G7 X MkIII is a great option and stacked with extra features for serious content producers. R10 500 / canon.co.za
Teplo We’re not all tea snobs, but if you put the milk in first we can’t be friends. The Teplo connected teapot ups anyone’s tea-making game by brewing the stuff to perfection.It evenpacksa heart monitor that will adjust brewing level depending on your mood. More caffeine, please. R4 550 / teplotea.com
Peloton While we all know spinning is for sadists, there’s no doubt it’s an amazing workout. The Peloton is a state-of-the-art spinning bike for your home, complete with a monthly subscription (R700p/m) that offers tonnes of on-demand workouts that fit around you. No more excuses about why you can’t get to the gym. R36400/onepeloton.com
Our picks for Most Wanted tech are sometimes extremely practical. And there’s little more practical than a standing desk, some tea, and a killer session on the Peloton
Google Nest Hub Max
LG Signature OLED R9
Varidesk Pro Desk 60
In the rather belated process of upping your smart home game? The Nest Hub Max would be a fine way of keeping an eye on your growing hoard of kit. It also doubles as a decent music speaker and has a camera for video calling, which the smaller Nest Hub doesn’t have. Rtba / store.google.com
Who knows when you’ll actually be able to buy it, and how ridiculous the price will be, but this 65in rollable OLED TV stole the show at this year’s CES tech fair and for good reason. It packs all the gorgeousness of LG’s OLED televisions, but can be tucked away out of sight with the press of a button. Rtba / lg.com/za
The thing about an office job: it’s slowly killing you because you’re sitting down. Varidesk’s Pro Desk 60 offers nine different heights, a choice of finishes, and enough space for the largest of workstations. It’ll hold up to 22.7kg, adding an arm workout to your day too. R14 100 / ergotherapy.co.za
Canon Selphy CP1300 A photo printer seems like it’s from a Most Wanted list out of the ’00s… but along with our desire for ‘proper’ photography has come a need to actually print pictures out. This works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and can produce lab-quality prints in under a minute. R2 000 / canon.co.za
B&W Formation Duo The Formation family is filled with Most Wanted fodder, but these active wireless speakers really mean business when it comes to sound quality. They offer all the poise and precision of B&W’s standard hi-fi speakers, but with convenience that includes AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, alongside multiroom smarts. R64 000 (pair) / bowerswilkins.com 49
MOST WANTED
DJI Mavic Air There’s only so many shots of gravel tracks trailing off into the distance that our Insta can take – wouldn’t it be great to get a different view to mix up the grid? Being relatively pocketable, and with a decent flight time of 21 minutes, this 4K-equipped drone would be perfect for getting that trail to dissect the scenery. R15 600 / myistore.co.za
Cyberpunk 2077
Quoc Gran Tourer
We’ve put more hours than we’d like to admit into The Witcher 3. But enough time has passed that we’re prepared to immerse ourselves in a new CD Projekt Red world that swaps swords for guns, potions for augmentations and Roach for a badass’80s-style street racer. Rtba / cyberpunk.net
We know, over R4 000 for a pair of cycling shoes: a bit much for just moseying around the cafe stop? But these are designed for being off the bike as much as on it. A waterproof bottom third, air vents, carbon midsole and super-grippy sole make them ideal for long sections of hike-a-bike. R4 050 / quoc.cc
Peugeot e-Legend The only thing we don’t like about this car is its name. Describing yourself as a #legend generally means we won’t like you. But the Peugeot earns a pass due to its extraordinary retro-futuristic styling, fully autonomous driving and all-electric powertrain. Sadly, there are no plans to build it until at least 2025 – not sure we can wait that long. Rtba / peugeot.com
Getting out and about can take many forms; whether it be cycling, hiking, driving, or lounging about on the couch while a drone does all the sightseeing for you
50
Apple iPad Pro 12.9in
Marshall Mid ANC
We love drawing on the last-gen iPad Pro: skulls, bats, angry cats and all the other gothic terrors flow seamlessly from the Pencil. It’s just annoying to be halted mid-beast by the stylus running out of juice… so hail the dark lord Apple for including wireless charging this time. from R17 600 (Pencil R2 600) / myistore.co.za
Having already listed a couple of our Most Wanted noise-cancelling headphones – it’s clear the Stuff team hates being disturbed. We’re sure the Sonys and Boses are great, but we’re after something with a bit more oomph for listening to Sabbath and Kvelertak. R2 500 / macnificent.co.za
Alpkit Koro For a sneaky midweek ride and hike, a cup of coffee in the morning while the sun comes up is the perfect way to start the day. This superlight (124g!) packable stove is excellent for sneaking into a frame bag, and the variable gas-flow control means we’ll be caffeinated in next to no time. R830 / alpkit.com
Google Pixel 4XL It’s taken a long time, but we’ve finally accepted the gargantuan notch on the Pixel 3XL. From Google’s own leaks, the 4 is notchless, with a dual-camera setup on the back, facial unlocking and gesture controls. As long as it still takes incredible pictures, we’re in. Rtba / store. google.com
Brother Cycles Allday After a lot of research, it seems nobody is offering the perfect town bike. So the only logical conclusion is to build our own. This steel frame is a perfect base for a wide-tyred, riser-barred, fixed-geared, pizza-racked, six-pack-carrying machine. Naturally we’ll be getting the black version, but there’s also a wicked splatter colour scheme. from R9 150 / brothercycles.com
1
2 3
Wahoo Elemnt Roam We’re currently riding around with the basic Wahoo Elemnt strapped to our handlebars; and no matter how much time and effort we put into planning routes, we always end up spotting an unmarked track and heading off down it. Eventually we’ll stop and figure out how to get back on track, but it’d be nice if the computer could do that part for us. So a cheeky upgrade to the Roam model would make all our rerouting hassles vanish, as it does that on the fly. The full-colour screen, 17hr battery life, enhanced mapping and adaptive display for when we’ve stayed out riding too late would be nice too. R7 000 / wahoofitness.co.za
● Up-routed
●● Up to speed
●●● Up to your eyes
You can plan routes in Komoot and send them directly to the Roam – handy if the one you’ve planned is a bit too hilly.
When paired with your phone, it’ll serve up text and email notifications so you can pretend you’re still ‘working from home’.
The Roam’s screens are fully customisable so you can have as much or little data on them as you want.
MOST WANTED
2 3
1
Technics SL-1000R Yes, the SL-1210 is all well and good. But the real Technics statement of intent is this two-box direct-drive Leviathan. At 50cm it’s wider than most kit-racks, at 40kg it’s heavier than some washing machines and at R250k it’s more expensive than some cars. Weird to think turntables weren’t even in Technics’ plans when it relaunched in 2014 – but after demand from distributors, customers and a fiercely loyal fanbase, the brand has finally done the right thing and given the people what they want, albeit at a higher price point than anyone had ever anticipated. Still, this is the absolute sound. R256 000 / technics.com 52
● Belt up
●● Controlled spin
●●● Heady metal
The direct-drive motor is a key distinguishing feature, meaning greater speed accuracy and stability.
An external control unit houses noise filters and a digital servo with optical sensors to detect speed variations.
Each triple-layered heavyweight platter is tested on the same machine used to balance the wheels of Japan’s bullet trains.
MOST WANTED
Sony KD-85ZG9 Of course we want a massive 8K TV. We want the sky-high detail levels, we wanttheincredible upscaling,wewant thelightning-fast response times and we want the staggering overall fidelity. Having said all that, mind you, we also want someone else to pay for it. Any volunteers? R256 009 / sony.com
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Shure KSE1200 In-ear headphones are meant to be portable – but these electrostatic Shures come with their own amplifier the size of a smartphone. They’re also witheringly expensive. But as a demonstration of exactly what is possible from technology of this type, they are peerless. And they sound bloody stupendous. R32 400 / shure.com
De Rosa SK Pininfarina
Some people (us, for instance) see an intelligent, forward-thinking piece of design when they look at the outside of the electric BMW i3. And some people (us, for instance) see a dynamic and flawless interior when they look inside. And then there are some people (not us, for instance) who decide it reminds them of an orthopaedic shoe. Sigh. from R660 000 / bmw.co.za
Marvel Super Heroes Arcade Cabinet Owning an arcade game feels like the ultimate bit of nerd cred, but somewhere between the exorbitant price and bulky size of most cabinets, we never went for one. Arcade1Up’s 3/4-scale revivals land at both the right price and size – and this Marvel one’s straight after our hearts. R6 050 / arcade1up.com
And sometimes it’s even better to stay in and fiddle with a smartphone, notebook or arcade machine. Different strokes, folks
Sometimes it’s great to get out and about before retiring in front of your expensive (and imported) TV for the day
BMW i3
We love the S10, but we’re suckers for oversized smartphones. We’ll take ’em as large as they come… and with its 6.8in AMOLED panel, the new Galaxy Note 10+ ought to do the trick. This S Penpacking beast looks like it will be 2019’s Android of choice. R23 000 / samsung.com/za
Comfort? Check. Performance? Check. Materials and specification? Check and check. Only one thing can improve a De Rosa Super King, in fact… and that’s styling by the automotive legend that is Pininfarina. When you properly think about it, the SK Pininfarina is something of a bargain. R64 000 / derosa.it
Apple MacBook Pro 13in Our MacBook Pros have given us five years of quality usage, but they’re not as speedy as they used to be. Perfect timing on Apple’s part, then, as the base MacBook Pro model has finally been updated with the Touch Bar plus a power boost. from R23 000 / myistore.co.za
LIFX Beam The Arcade1Up cabinet won’t be enough to turn our office into a gaming party zone, but LIFX’s Beam smart lighting should complete the illusion. These vibrant bars can be linked up and aligned in any pattern around our office desks, adding a rave-like edge to those late nights on deadline. R3 300 / lifx.com
Samsung The Frame (2019) 65in The Frame offers a novel concept: it’s a top-end TV with the same kind of 4K HDR QLED tech seen in Samsung’s other sets, but it simply looks like a framed artwork when not in use. Well, no chance of affording a real Van Gogh after splurging on this... Rtba / samsung.com/za 53
TESTED APPS
Mini meme
BUST SOME MOVES
● Stop Motion
Studio Pro
Even with a decent phone and this smart app, it’ll take days of effort to fashion your own claymation short or slice of animated papercraft wizardry. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s packed with quality features such as layers, audio and filters. You just need the skill to avoid your star resembling a knock-off Morph that’s been battered by Tony Hart’s brush. R72 / Android, iOS
● PicsArt Animator
Remember when you grabbed a marker, drew silly glasses on photos of people and got branded ‘immature’? Use this app to get your own back by making said glasses move, thereby putting you on a direct path to a senior animator position at Disney. Or not. Either way, it’s a fun and powerful app, with a layers system, speed controls and selection tools. Free (IAPs) / Android, iOS 54
With these apps, you can do everything from making snaps dance like Harry Potter’s to unleashing your inner cartoonist with scribbly animations
● Flugo
While Pixaloop adds free-flowing motion to snaps, Flugo’s aim is to add depth, infusing a kind of 3D effect into any photo. Your part in this is using deft fingerpainting to outline which bits of your image are foreground, middle and background. A few seconds of number-crunching later, and your pic will jiggle around with a striking parallax effect. Fork out for IAP and a portrait mode is unlocked. Free (IAPs) / iOS
● Plays: Animation
Design Kit
If you mostly share words rather than pictures, you might be feeling a bit left out. Never fear, because Plays lets you get animated with letters. Type a tweet-sized missive and you can then add backgrounds, colour characters, and select an effect to hurl the letters around the screen, often making them unreadable – which might well be an improvement. Free / iOS
● Enlight Pixaloop
There are plenty of cinemagraph apps that let you take a slice of video and freeze all but a part of it. The magic with Pixaloop is it performs this trick on stills. Load a snap, mask out the bits you want to stay put, drag some arrows, and watch everything animate. It can’t make a human amble across the screen, but the automated motion is very effective on clouds, water and geometric structures. Free (IAPs) / Android, iOS
● CoreAnimator
Advanced animation is the preserve of desktop apps, but CoreAnimator sidles towards that turf. You’ll need to prepare images elsewhere and break them into parts, ready for animating. The app’s timeline and keyframe system then offers plenty of control as you craft animated epics. The results… well, they won’t scare Pixar, but they could be enough for a cult following on YouTube. R100 / iPad
G R O U P T E S T F I T N E S S WAT C H E S
3 OF THE BEST
Fitness watches Hey there, gym lover – these smartwatches are all designed to help you shed a few pounds in weight rather than wonga BEST FOR FEATURES
BEST FOR STYLE
BEST FOR ACCURACY
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Polar Ignite
Fossil Sport
What’s the story?
This spiritual successor to the Gear Sport is a smaller and cheaper version of last year’s flagship Galaxy Watch. With a fitness focus, it retains enough features to suggest it’s a better buy for most people, although Samsung phone owners already sold into its ecosystem are likely to get the most from it.
Polar has been doing heart-rate monitors since the ’70s but was late to the smartwatch game. Now known for accurate readings, detailed data and clever ways of displaying everything, the likes of its Vantage series have been widely lauded. The Ignite claims to offer many of the same features as the flagship Vantage V, but for a lower price and in a slimmer form.
What’s the story?
It it any good?
It it any good?
It it any good?
Price R4400 / samsung.com/za
Price R4000 / totalsport.co.za
Price R3100 / takealot.com
Stuff says ★★★★✩
Stuff says ★★★★✩
Stuff says ★★★✩✩
What’s the story?
The Active is full of fitness sensors to track workouts and activity, and its feature-set is almost identical to that of the Galaxy Watch. That makes it a bargain considering you might find one for under R4 000. There’s a reason for that: its successor is due, with a bigger display and an ECG like on the latest Apple Watch… but expect a higher price point.
Stylish, affordable and feature-packed, but the Active2 might be worth waiting for
It might feel cheap, but this is outweighed by some great fitness features to track virtually any workout (although no multi-sports like triathlons) and lots of data to delve into. It’s a competent smartwatch too, though it’s lacking a few lifestyle features like music and contactless payments. We’d recommend it to anyone bar the most hardcore fitness nuts.
A great little wearable bursting with fitness features, and at an impressively low price
Founded in early-’80s Texas, Fossil followed Polar in launching its first smartwatch in 2015. The Fossil Sport is based on the latest Qualcomm Wear 3100 processor, which is claimed to be super-efficient and, in theory at least, should result in extended battery life. The acid test is whether a traditional watch company can crack this kind of specialised tech. The Fossil Sport is a very pretty watch, and if you’re planning on using it for everyday stuff like counting steps and heart-rate tracking it’ll do just fine. Sadly, we’re not sure where that new chip’s power has gone because battery life and performance don’t match the spec sheet. There are cheaper and more reliable offerings available for fitness fanatics.
Smart looks, but the Fossil Sport doesn’t quite cut it when it comes to performance 55
FINER FOUNTAINS
SLEEKER SCRIBES
BETTER BALLPOINTS
UPVOTED
The s
The larger legend
Parker Jotter XL Smartphones might make note-keeping a cinch, but sometimes only the paper certainty of a written to-do will, erm, do. Parker’s click-top Jotter has long been the tool of choice for those of a doodling disposition – and now the classic ballpoint’s back with a barrel that’s 7% bigger. R525 / ubuy.za.com
rugged writer
sher Space Pen Clutch Heard the one about NASA spending millions on pens that could write in zero gravity, while the Soviets simply used pencils? This is that same tech, made rugged. Hewn from anodised aluminium, the Clutch can write upside down and underwater. Take that, Comrade Graphite. R900 /
PENS The coffee correspondent
Caran d’Ache 849 Nespresso Edition 2 Caffeine may cure your writer’s block, but all those coffee capsules make your creativity quite the bin-filler. Ease your eco guilt with this sustainable ballpoint: the result of Nespresso’s second collaboration with Caran d’Ache, the deep-green cylinder is crafted from recycled pods. R800 / bigpen.co.uk
The pastel powerhouse
Lamy Safari With its spring clip, sculpted grip, angular shell and ingenious ink window, Wolfgang Fabian’s Safari pen is little short of an ’80s design icon. How does one update such a distinctive scribbler? Why, by releasing it in a range of pastel shades: Mint Glaze, Blue Macaron and Rose Powder. R400 / makro.co.za
HOW TO DECIDE 56
s scribbler
Ka co Liliput Chin-deep in notes and wrestling with a report, the concept of time can seem a distant dream. Root your mind back in reality with the cold, hard certainty of stainless steel: this sleek metal screw-top won’t make those appendices easier, but it might just prevent a midnight meltdown. R2 000 / pclinkshop.com
Risking wrist pain and ink stains, Stuff goes full scribe to find nine sublime fountains and ballpoints for slicker scrawling
The storybook scrawler
Montblanc Meisterstück Le Petit Prince Solitaire Doué LeGrand Need some inspiration from a kids’ classic? This exquisite piece carries an excerpt from Le Petit Prince atop the etched leather cap, together with an intricately engraved gold nib and – for true authenticity – a princely price tag to match. R26 500 (import) / montblanc.com
1 Water fountain Ballpoints are brilliant for easy scribbling, but nothing tops a fountain. Fancy a blend of both? Try a rollerball for the fine lines of water-based ink in a more accessible package.
Baron Fig Squire Copper If copper can do for pennies and pans, why not for premium pens? Styled like a torpedo with a full metal jacket to match, this streamlined cylinder is an exercise in heavy metal minimalism. And, like a treasured tuppence, it’ll gain a unique patina from your fingertips as it ages. R1 300 (import) / baronfig.com
The Italian inker
Leonardo Momento Zero Resin Sadly nothing to do with the turtle, Leonardo is a new name in the pen game but with decades of heritage behind it. Take the firm’s first fountain pen, the Momento Zero: classically styled, well built and nicely balanced, it’s a picture of craftsmanship available in eight resin shades. R2 500 (import) / stilografica.it
2 Finer points Not all nibs are the same, and the tip you pick will shape your script. Go rounded for versatility or italic for calligraphy, then select a flexibility and size – from extra fine to broad.
UPVOTED
The wooden wand
Faber-Castell Ambition Coconut Channelling tropical vibes for your next novella? Put down that palm tree pencil sharpener – for a true touch of the tropics at your fingertips, try this fruity fountain. Capped by classy chrome, the case is made from coconut wood, so every sentence will send your hands back to faraway sands. R3 600 / wantitall.co.za
3 Free refills Inserts differ between brands. Some pens can take a range of refills, while others need specific cartridges. Want to mix it up? Fit your fountain pen with a converter and fill it with bottled ink.
4 Barrel roles Comfort is key if you’re a serious scrivener, so try plenty of shafts to find one with a weight, length and diameter that fit your writing style, especially if your palms are sizeable.
57
T E S T E D F O R D M U S TA N G 5. 0 G T
See how it runs No shrinking violet with a case of the vapours, the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT stands a full seventeen hands high from R978 000 / ford.co.za ■ If you’re a fan of car sound, Ford’s new Mustang delivers. Yeah, it’s got a B&O sound system but the audio we’re after burbles from the exhaust pipes. The 331kW 5.0l V8’s full-throated roar in motion is more music to our ears than anything Beyoncé could release. ■ There’s a lower, meaner, more angular cast to its features. It looks like it’s going fast, even when it’s standing still – just what you want from something this well-muscled. The Mustang’s aggressive look is inspired somewhat by the Sith of Siths, Darth Vader, we’re told. We can see that, especially in the angles in the grille, but this V8 couldn’t wheeze if it tried. ■ It is capable of restraint, though. In addition to the 5.0l V8, there’s also a 2.3l Ecoboost option in fastback and convertible trim. It scales back the grunt to 213kW but there’s an overboosted turbo inside the petrol engine to give your road-time responsiveness. Also, the Ecoboost will save you 2 litres per 100km. Hence the ‘Eco’. ■ Hopefully you’re not attached to changing your own gears, though. The range is all-automatic, with the exception of the limited Bullitt edition. It’s not all bad. Ford’s tenspeed automatic gearbox and the flappy-paddles for rapid shifts will make you feel like a kid again. A kid with a weighty bank account and a driver’s license, but still a kid.
Tech specs (5.0 GT) ■ Cruising, no bruising
The Mustang offers Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, automagically keeping drivers a decent distance behind the chap in front. Also present is lane assist, which notifies you about drifting while also keeping you in place.
■ Instrumental
Drive modes are selected using the 12in LCD instrument cluster, based off Ford’s own GT supercar. Options for Normal, Snow/Wet, Sport and Track are joined by a new Drag Strip option. Guess what that does?
Engine 5.0l Ti-VCT V-8 Transmission 10-Speed SelectShift Power 331kW Torque 529Nm 0-100km/h 4.8s Top Speed 250km/h Fuel economy 12.3l/100km CO2 emissions 279g/km Tank 61l Weight 2 150kg.
STUFF SAYS It may be a stallion but this beast growls like a lion ★★★★★
Picking horseshoes from your teeth 58
The Mustang’s price might be a kick in the teeth for the budget-conscious but some drivers will relish the combination of power, tech, and styling on display. There’s a stripped-down 2.3l version in addition to the grain-fed 5.0l model but if you’re after a little more speed and a manual gearbox, the limited edition Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 GT V8 FastBack (from R1mil) offers 338kW and a top speed of 262km/h – 12km/h quicker than its tamer stablemates.
TESTED NOKIA 4.2
Basically functional The saying goes: Fast, good, or cheap – pick two. The Nokia 4.2 reckons you’ll be okay with ‘good’ and ‘cheap’ R3 200 / hmdglobal.com ■ Nokia’s on to a good thing with its Android One handsets. Android in its purest form was once solely for the likes of Google’s Pixel but those are hard to find this side of the world. The Nokia 4.2 (the name is a mystery – there’s never been a Nokia 4 or 4.1) is a budget way to lay hands on Android as it should be experienced. By everyone. ■ But the Nokia 4.2 doesn’t look budget. That’s important. Glass panels on front and rear – even if the rear is the finger-printiest we’ve seen on a phone in 2019 (so far) – give this handset a premium feel that you’re not actually paying for. The device thickness is a hint that you’re toting a cheaper smartphone, but you’re gonna have to hand it over to onlookers to give that away. ■ Sadly, Nokia’s illusion is let down by the phone’s performance. The Snapdragon 439 is a budget processor, even if the rest of the specs are edging towards the mid-range, and it works as such. Expect some slowdown while using hungrier apps. Rapid scrolling may cause a stutter or two as well. Perhaps we’re just spoiled, though. ■ And this slowdown carries over to the camera. The 13MP+2MP rear is a decent snapper but it needs light and time to get to work. That might work for the sun and germination but you’re after speed when using a smartphone camera. Deal-breaker? Nah.
■ The One for us
Android One means speedy operating system updates and support guaranteed for at least two years – a must in these uncertain times. Especially if you’re used to using a phone beginning with ‘H’.
■ Old tech
Some archaic technology we’re okay with, like the Nokia 4.2’s 3.5mm jack. Audio never goes out of style. The inclusion of a microUSB rather than a switch to a USB-C port makes us sad. It belongs in a museum!
Tech specs Screen 5.71in IPS HD+ Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 RAM 3GB Storage 32GB OS Android P Cameras Rear 13MP f/2.2 + 2MP Front 8MP f/2.0 Battery 3000mAh Dimensions 149x71.3x8.4mm
STUFF SAYS Is having Android One really worth the performance stutters? ★★★✩✩
It’s about achieving balance in everything
Budget smartphones are all about the bottom line. To get there, though, means some things have to be thrown overboard. The Nokia 4.2 rounds up a competent set of specs to keep users pleased. Storage and RAM make this phone, while the attractive design sweetens the pot. The camera is adequate, but the real concession to price is actual performance. But we can’t be mad – something had to be trimmed and Nokia’s been rather democratic here. 59
T E S T E D D Y N A B O O K P O R T É G É X 3 0 T- E 1 0 9
Quick-change artist
It’s not the sort of convertible you leave in the garage overnight but the Portégé X30T-E will still leave you breathless R40 000 / toshiba.co.za ■ The Dynabook Portégé is an unusual beast – unless you’re living somewhere Microsoft’s Surface hardware is readily available. Since it’s not, this is your best bet for something Surface Pro 6-ish, right down to the attractive but understated design. The version we used is packing a lot of specs to go with the price.
Touchy feely The X30T-E may look like a tablet (at times) but it doesn’t feel like one – which doesn’t make sense until you have it in your hands.
■ It’s easy to overlook the second part of this machine. There are few ports hosted on the main tablet body but clipping on the magnetic hardware keyboard gives you a lot more: HDMI out, two USB 3.0 ports, USB-C (for charging), and good ole LAN. Oh, and an additional battery. ■ Which makes the Portégé X30T-E just another laptop, albeit one you can disassemble on the fly. It’s all tablet, really – the rearmounted fingerprint sensor, included stylus, and non-reflective screen see to that. We almost expected to be given a uniform and a door to stand in front of so we could begin checking folks in when we opened the box.
Mightier than…? The optional stylus pen (R1 000) features a chunk of Wacom tech and makes this feel like the biggest iPad that runs Windows.
■ Most tablets don’t come with 1TB of SSD storage and enough power to launch a spaceship. Usually you don’t find Kaby Lake and 16GB of RAM in a slate, which will delight power users. The biggest knock to its desirability? Deciding whether you need 2-in-1 functions badly enough to lay out what they’re asking for this one.
Tech specs Screen 15.6in 1920x1080 IPS CPU 2GHz AMD Ryzen 5 2500U RAM 8GB CPU AMD Radeon RX 560X Storage 128GB SSD Connectivity 4x USB, HDMI, audio jack, SD card, Ethernet Dimensions 390x266x27mm, 2.7kg
■ Familiar Face
You might feel the Dynabook Portégé is something you’ve seen somewhere before. You’d be correct. Dynabook used to be Toshiba’s laptop arm. The 2019 rebrand resulted in a new name but inside is the same hardware.
■ iPadded
The Portégé X30T-E might feature a 13.3in display (that’s huge for a tablet) but adding a PA5334E Travel Keyboard makes it feel like the world’s largest iPad – while adding very little to the tablet’s 800g weight.
STUFF SAYS It feels like Dynabook has only just scratched the Surface here ★★★★✩
Does this look like a mother-flippen’ game to you? 60
The Portégé X30T-E is as versatile as only a convertible notebook can be – when in tablet mode you can use it for tablet-y things, while the hardware keyboard turns it into a great notebook. It’s got plenty of power, no matter how you’re using it, but there is one thing missing: gaming. Kinda. Intel’s UHD Graphics 620 is no GeForce GPU but it’ll still let you get your game on with a surprising amount of detail. In PC mode, obvs.
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methods for you to choose from – either Android or iOS apps, or via Zinio.com. No matter your choice, it’s just a few simple clicks to set up your digital sub. 61
WORK TECH
WORKING CLASS HEROES The right tool for the right job is an old mantra that still applies because… well, it’s true. Just because you use tech instead of a torque wrench doesn’t mean you can disregard this wisdom. Stuff knows the tools you need.
62
WORK TECH
HAPPY HERMITS More people than ever now regularly work from home.
Apple iMac from R25 000 / apple.com W
orking from home has plenty of benefits. As well as getting out of bed 15 minutes before you have to start, only getting dressed from the waist up for Skype meetings and not having to endure any inane office banter, you can kit your little workspace out with the kind of
gear that most IT departments would never sign off on. Apple’s all-in-one iMacs are ideal if you don’t need to work on the go; and measuring just 5mm at the edges, they’re so thin they almost defy physics. All models come with Retina displays – either 4K in the 21.5in model or 5K in the
27in version – plus Intel processors with up to eight cores, up to 3TB of storage and as much as 32GB of RAM. They’re not messing about when it comes to ports either, with two Thunderbolt 3 (aka USB-C), four USB 3, one Ethernet… and a DisplayPort. Just in case one massive screen isn’t enough. 63
WORK TECH
Apple MacBook Pro (2019) from R23 000 / myistore.co.za
B
eing a big cheese is as much about image as anything else. The laptop you choose to be seen using will tell your minions a lot about you as a boss – so just as you wouldn’t drive a convertible Nissan Micra to the office, Gav from accounts won’t take your dressing-down seriously if you’ve got something generic on your desk. Apple’s MacBook Pros send the right message: they’re smart,
mighty powerful and expensive; so depending on whether you go for the 13in or 15in version you can have up to 512GB of SSD storage, 16GB of RAM, Radeon Pro graphics and an Intel eight-core Core i9 processor. You might have to ask someone in IT what all that means, but the integrated Touch ID sensor and Touch Bar are easy to show off, as is the sharp Retina display. A big part of the appeal of Macs is the operating system – and with
the Catalina update due out by the time your read this, you’ll get a few more neat tricks added to your Pro’s arsenal. Beefed-up privacy and security are handy but the best thing is probably Sidecar, which lets you use an iPad as a second screen with certain apps. If you really must, you can even run Windows on a Mac these days, but if anyone tries to make you do that it’s probably time to haul them in for a formal warning.
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Positioned below the QWERTY is a trackpad you could land a chopper on. It also supports Force Touch, so will respond differently depending on pressure applied.
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The one thing that might hold your Pro back is a relative lack of ports. Most models have four Thunderbolt 3s (USB-C) but the cheaper ones only get two. Avoid.
ALTERNATIVELY
2
DELL XPS 13 Dell’s XPS 13 might not have the wow factor of a Mac but it’s one of the finest laptops you can buy today. This thin and light 13-incher has an 8th-gen Intel Whisky Lake processor and a battery that should just about get you from nine to five. from R20 000 / takealot.com
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NOW ADD THESE
MOPHIE POWERSTATION USB-C XXL When Apple switched to USB-C ports it made its existing chargers incompatible with new MacBooks, but that does mean you can now use portable power-packs like this one from Mophie to top up when you’re out and about. The beefy Powerstation USB-C XXL’s 30W output means it’ll take a while to fully charge your MacBook, but it’ll have your phone back to 100% in no time at all. R2 500 / wantitall.co.za
SATECHI TYPE-C PRO HUB ADAPTER WITH ETHERNET The latest MacBook Pros come with two or four USB-C ports – and one of those will often be taken by the power cable. That makes a hub a wise addition. This one has USB-C, 4K-capable HDMI, two standard USB ports, a microSD slot and even Ethernet, so you can keep working when others are complaining about the Wi-Fi being down. R1 380 (import) / amazon.com
SEAGATE FAST SSD
INCASE ICON SLEEVE
Given how expensive Apple makes it to specify your new MacBook with extra storage, nobody will blame you if you plump for the smallest capacity. When you start to run out of space, though, you won’t find a more suitable saviour than Seagate’s Fast SSD. Available with 250GB, 500GB, 1TB or 2TB inside, its USB-C port, pocket proportions and sleek finish make it the ideal way to add space. R2000 / makro.co.za
One of the nerds in IT will probably give you some sort of case for your MacBook if you bribe him with Game of Thrones T-shirts, but then you’ll just look like every other suit in the meeting room. The Incase Icon Sleeve doesn’t add too much bulk, but it has a magnetic flap for ease of access and a tough bumper to absorb the impact if some clumsy minion knocks it out of your arms in the rush to grab the last biscuit. R1 740 / amazon.com
BIG CHEESE Show the rest of the office who’s boss with this high-flying suite of cutting-edge tech
PRO TIP
NOW APP THIS
REACH THE PROMISED LAN
AMPHETAMINE
Still using the router your ISP sent you? What is this, amateur hour? To get the best Wi-Fi coverage at home, a mesh system like Google Wifi (R3 100, geewiz.co.za) lets you place points around your home, improving coverage without a drop in speed like you can get with normal extenders.
While it’s good to conserve power, it can be annoying having to keep your Mac awake when you don’t touch it for a while. Amphetamine is an add-on that lets you keep it awake when certain apps are open, an external display is plugged in and you’re connected to a particular Wi-Fi network. Free / macOS
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AMAZON ECHO SHOW 5
D-LINK DCS-8000LH/B
ROCKETBOOK WAVE
MASTER LOCK 5900D
An Amazon Echo can be invaluable to a student – it kind of works as a surrogate parent. The Show 5 is especially handy as it comes with a 5.5in screen built in, so if you need help cooking something it’ll take you through the process step by step. The speakers are small but still do a decent job of filling a room (or waking you up). And if you get really stuck, the camera makes it easier to call home for help. from R2 000 / pclinkshop.co.za
When you’re a student there are two types of people you need to keep out of your room: thieves and pranking flatmates. For under R2k, the DCS-8000LH/B will deter both. Activated by either motion or sound, it’ll keep an eye on your room and send you notifications if it spots something, recording 720p footage you can use as evidence. That’s the last time anyone covers all your belongings in clingwrap. R1720/pclinkshop.co.za
When there are brightly coloured shots and a whole term’s supply of instant noodles to be bought, the last thing you want to be wasting your cash on is stationery. So once this reusable notebook is full, scan the whole lot using the app and send it to your chosen cloud service – then stick the book in the microwave: the ink from its special pen will become invisible so you can fill it up again. from R525 / getrocketbook.co.za
When you live in halls there can be a lot of people coming and going. If you’re worried a stranger could slip in unnoticed, and want a bit of extra security for your stuff that’s easiest to nick, Master Lock’s 5900D portable safe could be the answer. It has a combination lock, so you don’t have to worry about losing the key, and comes with an integrated cable so you can attach it to something immovable. from R600 / amazon.com
PRO TIP
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NOW APP THIS
CHAIR YOURSELF UP
OTTER VOICE NOTES
Chances are you’re going to pull a few all-nighters in your time as an undergrad, so make sure you’ve something decent for your backside. The Corsair T2 Road Warrior Gaming Chair (R5 000, evetech. co.za) is a bit of a mouthful, but you’re going to be sitting in it, not eating it.
If you like to record your lectures but absolutely hate typing up the notes, Otter does a pretty decent job of using AI to transcribe them for you. It’s not perfect, but with a clear recording it’ll give you a head start. The free version gives 600 minutes per month. Free / Android, iOS, web
SMART STUDENT For the final semester, some wallet-friendly tech that doesn’t even look budget
WORK TECH
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Chromebooks tend to be pretty stingy on the storage. You’ll get just 32GB here, so it’s not one for anybody looking to stockpile photos, videos or music.
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Screen quality is often sacrificed on budget laptops but Acer has used IPS and anti-glare tech for the Chromebook 14, which improves viewing angles.
Acer Chromebook 14 from R5 000 / shopacer.co.za
A
t first glance, this Acer Chromebook’s brushed metal finish and tapering wedge shape mean it does a pretty convincing impression of a MacBook Air… although there’s no chance of getting the receipts for them mixed up. While a ‘basic’ Air will set you back the best part of R20000, you can pick up the 14in Acer for around a quarter of that – although we’d recommend spending a bit extra
and bagging the one that comes with 4GB of RAM and a Full HD screen. The latter’s not crucial, though it gives a boost to Netflix binges, but the former makes all the difference when you’ve got loads of tabs open and you’re trying to stream your Discover Weekly playlist at the same time. It runs Chrome OS, so things are pretty lightweight anyway, with all apps web-based and only 32GB of storage on board. So while the Intel
Celeron N4000 processor isn’t very impressive on paper, it’s more than capable of keeping everyday tasks ticking along. It also helps squeeze as much out of the battery as possible, so it should easily last a whole day of lectures and still be going when you get home. Connectivity is limited, with just two standard USB ports and HDMI out, but you do get a headphone port and Bluetooth – which is just as well as the speakers are rubbish.
ALTERNATIVELY
ASUS VIVOBOOK E200HA
2
If you’re really watching your bank balance, this Asus can be had for as little as R3 800, although at that price it comes with some major caveats: it only gets you 2GB of RAM and a very budget HD screen. from R3 800 / incredible.co.za
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Microsoft Surface Book 2
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You get an impressive array of connections: one USB-C, a pair of USB 3.1, an SD card reader, a headphone socket and a proprietary Surface Connect port.
R35 000 / takealot.com
I
f your lance is free and your desk is hot, you need a laptop that’s adaptable to your working conditions. The Surface Book 2 is arguably more laptop than tablet, mainly because it runs the full version of Windows 10 Pro, but its multiple forms make it an ideal companion for somebody whose working environment is ever-changing. To look at the Surface Book 2, which comes in either 13.5in or 15in
sizes, you’d never know it was a hybrid. The Dynamic Fulcrum Hinge looks and feels solid but still allows you to attach the PixelSense screen facing either way and fold it flat. You can remove it completely and work in tablet format as well; but when you fold it in half and add the Surface Pen (R2500), Studio Mode will make your Surface Book 2 feel like a futuristic sketchpad. With a choice of Intel’s latest quad-core processors, up to 16GB
of RAM, as much as 1TB of SSD storage and the option to add an GeForce GTX discrete GPU, it’s possible to spec this machine to be a real powerhouse – just be ready for the hefty bill. If you want a hybrid that’s got your back in almost any situation and even packs enough power to play some of the latest games (hey, you can’t work all the time), there’s really nothing else out there like it.
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The 15in version even has Xbox Wireless tech built in, so you can easily hook up a controller and stream games from your Xbox One to the PixelSense screen.
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ALTERNATIVELY
MICROSOFT SURFACE GO If you don’t need all that power, the 10in Surface Go tablet could be just the ticket. It comes with Windows 10 Home in S mode, which is a bit restrictive, but add the keyboard cover and it’s got most basic day-to-day stuff covered. from R10 000 / importitall.co.za
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WORK TECH
NOW ADD THESE
BATPOWER PROE 2 ES10B
SONY WH-1000XM3
VANDRA BACKPACK
If you’re working out and about, you don’t want to be a slave to a plug socket, but the Microsoft charger is a chunky old brick – and only a few aftermarket power-banks offer enough of a kick to charge the Surface Book 2. This 40,000mAh job is one of them. It’ll be slower than using the standard charger but it’ll mean you can use that table by the window that’s miles away from a socket. R5 900 / pclinkshop.com
You’ve nabbed your favourite spot, your laptop’s fully charged and your flat white’s hot… but who’s this at the table behind you? It’s Darren the senior account executive and he’s got a VERY IMPORTANT call with the Durban office. No problem: these Bluetooth headphones will drown him out with clever noise-cancelling that adjusts to your surroundings. They also sound superb, which helps. R6 000 / takealot.com
Sure, you could carry all your stuff around in a Woolies canvas bag (got to get the full value out of it somehow), but does that eco wonder come with its own built-in Bluetooth tracker, an integrated padlock, hidden pockets (including one for your sunnies), an integrated USB port so you can plug in your power-pack, and a separate compartment for quarantining your sweaty gym gear? R1 370 (import) / castendesign.com
TILE PRO Working anywhere that’s full of people you don’t know will always carry risks for your prized possessions, but you can always take precautions. The Pro is Tile’s toughest and loudest Bluetooth tracker yet, with a range of 100 metres. That means that if whatever you’ve attached it to goes missing, you can find it via the app and trigger a very audible SOS. And unlike previous Tiles, it has a battery that can be replaced when it dies. R600 / myistore.co.za
PRO TIP
FLEXI WORKER You often commute in slippers and know the Wi-Fi password of every cafe in town
NOW APP THIS
EXPLORE SPACE
YOUR PHONE
Sitting hunched over your laptop isn’t good for your back, but what if you’ve got no space at home for a monitor? The 4K-capable Samsung Space Monitor (from R9 300, samsung. com/za) clamps to the edge of your desk so you can push it back against the wall to make some room when it’s not in use.
Got an Android phone? Install the Your Phone app on your laptop and all notifications will be delivered to its screen, so you can leave your phone in your pocket while you work. It’ll also let you craft replies using the computer’s QWERTY and even access pictures stored on the phone. Free / Windows
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ULTIMATE EARS BLAST
APPLE PENCIL
There’s nothing like a spot of music to get the creative juices flowing, but if it sounds rubbish you’ll soon find things grinding to a halt again. This wireless speaker is a real allrounder. There’s Wi-Fi on board as well as Bluetooth, so you can use Spotify Connect at home, and it’s loud enough to fill even the biggest workspace. It’s also rugged and waterproof, so it can handle play as well as work. R1 510 / ubuy.za.com
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If you’re an arty type, you won’t get the most out of your iPad Pro unless you pair it with an Apple Pencil. You can change the function of the newest one simply by tapping on it, while pixel-perfect precision makes it far more accurate than trying to draw with your own fleshy stylus (no, not that one). But perhaps the coolest thing about the Pencil is the way you charge it: just snap it magnetically to the edge of your Pro when it needs a top-up. R2600 / myistore.co.za
SANDISK ULTRA USB TYPE-C FLASH DRIVE The upcoming iPadOS will let you attach USB-C memory sticks to your iPad. Considering you’re currently stuck with whatever capacity you could afford when you bought the Pro, it’s a feature that could come in very handy indeed. SanDisk’s Type-C sticks come with 16, 32, 64 or 128GB of storage space and can transfer data at up to 150MB per second. from R200 / takealot.com
BRYDGE PRO Attach the Brydge Pro keyboard to your iPad and, at a glance, you could easily mistake it for a MacBook Pro. It comes in silver or space grey, with backlit keys and just the right amount of heft so it doesn’t feel like a toy. You can clip the iPad in facing either way, so the QWERTY can double as a stand when you’ve finished all your work and you’re catching up on Gomorrah, or you can fold it down totally flat. from R2 300 / myistore.co.za
NOW APP THIS
DON’T GO UP THE WALL
PHOTOSHOP CC
Nobody gets inspired by blank walls, but how much inspiration can a single picture hold? The 27in Meural Digital Art Frame (R13 100, firebox.com) gives you access to over 30 000 different works of art, so you can pick a different one every day for 82 years. Don’t forget to retire.
Adobe is due to release this nearly full-fat version of Photoshop for the iPad Pro at some point in 2019, meaning you’ll be able to use Apple’s magical slab to edit proper PSD files that you started working on in the desktop version, with all changes synced in the cloud. Rtba / iPadOS
MEDIA PLAYER Spreadsheets are for squares and a keyboard is very much optional
WORK TECH
Apple iPad Pro
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As well as the 7MP TrueDepth camera for Face ID, the iPad Pro also has a 12MP one that can shoot 4K video, but only a lunatic or an American would consider using it.
from R14 000 / myistore.co.za
P
eople used to say an iPad Pro was fine as a laptop replacement as long as you didn’t want to do any actual work – but as Apple has updated and refined its biggest tablet, it’s become clear that that’s not exactly true. Of course, it depends on what kind of work you want to do; but if you want to churn out 1000 words, work up some design ideas, edit some photos or record that melody
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The iPad Pro’s screen has ProMotion tech, which automatically tweaks the refresh rate depending on what you’re doing to make sure it always feels smooth and responsive.
that’s been going around in your head all week, an iPad Pro does it in real style. It comes in two sizes, 11in and 12.9in, and the addition of Face ID means you get an edge-to-edge 264ppi touchscreen with minimal bezels, while the A12X Bionic chip will chomp through whatever you throw at it. This tablet’s 10-hour battery life is comparable to a full-size laptop as well, although you’ll want to add the Smart Keyboard Folio or
another third-party QWERTY if you plan to do any serious writing on it. The use of USB-C instead of Lightning also means it works with more other kit than ever before, plus with up to 1TB of storage there’s plenty of space for music, videos and pictures. With iPadOS due right about now, adding better gesture controls and file management, the iPad Pro is finally ready to step up to the plate for you.
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ALTERNATIVELY
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LENOVO YOGA BOOK C930 The Yoga Book C930 is a bit of an acquired taste. But if you want a machine that does things differently, this Windows 10 hybrid comes with one normal 10.8in QHD touchscreen and an E Ink display that can double as a keyboard. from R22 000 / takealot.com
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TESTED SONY WF-1000XM3
High bud pressure Sony’s latest true wireless in-ears arrive in a market much more crowded than it used to be… so they really, really need to be good 2
Rtba / sony.com/za Almost three years ago, Sony’s WF-1000XM noise-cancelling true wireless in-ears completely trounced Apple’s AirPods, and that was their job done. There was no other real rival. But now, at the back end of 2019, everyone from Cambridge to Bang & Olufsen, from Jabra to Bose, wants to sell you a pair of fully wireless in-ears. Even Apple seems to have made the AirPods competitive. So Sony’s been back to the drawing board. There’s a clear nod to the original 1000XMs in the shape of the XM3s: the (relatively) long racetrack shape isn’t as compact as some bullet designs, but it’s discreet enough, and nothing like as silly as those alternatives that hang down from the ear or protrude outwards like something a Star Trek extra would wear. They feel well made, the fit is excellent and they’re easy to wear for hours at a time. So how do they perform?
Bud brothers Install the Headphones Connect app, arrange the touch controls as you’d like them, get the XM3s comfy in your ears (1) and pair with your device. None of it takes very long. Wireless connection is via Bluetooth 5.0, which is all you could ask for unless you have a phone with aptX HD.
GOOD MEH EVIL
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Comfy, durable design
1
Bud and thunder Switchable noise-cancelling is one of the obvious highlights. Sony’s QN1e processor (which also acts as DAC and amplifier) consumes very little power and works beautifully – so while the buds themselves provide some isolation, the active system takes things to another level.
Good battery life
Hefty charging case
Bud on your hands Switching noise-cancelling on or off, engaging Ambient Sound Mode (which actively introduces more of the external noise into your ear), skipping or pausing tracks, or ordering up your voice assistant, can all be done just by touching one of the buds (2). But you can’t adjust volume this way.
Excellent audio quality
Great noisecancelling
Solid wireless connection
TESTED SONY WF-1000XM3
Insider tips Sony chucks in a few different sizes of a couple of types of earbud tip, so getting the fit just right is easy.
Tech specs Connectivity Bluetooth, USB-C charging, Google Assistant Battery life Up to 6hrs with noise-cancelling, 8hrs without (up to 24hrs with case) Weight 2x8.5g, charging case 77g
Sony afternoon They might be feature-laden, but how do the Sony WF-1000XM3s perform with a variety of music?
3
Bud transfusion Battery life is a useful six hours (eight without noise-cancelling) and the charging case is good for another full three charges, giving a total of between 24 and 32 hours between USB top-ups. If push comes to shove, a 15-minute charge is good for 90 minutes of playback.
Bud stream The touch controls (3) can be reorganised using that rather useful Headphones Connect app. In addition, the app lets you trim EQs, prioritise sound quality or wireless connection stability (sound quality every time, of course!), and check the health of each earpiece’s battery.
■ Keep it real
■ Keep it together
■ Keep dancing
■ Keep on truckin’
The WF-1000XM3s are a very musical listen (believe us, there are enough unmusical headphones around for these to stand out). Any music you play through them sounds natural, believable and full of character.
There’s also a fair bit of dynamism available here. Small harmonic variances get as much prominence as big Pixies-style dynamic swings, but they’re never overstated and never at the expense of the bigger picture.
The original XMs had an easy job in the early days of noise-cancelling in-ears, yet the way the XM3s serve up sound quality as spectacular as this while being truly wireless, while effectively cancelling background noise and while remaining comfortable is quite something. So, just as it was almost three years ago, it’s job done.
The bass response digs deep and hits hard, while at the opposite end the treble has plenty of crisp attack. The midrange is open and just as nicely detailed as the rest of the frequency range, with plenty of space for vocals.
The more a recording requires scale, the more these Sonys provide it. The more it requires detail, the more they reveal it. And the more it charges and attacks, the more they sink their teeth in. Even call quality is decent.
STUFF SAYS ★★★★★ Design? Tick. Build? Tick. Specifications? Big tick. Performance? Thankfully, that one’s the biggest tick of all… 73
TESTED SENNHEISER AMBEO SOUNDBAR
Easy wider
Sennheiser branches out into home cinema with a Dolby Atmos soundbar huge enough to turn Phaka into an immersive experience Rtba (end 2019) / mitechdirect.com ■ Is the Ambeo Soundbar a piece of Brutalist architecture? In relative terms, it’s every bit as monolithic as a Sandton office block. This means any prospective owner is going to need a big TV to put it under, plus lots of space and a proper wall on which to mount it. ■ Part of the reason it’s such a whopper is that Sennheiser was determined the Ambeo should offer full-on home cinema rumble and scale without the need for a separate subwoofer. Showtime There’s a neat little display on the front of the bar. It’s high-res and crisp, and breaks up the swathe of black cloth a little.
■ As a result, it needs a bit of space on account of the 500W of Class D amplification that’s powering its 13 drivers. Class D is efficient, but 500 Watts of it creates appreciable heat – so the vents on top of the Ambeo Soundbar can’t be covered. ■ The sheer scale of this thing’s presentation is remarkable. The stage is so wide it seems to extend to virtually alongside your seated position. And even more remarkably, it reaches way up high, seeming to place sound almost directly above. ■ Watching Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, there’s a brilliance to metallic sounds at the top of the frequency range, real texture and character to the many actorly voices occupying the midrange, and so much punch, substance and impetus to the lower frequencies that no one is going to wish for a subwoofer.
Tech specs Drivers 6x 4in woofers, 5x 1in tweeters, 2x 3.5in full-range Connectivity HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, optical, RCA, Chromecast, Bluetooth Dimensions 127x17x13cm, 18.5kg
■ Who’s driving?
There are nine drivers across the front. Six of them are 4in woofers, the other three 1in tweeters. You’ll find two more tweeters in the angled side panels, and two 3.5in full-range drivers firing upwards.
■ Who’s playing?
Physical buttons on top of the bar are for the usual controls, and these are duplicated on the remote control. It’s quite a nice, weighty handset, much nicer than some plasticky clickers, and there’s also a phone app.
STUFF SAYS The Ambeo Soundbar is big but the sound it makes is bigger still ★★★★★
Welcome the new king of the soundbars… and then start saving 74
Utterly convincing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound, ample power and lots of inputs mean no other soundbar currently available can perform feats with the solidity and confidence of this Sennheiser. And it’s hard to think of any content that wouldn’t benefit from being Ambeo’d. That’s why, as well as being the biggest and the most expensive, it’s the best you can buy.
TESTED KINDLE OASIS (2019)
Page burner For R155/month you can sign up to Kindle Unlimited, which gives you unlimited access to over a million titles as well as audiobooks.
Warm and peace Amazon’s fanciest e-reader stays one step ahead of the affordable Paperwhite with a new amber glow for bedtime reading Rtba / circuitcity.co.za ■ The popular Kindle Paperwhite nails that goldilocks combination of price, design and features. But while the new Oasis model might seem outrageously expensive for what it does, its premium design and page-turning buttons make it a marked step up. ■ Amazon hasn’t radically reinvented its priciest Kindle. It only really has one new feature: a colour-adjustable front light that can turn the display from cool to warm, making the transition from day to night-time reading more comfortable. The yellowish hue makes pages resemble real paper more than ever. ■ It’s still aluminium, and it still has that rear bulge for one-handed reading. The two front buttons remain far superior alternatives to the occasionally unresponsive touchscreen for turning the page. ■ Things we don’t like? The enormous Amazon logo splashed across the metal back is just a bit much, and microUSB survives another update. Urgh. You might want a case too – this thing is waterproof but feels more fragile than cheaper contemporaries. ■ Changes in screen warmth can be scheduled to coincide with sunset and sunrise, gradually applying colour to the display over the allotted time period. You can also manually choose when you want the process to start and how strong you want the effect to be.
■ The catcher in the UI
Amazon seems to have settled on a simple user interface that works well, putting your library and reading list at the top of the homepage, with recommended books, bestsellers and new releases at the bottom.
■ The page of innocence
Head into the store and you can browse Amazon’s vast library, and if you have an Audible sub there’s a store for audiobooks. The Oasis can be paired with Bluetooth ’phones if you want the author to do the reading.
Tech specs Display 7in E Ink Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microUSB charging Storage 8/32GB Waterproofing IPX8 Battery life Up to 6 weeks Dimensions 159x141x8.4mm, 188g
STUFF SAYS New lighting functionality makes the best Kindle even better ★★★★★
This flagship Kindle will leave you with a warm glow… literally
The Kindle Oasis remains the ultimate e-reader that very few people need to buy, especially now the far cheaper Paperwhite model has nabbed that all-important waterproofing feature. It’s also annoying that the best device in the line still doesn’t charge with USB-C. But if you do have the cash and want to get as close as possible to the experience of reading a physical book, you won’t regret the additional outlay. 75
TESTED HISENSE INFINITY H30
Sensing a show-off The Hisense Infinity H30 phablet is an unlikely competitor that impressed us with some mad skills at the sub-R10k price range. from R5 300 / hisense.co.za ■ We like big phones and we cannot lie. And these days, you don’t have to invest your life’s savings in a handset to get a powerhouse. Budget phones feature some impressive specs, especially those we’ve seen in recent years. The Infinity H30 is a testament to all the budgetbusters we’ve tested, and is our favourite by a long shot.
Show stopper Around the back, you’ll find a brilliant shiny gradient — the kind that Huawei made popular with its P20 Pro range.
■ The Infinity H30 is fitted with a 6.5in FHD+ display, dual camera sensors around the back, 4GB RAM and sports a two-day battery life from its 4 530mAh cell. It could easily take on a few flagship devices, right? Only two years ago the Samsung Galaxy S8 launched with a base 4GB. Hell, the spare laptop at home still has 2GB RAM… Don’t judge. ■ Also, just look at it. Hisense didn’t hold back on design here. It’s one of the best-looking phones in the mid-range market right now, even if that look is ‘borrowed’. The 6.5in display puts many others to shame and features a small teardrop notch up top. Even though it’s just FHD+, the screen is bright and blacks are deep. Consuming media on it is a complete delight. ■ Design and performance may have set the bar too high because the camera sensors are the Infinity H30’s biggest let-down. It’s a bit like going for a haircut at a high-end stylist and walking out with a mullet. Both front and back are disappointing.
■ Scan the backside
Tech specs Screen 6.5in FHD+ Processor MediaTek Helio P70 RAM 4GB Cameras Rear 20MP + 2MP Front 20MP Battery 4530mAh OS Android P Storage 128GB Dimensions 164.37x77.1x8.75mm
The rear features a fingerprint reader (we love back-mounted fingerprint sensors), the two vertical camera sensors (20MP +2MP) with a flash and the subtle logo addition in the lower left all set in a shiny gradient finish.
■ AI jai jai
Of course, Hisense punts its AI features built into the processor and camera tech. Apparently, the MediaTek chipset boosts battery life by optimising processes, and enhancing the clock-speed of the device. Riiiight...
STUFF SAYS Hisense doesn’t only make TVs and fridges anymore ★★★★★
The most unlikely cheap phone you need 76
There really isn’t much to complain about when it comes to the Hisense Infinity H30. It has impressive looks, great specs and a wonderful display for the low price of R5 300. Not many sub-R6k smartphones available in South Africa have the performance chops or the twoday battery life the H30 offers. It also looks damn good while doing it. Just be wary of the camera tech and the AI features they try to sell you on.
TEST WINNER Heads up The Philips comes with four brush heads – even one for your tongue, which resembles a tiny paddle.
Dental arithmetic With a lithium-ion battery, the Oral-B brush will keep on spinning morning and night for over two weeks.
Oral-B Genius X The headline feature here is the customisable light above the power switch: green, purple, red, orange, you name it. The Oral-B has a round head and spins like a plaque-killing Catherine wheel. The charging case is rather neat too. It does a thorough job and there are six cleaning modes, ranging from sensitive to deep clean. One tiny niggle is that you can’t move through the settings when the toothbrush is switched off, which can result in a messy affair. A toothbrush with AI? That’s right. Oral-B’s app will learn which quadrant of your gnashers is getting most neglected, compare that with a load of brushing data and then coach you on technique – and it works.
Brushing modes 6 Battery life 2wks+ Charging USB travel case Weight 139g
VS
Philips DiamondClean Smart
1. DESIGN
Philips might have made the sexiest-looking toothbrush ever. There’s a purple light at the base that’s triggered when you apply too much pressure, and the sleek design ensures mulchy toothpaste water doesn’t get stuck in any crevices.
2. IN USE
There are two controls: the first turns the toothbrush on, the second is either a mode selector (when power is off) or an intensity control (when it’s on). With five settings to choose from, no part of oral hygiene is overlooked.
3. SMARTS
You get real-time feedback if you’re pressing too hard, or if you’re using too much motion. Total coverage is the aim; and if you’ve missed a spot, the app will highlight it in mustard yellow on the graphic on your phone screen.
1 2 3
● Price Rtba (Oct 2019) / oralb.co.za
★★★★★
Brushing modes 5 (3 intensity settings) Battery life 2wks Charging USB travel case and glass Weight 141g
● Price R3 300 / takealot.com
STUFF SAYS
★★★★★
The Oral-B might be smarter, but Philips nicks it for tidy design and ease of use 77
TWO WEEKS WITH PALM’S MINI-ME SMARTPHONE
Cold comfort Palm It’s billed as a travelling stand-in for your ‘real’ smartphone, but priced like a proper mid-range handset… Stuff spends a fortnight yelling at the micro-phone R6 500 (import) / palm.com
The 3.3in screen is actually only 0.2in smaller than the one on the original iPhone.
DAY 01 Tech fans of a certain vintage might have fond memories of Palm. The company’s last phone was the ill-fated Pre, which was dropped way back in 2011. And while it ultimately failed, the Pre’s influence can be seen all over the smartphone world to this day. Wireless charging? The Pre did it first. The gesture-based navigation on the iPhone X and XS? Palm’s webOS introduced something very similar. Proper
multitasking with thumbnails? You guessed it. And now Palm is back with a tiny Android device that’s sold by Verizon in the US as a companion to your regular phone. It shares the same number, the idea being that you take the Palm out when you don’t want to be bothered by notifications. If you want one in South Africa you’ll need to import it, and pay in full up front. All this effort in
Most apps are designed for screens much bigger than this: it can only display one Facebook post at a time 78
purchasing makes it more likely to be bought as a main phone rather than an occasion-specific deputy, which changes the proposition almost entirely. This is certainly a very small handset. Its surface area is slightly longer but narrower than a credit card, with large bezels above and below the screen. It’s reminiscent of an old mp3 player, albeit with a much more premium feel, with Gorilla Glass front and back inside an aluminium frame. That makes the Palm a slippery little customer. Put it down on anything that isn’t perfectly flat and it’ll make a break for freedom;
or get too comfortable with it in your pocket and you won’t notice when it slides out. Given the Palm’s dimensions it should come as no surprise that there’s only one physical button on it: a wake-up button above the sim tray on the right-hand side. Below the screen there’s also a touch-sensitive panel that can be used to navigate the Palm’s menus (more on that later) and a USB-C port on the bottom. You get cameras front and back, but the overall feel is one of minimalism. If the Palm has caught your eye odds are that’s just what you want.
LO N G -T E R M T E S T
01
Donut of Truth™
05
04
02 03
01 Promises all the functions of a full-size Android phone in a titchy form factor 02 Feels reasonably well made: aluminium, Gorilla Glass, IP68 water-resistance
03 Android apps just don’t like this teeny display 04 The Snapdragon 435 CPU is easily overtaxed 05 Despite the small screen, battery life is really poor
Tech specs Screen 3.3in 1280x720 IPS LCD Processor Snapdragon 435 octa-core RAM 3GB OS Android 8.1 Cameras 12MP rear, 8MP front Battery 800mAh Storage 32GB Dimensions 97x51x7.4mm, 62.5g
DAY 02 It hasn’t taken us long to find something annoying about this phone: the lack of volume controls. To adjust how loud anything is you have to turn the screen on and pull down to reveal a slider. The 1280x720 screen is pretty sharp, although it’s only an LCD. The real problem is, most apps are designed for screens much bigger than 3.3in. It can only display one Facebook post at a time, for example.
DAY 04 Time to take some photos. The Palm has a 12MP camera with flash on the back and an 8MP one on the front. You can switch between HDR modes, add filters and even go fully manual, but with such a tiny screen you can’t tell if your pictures are any good. Upload some to check and you’ll soon realise you needn’t have wondered: they all look flat and lacking in detail.
DAY 08 The Palm runs Android 8.1, which is – here we go again – not meant for a screen this small. On-screen navigation is murder, so we’ve opted for panel presses instead.
We’re just about getting the hang of this and it’s… well, not bad. And, to be fair, the on-screen keyboard is not as much of a nightmare to use as you might expect. More importantly, this phone is underpowered. Even a simple game like 8-Ball Pool doesn’t run entirely smoothly – although the bigger issue there (predictably) is the screen size.
DAY 12 One thing that’s really tiny is the battery – 800mAh – and even when it’s idle the Palm seems to guzzle juice, dropping nearly 70% when left overnight. Palm’s solution is Life Mode, an extreme version of other phones’ Do Not Disturb function. But even with that on, the battery’s dropped by 50% over the course of an afternoon – and for most of that time the phone went untouched.
DAY 14 If the Palm’s only aim is to get you to use your phone less, it’s well and truly mission accomplished, but probably not for the reasons intended. Yes, it’s dinky, but there are plenty of budget handsets with Do Not Disturb modes – and when you do want to use them, they’ll do a far better job.
STUFF SAYS Unless you’re looking for a phone you won’t want to use, Palm this one off ★★✩✩✩ 79
FI R TH ST ES AD E… D
PERIA 1
80
ONE RHINO ROV EVERYDAY
TWO SONY WF-1000XM3
THREE GRIFFIN RESERVE
For smoothly cinematic panning shots, you’ll want to pick up a slider like the Rhino ROV Everyday. It’s motorised and portable, and was built with smartphones like the Xperia 1 in mind. Sweep from left to right, and your 21:9 wide 4K shot can span a landscape with the dynamism and precision your unique artistic vision demands. R7 100 / amazon.com
Fancy something a bit fancier than AirPods? These lightweight noise-cancelling Bluetooth earbuds are taking the audio world by storm, delivering great battery life, a premium finish and, most importantly, excellent sound when paired up with the Xperia 1 and its aptX HD audio support. Want to know more? Read the review on p72. Rtba / sony.com
The Xperia 1’s battery life isn’t great, so a 10 000mAh power bank stashed away in a bag or car is a smart move. A fully-charged powerbank can top up your Xperia almost three times over. Griffin’s packed theirs into a travel-friendly form factor. There’s an LED readout for making sure you’ve got enough juice to get your Xperia jumpstarted, to boot. R500 / myistore.co.za
NO TH W T IS RY …
DO A TH WN ND ES LO E… AD
INSTANT UPGRADES INS
PS4 REMOTE PLAY
1 FLATTER THE BATTERY
2 SET UP SIDE SENSE
3 FIX LENS DISTORTION
Sony’s Battery Care is great; it slows down the Xperia 1’s charging speed to preserve the phone’s long-term battery life. This means that, unlike some flagships, Sony phones tend to keep their charge even after you’ve been using them for a year or two. When you need to charge fast, though, you will have to disable the feature by opening up the phone’s settings and searching for ‘battery care’.
The Xperia 1 is long with its 21:9 aspect-ratio screen, and that’s part of why we love it, but reaching its extremities can be a stretch even for big hands. Side Sense to the rescue: this pop-up menu fires up where your thumb naturally falls for ultimate ergonomics. Simply double-tap the side of the screen and it pops out, giving access to shortcuts, settings and frequently used apps.
When you take pictures with a very wide-angle lens, it will heavily distort the final picture, creating a fisheye effect. The Xperia 1’s widest camera is no exception, given its 130° field of view. As with GoPros, though, you can ditch the distortion and make everything look realistic in seconds. In the camera app’s settings, select ‘Lens correction (photo)’ and then ‘Prioritise correction for distortion’.
Like other Sony flagships, this one supports Remote Play, so can stream your PS4 to it. You can even hook it up to a DualShock 4 controller and a TV set.
POWER DIRECTOR
As feature-rich as the Xperia 1 is, its major omission is a video editor. That’s where PowerDirector comes in – it’s a fine editor with fade-ins, titles and trimming tools.
4 PERFECT CINEMA PRO
5 REIN IN THE VIBES
6 AUGMENT THE AUDIO
Video editing software is not easy to use – so if you try CineVideo, Sony’s powerful video recording app, expect a steep learning curve. That’s because it serves up advanced controls like manual shutter speed, ISO and focus, while also featuring a range of film-like filters. But don’t be dissuaded: it’s an excellent introduction to cinema cameras and gives you manual control over zoom range.
If you notice your Xperia 1 vibrate every time music gets bass-heavy and movies start to boom, it’s because of a feature called Dynamic Vibration. This is intended to add another dimension to multimedia playback, so rumble on if it floats your boat; but if you’d prefer to save some battery, dive into settings, tap Sound then Dynamic Vibration, and toggle it off.
With its Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, Sony’s new flagship is an audiophile and movie buff’s dream. It also delivers better sound separation than most phones. To boost the speakers even more, dive into settings, tap on ‘Sound’ then select ‘Audio’. Here you can toggle the Dolby enhancements on or off, choose from a range of presets, or take the driver’s seat and go manual with a full graphic EQ.
DAVINCI RESOLVE
To really get the best from your phone footage, proper desktop editing software is a must. This Mac/Windows editor and colourgrading tool comes bundled with audio tweaking software.
81
BETA YOURSELF
iOS 13 & iPadOS 13 Apple’s iPhone operating system hits its teens, and spawns a tablet-specific version… Stuff tells you how to make the most of its fab new features and little-known tricks THE BASICS
■ Find your way
Maps now has its own take on Street View – you can access Look Around via the binoculars button. Its 3D view is smooth and, in full screen, adds tappable locations to places of interest. Naturally, it initially works in only a handful of US cities. Sigh. But map collections are worldwide: select a place, tap ‘Add to…’, add it to a collection and share with friends.
■ Back up first
Unless starting afresh, back up your existing device to iCloud. Then plug the thing into a Mac or PC, fire up iTunes and take a full local backup. Chances are, nothing will go wrong when you update to iOS 13… but if your device turns into a brick, you’ll be glad your data’s safe.
■ Adjust the Home screen Apple has embraced the dark side. During setup, you can opt for the new Dark Mode, which can also be toggled using Control Centre’s Brightness slider (long-press and tap Appearance). Long presses on the Home screen now give you a contextual menu rather than jiggling apps. And the iPad gets widgets, but only on one Home screen. Baby steps.
■ Manage your files
Files is more like a desktop file manager now: connect to USB storage or SMB servers (‘…’ in Browse); zip folders with a long tap and Compress; long-press a folder’s background and choose ‘Scan documents’ to scan to that location, rather than first using Notes. On iPad, a Column view offers metadata and actions for the current selection.
■ Go a little bit PC
In the Accessibility section of Settings, go to Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn it on. Disable ‘Always show menu’, plug in a USB mouse or connect a Bluetooth one, and you’ve something closer to a PC setup. Note, Apple’s keen to stress this isn’t proper mouse support, and it works differently from on a Mac or PC, instead aping a finger.
DO THE SPLITS ■ Use Split View
Remind games
In iOS 12, Reminders was the last holdout from the iPhone’s days of textures. The iOS 13 redesign looks smarter and helps you quickly access important notes.
On iPad, Split View now enables you to open multiple instances of any app, to pair arbitrarily across numerous spaces. Drag content – a web link, an email address – to its own space to create a new window. Tap a Dock icon for App Exposé, which shows an app’s open windows.
■ Try Slide Over
Slide Over now behaves like a virtual iPhone. Swipe along the bottom to switch apps. Slide upwards to view recent Slide Over apps. Remember you can now open apps in Slide Over and elsewhere.
82
OTHER OPTIONS
SWIPE KEYBOARDS The standard iPhone keyboard now includes swipe typing, and in this mode the delete key removes the entire previous word. On iPad, though, only the floating keyboard (pinch on the full-size one) supports this. Gboard and SwiftKey still work fine on iPadOS.
SERVER ACCESS TAKE CONTROL ■ Silence strangers
ON SAFARI ■ Take full-screen grabs
Shoot a screenshot in Safari as normal, and then tap the thumbnail that appears at the bottom-left of the screen. Tap the ‘Full page’ tab and use the strip at the right to navigate and mark up the page, before exporting it to PDF. This also works in Notes.
■ Go desktop on iPad
Safari on iPad now pretends to be running on a Mac. So you get a downloads manager, ‘weak password’ warnings and per-site settings you can tweak. Also, web apps like those from Google finally work properly on the iPad.
In Settings, head to Phone and turn on ‘Silence unknown callers’. Calls from unknown numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail. They’re still logged in the Phone app’s Recents tab, so you can call back or block accordingly.
■ Access Wi-Fi networks
Pull down Control Centre and long-press to expand the network icons. Then long-press again on the Wi-Fi button. You can now change network without taking a trip to Settings. Bluetooth and AirDrop have similar new toys.
■ Sign in privately
‘Sign In with Apple’ will soon be all over your apps. It uses your Apple ID rather than sign-up forms, and you sign in with Face ID or Touch ID. Not keen on handing over your email? The system can hide it.
ALL IN THE EDIT
In Files, tap ‘…’ by the Browse menu and there’s an option to connect to local SMB servers. We’ve found this a bit, er, temperamental. It’ll possibly improve. If not, invest in Secure ShellFish and/or FE File Explorer Pro, which integrate with Files anyway.
■ Improve snaps and vids
A new curated tab in Photos helps to bring up favourite moments, and the revamped editor makes snaps better. New cropping and adjustment tools create a vastly better experience than on iOS 12.
■ Perfect your text
Flex your fingers for some new copy-editing gestures: three-finger pinch/unpinch to copy/paste (pinch twice for cut); three-finger swipe left/right to undo/redo; move the cursor just by dragging it. And you can select a word, sentence or paragraph with two, three or four taps.
LIVE PHOTO VIDEOS In Photos you can now select a Live Photo, tap the Share button and select ‘Save as video’ to save the video file back to Photos. Or use Motion Stills to compile Live Photos into tiny movies – and petition Google to update this fantastic app for modern iPhones.
83
TESTED GAMES
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
The latest twist on the franchise continues to deliver both nostalgia and terrifying soothsaying. But is this new approach too great a departure for veteran fans?
espite being set in the 1980s, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, just like its predecessors, is full of disturbing Nazi technology where retro is fused with science-fiction in a world of killer robots and laser-firing behemoths. But while previous Wolfenstein games have been forged on strong narrative foundations, Youngblood lacks its predecessors’ flair for storytelling. And although we are back with the Blazkowiczs, this spin-off tale lacks the polish you
D
might expect from a story set within this universe. You play as either Soph or Jess Blazkowicz, teen twin daughters of series stalwarts BJ and Anya. After teaching them the family business of shootin’ and stuff in Texas, BJ goes missing in a Nazi-occupied Paris. It’s refreshing to play a shooter as an energetic female lead, but the sisters’ relationship is as cringey as it is cute. Their mid-battle cries of encouragement and groaninducing antics when standing
around in lifts fall on just the wrong side of entertaining. Youngblood is one of the few shooters to offer a full co-operative campaign. While you can lone-wolf it and leave an unimaginative AI to manage your sibling player, it’s a game that cries out for you to partner up with a pal. However, the gameplay itself lacks cohesion. There are RPG-lite health bars, a skill tree, and daily challenges… Youngblood doesn’t seem to know what kind of game it is. That said, the combat is every bit as meaty
as you’d expect, and there are plenty of ways in which your arsenal can be upgraded and improved. While there’s a lot that could, and should, be better about Wolfenstein: Youngblood, we couldn’t help but enjoy ourselves. No, Jess and Soph won’t be to everyone’s liking – but if you’re looking for an inexpensive co-op shooter, you could do a lot worse than invest some time in the next generation of Nazi-stomping Blazkowiczs.
STUFF SAYS Doesn’t hit the highs of its predecessors, but it’s still an enjoyable adventure ★★★✩✩ 84
TESTED GAMES
All platforms / bethesda.net
Ghosts in the machine
That golden honeycomb armour makes us suddenly want a Crunchie.
It’s very different to the real Paris (and not only because of the mecha-Nazis).
Not all games are launched in a state of perfection, granted, and we appreciate Youngblood comes at a budget price (R600). But when you’re forced to replay missions because of glitching key items or broken spawns, or a bug that prevents either sister from opening sewer gates (there’s a lot of co-operative opening of sewer gates and lift doors in this), something’s amiss. Playing on a PlayStation 4 Pro, the sound regularly glitches out, going from hideous static blasts to deathly silence and everything in between. Twice we experienced save issues (we’d complete a mission in co-op only to be forced to replay it when returning to the game later that day), and sometimes the subway fasttravel system wouldn’t activate because of phantom enemies that either didn’t exist… or did exist but had spawned behind unreachable walls. There are plenty of microtransactions too. The dismay at their inclusion varies from player to player; but from our perspective, we found they were entirely unnecessary, and it was easy – quick, even – to routinely ‘rank up’ Soph or Jess without spending a cent of our hard-earned IRL cash.
85
TESTED GAMES
Switch / nintendo.co.za
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Schooling the competition, this hugely epic tactical RPG will take over your social life
fter its success on 3DS, the Fire Emblem series has taken its time to come back to home consoles, with a diversion into bite-sized strategy on mobile and the less tactical hack-and-slash of Fire Emblem Warriors. The wait has been worth it, as Three Houses takes advantage of the Switch to become the series’ most ambitious and epic instalment yet. The sense of scale is apparent early on when, as a new professor at Garreg Mach Monastery, you’re asked to choose which of the titular three houses you’ll take charge of, each providing a unique perspective on the over-arching story when war eventually breaks out. This is just the first of many agonising choices the game has to offer. Following a school year calendar, you’ll be balancing an academic and social schedule to train your students as well as build friendships (or even more). But with limits on what you are able to do each week, you’re
A
constantly making choices over whether to socialise, invest in your own personal development or even poach students from rival houses. You can, however, skip the depth if you just want to get straight to the battles, which remain as brilliant as ever. Thanks to the Switch hardware, they have a grander sense of scale than before as units fight with battalions of troops. There are some breaks from the formula – notably, no more weapon triangle – but the real lifesaver is the ability to undo your moves (although there’s a limit), so even purists playing on perma-death mode don’t need to hit reset when a mistake costs them a beloved unit. Filled with painstaking decisions at every turn, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a game you won’t be able to stop playing. It’s also one of those rare delights where you’ll already be plotting your next playthrough – and potential match-ups – before the credits have rolled.
“Sorry to bother you… does this place have a well-stocked gift shop?”
Choose your house wisely… and make sure you get a full survey if it’s an older property.
STUFF SAYS Crammed with tactical and social depth, this is the series’ best yet ★★★★★ 86
TESTED GAMES
Switch / platinumgames.com
Astral Chain
Faster than you realised, slower than you’re expecting, this Astral Chain is nothing but pure Platinum rom the makers of Bayonetta comes Astral Chain, a police action title in the vein of every shōnen anime ever, plus a bunch of video games. Shades of Bayonetta, Vanish, Bungie’s ancient action title Oni and a few more besides live inside this intense action thrill-ride. You are one of two twins – male or female – recruited to wield a Legion for specialist police unit Neuron. A Legion is a tamed denizen of the Astral Plane, a dimension attempting to break through to our reality. Invisible monsters (known as Chimeras), mass civilian casualties, and you as the sole hope of mankind? Yeah, that sounds like an anime plot line to us. For a game that seems so derivative, Astral Chain is rather unique. You’ll identify elements from all over if you’re paying attention, but it all coalesces into a bright new sun of high-octane gameplay and combat. Prime is player control of their character, as well as their Legion. The Legion can be summoned for
F
Play as one of a pair of fraternal twins – the option is mostly aesthetic.
Moving your Legion in and out of combat takes practice but effort pays off quickly.
short bursts, where it’ll fight on its own, but it’ll also take direction. Tactical movement of your Legion in and out of combat, summoning or dismissing it at the right time, and controlling your policeperson while you’re at it, are all skills that quickly develop. Combat feels clunky at the outset but that fades fast. Platinum Games know action games, and what seems difficult at first rapidly becomes second nature. What’s notable are the slower paced sections; these are as entertaining as the frantic bits. Astral Chain, broken down, is Bayonetta slowed down and with all the sex stripped out. The result is a fast-paced game that gives you space to breathe and appreciate the beauty around you – before asking you to kick a bunch of said beauty in the face as hard as you can. There are downsides – voice acting is a little wooden – but the combination of nigh-perfect, imaginative combat, excellent music, gameplay variety and balanced storyline make Astral Chain a must-play for Switch owners.
STUFF SAYS Bold claims throughout but has the skills to back them all up ★★★★★ 87
GADGET DOCTOR
ALWAYS ON CALL
facebook.com/stuffsa ● @StuffSA stuff@stuff.co.za
MAIL OF THE MONTH Q
LEGGO MY LEGO
I’ve been reading Stuff for a while now (5+ years) and have noticed something awesome. You have had a few Lego related items in your magazine. This included articles and competition prizes. I’m guessing there is a Lego fan or two in the office. I think that you should start doing some Lego reviews. Here are my reasons: 1: There are some great technical sets (Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron) and great geek sets (Star Wars and Overwatch sets) that I think will fit the magazine very well. 2: It will be awesome to see a Lego set reviews from a South African viewpoint (price and availability). 3: I think that Stuff would be appealing to AFOLs (Adult Fan of Lego) If you do one Lego review per
issue, you will always have content to review since Lego brings out new sets every 6 months (They have big release waves and there are small sets released every month). Ben
A
You’re correct about there being a few fans in the office and you’ve got at least three really good points. We’re actually considering doing Lego reviews, or at least more Lego content. You’ll see yet another entry into the print Lego annals on p26. Concerning those Lego reviews, we’re certainly going to give it our best shot but that may involve convincing the folks at Great Yellow Brick (greatyellowbrick.co.za) to share their toys. Hopefully they’re feeling in a ‘sharing is caring’ kinda mood. Also, how does a Lego Star Wars Slave I grab you?
Send us your FAQs and you could win! This letter wins a Lego Star Wars Slave I – 20th Anniversary Edition worth R2 099.99
Q
BACK TO BASICS
I want to buy an Alcatel One Touch phone. Can I order it online? Anneleen
A
You can indeed order Alcatel phones in South Africa, though it’ll help us a little if we’ve got some idea of the model you’re after. Alcatel has
dropped the ‘One Touch’ from their branding, so you’ll wind up wading through the company’s home and mobile phone offerings. Takealot (takealot.com) has a couple of their super-basic phones on sale but if you let us know which device you’re after, we’ll make a stab of finding an exact location for you.
TO IN E RITND W WA US
Next month’s mail of the month wins a: 1471 PIECE – LEGO CREATOR EXPERT FORD MUSTANG – WORTH R2 299.99 88
Q
A PEARL IN THE ROUGH
Where can I find a battery for the Pearl Neo smartphone? I bought this phone two years back and the battery has bulged. I tried to look for a battery but could not find one. Grace
A
Nobody likes a battery that’s bulged. That goes double when it’s in a smartphone. Your best bet would be to get hold of Mint Connect directly. You can do that here: (mintconnect. co.za/get-in-touch). Good luck on your search.
Q
DEEP DIVE
Because you are, I believe, the people to ask, I am asking for help finding the best waterproof earphones to use wirelessly while I'm swimming boring laps in a pool? I have seen write-ups but how do I know they actually work underwater? Liv
A
Headphones that work underwater are, weirdly, one of the things we don’t see too often. That said, we know a few things. That’s what we do: we drink and we know things. Some of us don’t drink though. On the subject of underwater headphones, you’re looking for a robust waterproof rating when buying (as well as a good returns policy) but mostly you’re looking for something that you can
actually purchase. The Finis Duo headphones are available in SA (R2 600 / proswimwear.co.za). They side-step some of the issues underwater headphones have (water damage and poor audio quality) by swapping speakers for bone conduction tech. Just don’t lose them while ocean swimming, is all.
Q
FAMOUS MONSTERS
I have been toying with the idea of getting a fitness tracker with limited smart capabilities for a friend of mine. I have set my sights on the Misfit Ray and Misfit Shine 2. Which one should I get for him? Ross
A
There isn't a massive amount of difference in price and the basic features are more or less on par. The style is the thing and that depends on your intentions for giving the gift. In terms of style, we’d prefer the Misfit Shine 2 but that’s because the faux watch design just does something for us, deep inside. Either will be a talking point but something that looks like a watch that doesn’t tell time, at all? Yeah, we’d want that.
This gadget leapt straig outta testin and into ou rankings.
OF EVERYTHING
NEW
Time changes everything, including Stuff Top Ten placings.
HOT BUY BARGAIN BUY UPDATE Searing with techy genius, a product that’s set our hearts aflame.
A solid gold bargain. Worth owning, regardless of cashflow.
Smartphones Phablets Tablets, mobile games TVs Laptops Wearables Budget buys
90 91 92 93 94 95 96
Drones, action cams & compact cameras VR headsets & games System cameras Headphones Wireless speakers Consoles Games
97 98 99 100 101 102 1 03
HOW TO USE THEM
TOP TENS SMARTPHONES
90
1
TIPS & TRICKS
UPDATE
Samsung Galaxy S10
Charge up your mates – turn on Wireless PowerShare, flip the phone face down and place a Qi-compatible device on it. That’s it.
It may be bigger but is it really better than the Galaxy S9? We’re going to have to go with ‘yes’. The Galaxy S10 is trying something new with the punch-hole display. The screen is excellent, the Exynos innards are speedy as ever, assisted by 8GB of RAM and 128 or 512GB of storage. There’s a triple camera to play with (running a 12/12/16MP split) with 2x optical zoom and ultrawide functions. Samsung proves you don’t need all the megapixels to make a great camera.
Bye, Bixby – swipe to the Bixby panel and select options […]. Hit Settings, then Bixby, and then assign the dedicated button to something else.
Stuff says ★★★★★ A solid contender but Samsung’s got its work cut out to hold this spot next year.
Paranoid much? – Set up auto-wiping by going to Settings – Lock Screen – Secure Lock Settings. After 15 failed logins, your device will factory reset itself.
2
UPDATE
● NOW ADD THIS Samsung Galaxy Buds If you missed out on the pre-order bonus, you should still snag these skilled wireless wonders. R3 000 / samsung.com/za
3
4
Apple iPhone XS
5
Samsung Galaxy S9
6
Apple iPhone XR
7
Huawei P30 Lite
8
Apple iPhone 8
9
Sony Xperia 10
UPDATE
Huawei still Trumped
The US government decided to extend the 90-day reprieve with another 90 days. Luckily,the trade ban hasn’t had any effect on current Huawei smartphones, so these are safe to buy for the time being.
UPDATE
Huawei P30
Huawei P20 Pro
There’s a gap between the stock P30 and the P30 Pro. They’re both amazing phones, even if you’re giving up some features to get a significantly cheaper smartphone. Much of the camera tech remains intact, though, and Huawei’s kept the power and style in place as well.
So you’re wondering if you should grab the P30, the P30 Pro, or the P20 Pro. This one’s undergoing price drops and specials, making it a magnificent deal for anyone who was sitting on the fence. In terms of tech, power, and camera ability, the P20 Pro is a mighty fine phone.
Stuff says ★★★★★ The P30 is priced the way we wish all flagships were. Worth every cent.
Stuff says ★★★★★ It’s fallen a step or two but Huawei’s heavy hitter is still on the podium.
R11 000 / huaweistore.co.za
R14 000 / huaweistore.co.za
HOT BUY
10
★★★★★ from R20 000 / myistore.co.za We’re not used to the iPhone here. Apple’s hardware is top-notch, but 2019’s proving to be a tough year.
★★★★★ from R10 100 / samsung.com/za The S9 was all small, excellent updates. It still is, but now it’s got competition from its own stablemates.
★★★★★ from R14 000 / myistore.co.za This ‘budget’ iPhone still packs a punch, including killer battery life and the best LCD money can buy.
★★★★★ R5 700 / huaweistore.co.za Not content with sewing up the top spots, Huawei’s budget entry is lifting eyebrows and dropping jaws.
★★★★✩ from R11 500 / myistore.co.za The iPhone 8’s days on this list are numbered, but for now it’s still the truly ‘budget’ iPhone option.
★★★★✩ from 7 000 / sonymobile.com/za A 6in 21:9 display, the way only Sony does, makes this mid-ranger a great choice for the media mad.
Nokia 6.1
★★★★✩ from 4 500 / hmdglobal.com All-new innards, Android One pedigree, and nary a price bump? Is it our birthday, Nokia?
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● Prices quoted are for handset only unless otherwise stated
from R14 000 / samsung.com/za
PHABLETS TOP TENS UPDATE
TIPS & TRICKS
uawei P30 Pro
Go dark – sa battery (why your eyes (ok hitting Settin Battery – Da interface colo
000 / huaweistore.co.za
when you thought it was safe to upgrade r phone on contract, Huawei comes along h another sizzler. The P30 Pro may have best smartphone camera we’ve ever seen, h 5x optical zoom (thanks, prism!), and up 0x digital zoom. Because there are four era sensors there: 40MP, 20MP, 8MP Huawei’s own Time-of-Flight camera. nslation? The best low-light images you’ll from any smartphone for the rest of 2019.
Manage thos minutes. Pop Settings – D Balance – Tu screen time managemen Dangerously – Open the c then Settings top-right. Se Audio Contro then say ‘che to take photo
ff says ★★★★★ nyone pulls ahead of Huawei at any nt in 2019, we’ll be very surprised.
Lost a Mate?
The trade war may bring about a few issues for Huawei with the launch of its Mate 30 Pro. We should know by the time this issue is printed. If only we could peer into the future and find out now...
● NOW ADD THIS Huawei Supercharge 10 000 mAh The P30 Pro’s huge battery is no reason not to get it a high-speed power bank of its very own. R800 / huaweistore.co.za
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
★★★★★ from R14 000 / samsung.com/za Still the only phone to purchase if you must have a stylus, even if it’s slipped down the ranks a tad.
UPDATE
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
Samsung ruled the roost in 2018 but competition is fiercer than ever. Case in point: Samsung’s best phone ever hasn’t claimed the top spot. Don’t let that put you off. The S10+ is still a beast of a machine, elegantly styled, powerful and with a camera not to be sneezed at.
With the Mate 30 Pro out now (we don’t know the Android-status at the time of print), the Mate 20 Pro is ready for a price drop. The trade war has caused Huawei devices to drop in value – which is good for us. The Mate 20 Pro is still one of the most boss devices out there.
Stuff says ★★★★★ If you like them big, slick, and stylish, the Galaxy S10+ is the one.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Even without a price drop this would be an absolute steal.
from R19 000 / samsung.com/za
R16 000 / huaweistore.co.za
5
Apple iPhone XS Max
6
Samsung Galaxy S9+
7
Apple iPhone 8 Plus
8
Honor 8x
9
Sony Xperia 10 Plus
UPDATE
10
★★★★★ from R22 000 / myistore.co.za Apple must do something big to claw its way back. The XS Max proves they’re capable of that.
★★★★★ R17 300 / samsung.com/za Off the podium but still a solid choice if you want the best of Samsung and don’t need a stylus.
★★★★★ from R13 700 / myistore.co.za Short stay on the podium notwithstanding, the iPhone 8 Plus is looking cheap vs the XS Max.
★★★★★ from R5 200 / hi-online.co.za Our fave budget handset right now holds its own against far pricier ones, and looks the part, too.
★★★★✩ from R7 500 / sonymobile.com/za Sony’s attractive mid-range Xperia 10 Plus has a massive 6.5in 21:9 display. Perfect for movies.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro
★★★★✩ R3 700 / mia.africa.com/za Going long on a budget , Xiaomi’s packed in power, storage, and a dual camera system.
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TOP TENS TABLETS & MOBILE GAMES
92
HOT BUY
1
HOT BUY
Apple iPad Pro
Data Wing
The latest iPad Pro isn’t cheap, but it’s a mobile powerhouse like no other, with a diverse and rich app ecosystem, tons of power, a gorgeous screen, and the kind of focus on creativity and productivity that just doesn’t exist on other tablets. If you just want to faff on Facebook or Netflix it’s massive overkill, but then there’s the standard iPad or a slew of other tablets for doing that. Still, even if you don’t actually need the new iPad Pro, you’re going to want one if you have it in your mitts for five minutes.
This game starts off as if Asteroids had a baby with a top-down racer: your triangular craft blasts around circuits, gaining speed when its bum scrapes neon track edges. Soon you discover you’re part of an OS ruled by a deranged AI. Story and game quickly expand, as you glimpse the world beyond the screen and battle gravity in cavern-based sections that recall 8-bit classic Thrust. Rarely do mobile titles pack in so many hours of clever, thoughtful narrative. Pretty much never are such games free.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Once again Apple blasts ahead of the pack, with a stylish, powerful tablet full of creative potential
Stuff says ★★★★★ A mobile game we’d happily recommend if it cost R100 – for free, it’s an absurdly generous bargain
from R14 000 / myistore.co.za
2
Apple iPad Air (2019)
3
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
4
Apple iPad (2018)
5
Apple iPad Mini (2019)
from R9 000 / myistore.co.za Admit it, you’ve been waiting for a new iPad Air. An A12 Bionic procesor, improved specs across the board and an option of 64GB or 256GB of storage. It’s a very good time to be an Apple fan. Stuff says ★★★★★ Still the best all-purpose iPad for most
from R15 000 / samsung.com/za If you want a tablet that isn’t made by Apple, you don’t have many choices. Fortunately, Samsung’s Tab S4 is a mighty fine Android slate. It marries improved power with a 10.5in panel and sound by AKG. Netflix? Why not. Stuff says ★★★★★ Your best choice for something non-Apple
★★★★★ from R6 000 / myistore.co.za We’ve got pencil support and an amazing price. Plus, it’s an iPad. Come on, no brainer.
★★★★★ from R7 500 / myistore.co.za Apple’s finally updated the mini iPad, with the A12 Bionic chip and a general upgrade.
Free / Android, iOS
2
Jumpgrid
3
Oddmar
4
Bring You Home
5
Knight Brawl
R50 / iOS Pac-Man and Frogger meet Super Hexagon and buckets of adrenaline in this superb game, a twitch/arcade/punishment crossover masterpiece. It’s a stunning ride that will leave you a quivering wreck. Stuff says ★★★★★ The best twitch arcade game on mobile
R66 / Android, R80 / iOS Oddmar looks like it could have breezed in from a PS4. It’s packed full of superb level design, arresting set-pieces and lush animated visuals, as a beardy Viking oaf sets out to save his tribe. Stuff says ★★★★★ Touchscreen platformers can be great after all
★★★★★ R50 / Android, iOS Make your own future with this imaginative, brilliantly designed and devious puzzler.
★★★★★ Free / Android, iOS If Monty Python made a sword-fighting game for mobile… it still wouldn’t be this silly.
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1
93
TVs TOP TENS
HOT BUY
LG OLED 65C8 R53 000 / lg.com/za
LG’s new 65C8 is all screen from the front. From the side, though, it’s barely there. LG’s intuitive webOS er… OS guides you through a very simple setup. After that you just have to bask in the reverse-glow of inky OLED blacks, crisp picture reproduction and upscaling (for when you don’t have anything 4K on hand), and a refresh rate that’ll make your PS4 Pro or Xbox One X transform into a Disney princess and start singing. Cue harmonious woodland critters.
Stuff says ★★★★★ It’s a choice between this one and LG’s wallet-busting E8. We picked this one TIPS & TRICKS
2
LG’s TV is smarter than ever so if it offers you a settings change, take it. The interface is simple enough that you can revert whenever you like but… you won’t.
UPDATE
● NOW ADD THIS Sony PlayStation 4 Pro You’re going to want to use your 4K screen to display 4K bits and the PS4 Pro is going to help you to do that. Best when paired with Sony’s PlayStation VR headset (R4 800). R7 000 / playstation.com/za
Difficult neighbours? Swap between eight different audio output options in the Settings menu, including alwaysconnected headphones or a Bluetooth device.
3
4
LG 65SK9500
5
Hisense 65U8A
6
Samsung 55Q7F
7
LG OLED 65E8
UPDATE
UPDATE
UPDATE
Samsung 55Q8C
R30 000 / hirschs.co.za
★★★★★ from R30 000 / lg.com/za 4K UHD but there’s no OLED here. Nano Cell, HDR, and webOS make up for it.
★★★★★ R18 000 / hisense.co.za A huge UHD panel, enough ports to make you feel like a sailor and a price that’s kind to the wallet.
★★★★★ R23 000 / samsung.com/za Samsung’s 4K TV supports HDR and has a price that means you’ll still able to eat at month end.
★★★★✩ R120 200 / lg.com/za LG’s heavy hitter is amazeballs, but the price hits your wallet harder than the pixels pummel pupils.
Samsung Frame TV R26 000 / takealot.com
Okay, it’s still curved and we’re kind of past that but Samsung’s big screen hits your eyes with a 4K panel toting their neato Quantum Dot tech. It also looks the part, with no bezels and minimalist styling, making sure that this one fades into the background… until you turn it on, that is. Samsung’s Q HDR 1500 also helps in that regard.
Say you want a TV but don’t want people to know you have one. Samsung’s designer Frame TV mounts on your wall and pretends to be artwork when not in use, disguising the fact that you’ve got a 65in UHD 4K TV on the wall. Pity that folks can see the Xbox One X is plugged into the side of that abstract painting.
Stuff says ★★★★★ If you can look past the curve, there’s a lot to love here
Stuff says ★★★★★ If your house looks like a magazine ad, this TV will fit right in
8
UPDATE
Hisense 75N9700UWG
★★★★✩ R50 000 / hisense.co.za Hisense lobs Quantum Dot colour tech and a humongous 75in 4K ULED screen at you.
9
Skyworth 55G7200
10
LG 49UK6300PVB
★★★★✩ R13 700 / iskyworth.com A 55in 4K display for under R15k? For that combo, we’ll forgive the user interface missteps.
★★★★✩ R10 000 / lg.com/za UDH and HDR combined in a package designed to make you feel like you spent far more money.
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TOP TENS LAPTOPS Who needs a Touch Bar? You can log into your Mac with your iPhone’s Touch ID using the MacID app.
94
1
The universal clipboard lets you copy text on your iPhone and paste it directly to your Mac.
HOT BUY
UPDATE
Apple MacBook Pro from R22 000 (13in) / myistore.co.za
While the Touch Bar versions of the MacBook Pro have been treated to an internal shake-up, most notably with speedy 8th-gen Intel Core chips, the basic Pro is still running on last year’s specs. But with a Kaby Lake processor under the hood, this is still a monster of a machine. And when you factor in the gorgeous display, fantastic keyboard/touchpad and slick design, there’s no doubt this affordable option still deserves its place at the top of our list.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Performance, portability and a sensible price make this the king of laptops ● NOW ADD THIS Satechi Type-C USB 3 Combo Hub Two ports not enough? This hub adds loads more and sits snugly against the MacBook Pro’s side. R800 / amazon.com
UPDATE
3
4
Apple MacBook Air 13in
★★★★★ from R14 000 / myistore.co.za As stylish as it ever was, Apple’s Air is due for a refresh locally after an international update.
MSI GE75 Raider
★★★★★ from R46 000 / evetech.co.za A Core i7 8750H, 32GB of RAM, 3TB of storage, and an GeForce RTX2080 headline here.
Apple MacBook
★★★★★ from R20 000 / myistore.co.za It may be about to join the ranks of the obsolete but it’s still a top bit of tech.
MSI PS63 Modern 8RC
★★★★★ from R26 000 / evetech.co.za Does MSI’s multimedia editing-slayer still play games? Yes. Yes, it bloody well does.
Dell XPS 13 (2019)
Asus Zenbook UX331UA
The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best, most consistent Windows laptops in the world. There are no gimmicks, no flimsy parts: every element is top-quality. You get style, portability, performance and great battery life. And every part of it just feels, well, good.
Asus’ new 1.12kg Zenbook 13 might look less like a MacBook than its predecessors did but that’s okay. It’s not like a Mac inside either, with a Core i7-8550U, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD and other metrics that make Apple’s machines look slow.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Royalty among Windows laptops: everything about this is top-notch
Stuff says ★★★★★ Something this fast shouldn’t be this light
from R26 000 / dell.co.za
Huawei MateBook X Pro
★★★★★ from R19 000 / huawei.com/za A stylish Windows laptop with some clever ideas to get the maximum display for your rand.
from R17 500 / asus.com/za
9
UPDATE
1
Asus ZenBook Pro 14
★★★★★ R32 000 / asus.com/za A sizable second screen makes the ZenBook Pro 14 a very unusual proposition indeed.
Acer Swift 5
★★★★✩ R17 000 / acer.co.za Lacks gaming chops but it’s light, portable, and powerful enough to make office life lovely.
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95
SMARTWATCHES, FITNESS TRACKERS TOP TENS HOT BUY
HOT
UPDATE
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS)
Garmin Fenix 5
The Apple Watch Series 4 has everything going for it – the larger screen, improved processor and louder speaker mean it’s easier to actually do stuff on it than any previous Watch, and it has a load of health features that just aren’t on other wearables. Whether you’re navigating somewhere using Maps, going for a run without your phone, or just wanting to keep track of your activity during the day, this Apple Watch does a great job of handling all these things and more.
So you’re the kind of sporty that makes the seriously fit look at you kinda strange and wonder if you’re ever going to slow down, you need the sportiest sportswatch. You’re going to need something that tracks all the things. Our fitness champ does everything from swimming to sprinting to… skydiving? Really? Yeah, really. The Fenix 5 is the ultimate sportswatch, so much so that you’ll feel you need a degree in sports fitness to understand all the stats. But that’s why we love this one.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Best wearable ever: a sleek, sophisticated redesign of the previous generation with some hearty upgrades
Stuff says ★★★★★ If you’re going to be the sportiest of your pentathlonbeating mates, you’re going to want the Fenix 5
from R8 500 / myistore.co.za
2
UPDATE
Samsung Galaxy Watch
from R7 000 / garmin.co.za
UPDAT
R4 300 / samsung.com/za A sturdy and stylish smartwatch with plenty of power and a truly lovely user interface. Those with an iPhone are still likely to get a better experience and more functionality om an Apple Watch, though. uff says ★★★★★ The best smartwatch for Android users
R3 000 / fitbit.com For a broad range of tracking without making your wallet sad, Fitbit’s versatile Charge 3 offers up all of the basics, a whack of actual sports smarts, and more than a few bits cribbed from its smartwatch brethren. Stuff says ★★★★★ The Jonty Rhodes of fitness trackers
Fitbit Ionic
Fitbit Inspire HR
R5 500 / fitbit.com Once more fitness tracker than smartwatch, the Ionic now includes Fitbit Pay with support from FNB and Deezer offline playlists while still delivering heart-rate tracking, multisport modes and up to four-day battery life. Stuff says ★★★★★ The best go at a Fitbit smartwatch so far
4
Huawei Watch GT
5
Fitbit Versa
UPDATE
★★★★✩ from R4 000 / huawei.com/za Up to two weeks on a charge, elegant design and the best bit? Smartphone agnosticism.
★★★★✩ R3 500 / fitbit.com Decent battery life and a smattering of smarts make this an attractive watch.
Fitbit Charge 3
R2 000 / fitbit.com Fitbit’s latest is a great little tracker. As well as step-counting, it’s surprisingly capable for proper run-tracking if you go out with a phone. Add notifications and that’s just about everything we want in a low-key band. Stuff says ★★★★★ All the tracking skills that most people need
4
Fitbit Alta HR
5
Garmin Vivosmart HR+
UPDATE
★★★★★ R1 700 / fitbit.com The slim design, HR monitor, and notifications make this the best discreet wristable.
★★★★✩ R3 000 / garmin.co.za A superb tracker packed with features; it’s just a little bulky for wearing 24/7.
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TOP TENS BUDGET BUYS
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1
Why bother splashing out over R7 000 on a games console when you can get the SNES Classic Mini for a fraction of that? Especially when you get 21 classic titles pre-installed on this nostalgia-inducing machine, including the likes of Super Metroid, A Link to the Past, Super Mario World and the never-before-released Star Fox 2. And with two controllers bundled in the box, you’ll be able to start the Super Mario Kart action right away.
Chickens killed you in Zelda again? You can rewind up to five minutes and pretend it never happened. For full-fat nostalgia you can read the instruction manual for each of the SNES games online.
Stuff says ★★★★★ With 21 classic games installed, gamers won’t find better value anywhere
Stop trying to raid Bowser’s castle in one sitting, and use one of the four save slots to take a break.
● NOW ADD THIS 8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver Fed up of those short cables? Use this clever device to connect most modern controllers wirelessly. R500 / 8bitdo.com
4
Moov Now
5
Amazon Kindle
3
6
PDATE
Raspberry Pi Zero W
UE Wonderboom
It might be nearly twice the price of the original Pi Zero, but when you’re still getting change from a R200 the wireless Pi is fantastic value. Simplicity is key, with no need to mess about with dongles or hubs. This also means your Pi projects can be squeezed into smaller places.
If you want a cheap portable Bluetooth speaker, you can’t go wrong with either the UE Roll 2 or the UE Wonderboom. But the latter makes this list for offering bigger sound, its nifty design and waterproofing. Quite simply, it’s the best compact speaker you can buy.
Stuff says ★★★★★ The Pi Zero was already brilliant; wireless add-ons make it better
Stuff says ★★★★★ This budget Bluetooth banger is a steal at under R1 500
R210 / pishop.co.za
SNES Classic Mini R1 250 / nintendo.co.za
TIPS & TRICKS
2
HOT BUY
★★★★★ R1 550 / pclinkshop.co.za The best budget tracker you can buy – gives most Fitbits a run for their money.
★★★★★ from R1 650 / circuitcity.co.za Top of our holiday packing list, the basic Kindle is thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
SoundMagic E10C
★★★★★ R530 /sound-magic.co.za SoundMagic is royalty when it comes to budget buds. For under R700, these are stupendous.
7
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
8
Ryze Tello
9
Amazon Echo Dot
10
Google Home Mini
HOT BUY
from R1 200 / takealot.com
HOT BUY
UPDATE
BARGAIN BUY
★★★★★ R1 100 / fujifilm.co.za The new Mini 9 keeps the point-and-print charm of its predecessors... and the same film.
★★★★✩ R1 500 / takealot.com Rule the skies without breaking the bank with this affordable toy drone.
★★★★✩ R980 / geewiz.co.za This smart home assistant is a lot smaller than the full-size Echo, but it’s a much bigger bargain.
★★★★✩ R890 / geewiz.co.za The friendliest and most knowledgeable smart speaker. Looks like a pebble in a sock, though.
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97
DRONES, ACTION CAMS & COMPACTS TOP TENS HOT Y
HOT
GoPro Hero7 Black
Sony DSC-RX100 V A
This is basically the excellent Hero6 Black (a five-star action cam that cost R8 500 at launch) with a bunch of improvements added – the most useful of which being the incredibly effective HyperSmooth image stabilisation, which has a huge impact on video quality. It’s great to see a company like GoPro continue to innovate in ways that are genuinely valuable to its main customer base, and the Hero7 Black is the best camera it’s made in years.
We wouldn’t recommend buying this camera if you already own the old IV model, but a few improvements have ensured Sony remains the top dog in our compacts list – and we’re keeping this model above the new RX100 VI simply because of the price difference. It remains one of the finest point-and-shoots we’ve ever seen, with a flexibility that few pocket cameras can muster. While it’s still not exactly cheap, we reckon this is the cam to buy if you want fantastic-looking snaps from your holidays.
Stuff says ★★★★★ GoPro’s smoothest operator ever, and a brilliant flagship action cam
Stuff says ★★★★★ A small improvement over the RX100 IV, but this Sony is close to premium point-and-shoot perfection
R7 000 / gopro.com
2
DJI Osmo Action
R7 000 / myistore.co.za The image stabilisation is sensational and the face-optimised metering makes DJI’s action cam an ideal choice for vloggers. It has some idiosyncrasies, but this is a smart shooter that captures great footage without faff. Stuff says ★★★★★ Despite a few quirks, this is a stellar cam
3
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
4
Insta360 One X
5
DJI Mavic Air
UPDATE
from R31 000 / myistore.co.za Aimed at the enthusiast willing to spend a little more to fly and film a little further, this is an undeniably pricey drone – but we think it’s worth every cent. It’s a fantastic flyer that feels superbly responsive in the air. Stuff says ★★★★★ The gold standard in portable flyers
★★★★★ R7 700 / 180by2.co.za Shoot every which way now, choose your point of view later thanks to 5.7K res.
★★★★★ R15 560 / myistore.co.za A stellar gadget that combines the best bits from the Spark and the Mavic Pro.
R20 000 / premiumbrands.co.za
2 3
Panasonic Lumix TZ220
R16 700 / panasonic.com/za This Panasonic compact is a significant upgrade from the TZ110, offering extra reach with the zoom lens, better colour reproduction, and an improved experience when using the electronic viewfinder. Stuff says ★★★★★ Small, neat and not dramatically overpriced
Sony DSC-RX100 VI
R23 700 / premiumbrands.co.za A true all-rounder that shoots 24fps at full resolution and has stunningly fast autofocus, topped off with a whopping 8x zoom lens that’s quite spectacular for such a tiny camera. Stuff says ★★★★★ A dinky yet luxurious point-and-shoot
4
Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
5
Fujifilm X100F
UPDATE
★★★★★ R19 000 / panasonic.com/za One of the most capable compacts on the market, with superb stills and HD video.
★★★★★ R17 600 / myfujifilm.co.za The best street shooter around if you don’t need the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
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TOP TENS VR HEADSETS & VR GAMES
1
HOT BUY
Superhot VR
Oculus Quest from R10 000 / 1 80by2.co.za
R400 / Oculus Rift, Vive, PSVR
The Quest offers all manner of fully interactive, roamable virtual worlds that you can throw in your backpack without a single wire. That’s a mindblowing technical feat. Yes, the battery life is average, but the inside-out tracking and total absence of any cables make this the best all-round VR headset to date. It also ships with the Oculus Touch motion controllers included, which means you can play fully fledged Oculus Rift titles without being anywhere near a PC.
Superhot has found its home in VR – just watch those slow-mo bullets skim the tip of your nose. The enemy will only move when you do, so time your attacks to perfection and dodge, duck and dive to survive. There’s something really cool about hiding behind a desk before blitzing your opponents with streams of bullets as if you were starring in your very own Matrix movie. And with Superhot soon arriving on PSVR, more players will be able to experience this wonderfully action-packed title.
Stuff says ★★★★★ If you’ve been waiting to board the VR bandwagon, the Quest might be the best reason yet to go for it
Stuff says ★★★★★ If you have a VR headset, this 2-in-1 puzzler and shooter should be right at the top of your shopping list
UPDATE
HTC Vive
UPDATE
R330 (R1 000 with Aim Controller) / PSVR If it weren’t in VR, Farpoint would be a distinctly average space-based FPS. But the PSVR headset and Aim Controller lift it above the pack and make it a must-play, not just for VR fans but also for FPS addicts. Stuff says ★★★★★ Simply a thrilling VR experience
HTC Vive Pro
Moss
Google Daydream View
★★★★✩ R1 500 / thegadgetshop.co.za This budget-friendly option is the best way of bringing VR to the masses.
5
Farpoint
R12 000 / evetech.co.za Now that prices have levelled out, there isn’t much difference between the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift in all honesty. But if you’re thinking of upgrading to the Vive Pro in the future, this is a great gateway headset. Stuff says ★★★★✩ A solid choice for immersive virtual reality
R15 200 (headset only) / evetech.co.za This high-end headset offers the best virtual reality experience by a long way, but its sky-high price means you should only really buy it if you’re a VR obsessive with a super-powerful gaming PC. Stuff says ★★★★✩ This hardcore headset is overkill for most
UPDATE
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PlayStation VR
★★★✩✩ from R5 200 / playstation.com/za It can deliver incredible experiences, but the PSVR is held back by teething issues.
R470 / PSVR This platform puzzler has a storybook charm to it, as you guide an adorable little mouse through all sorts of obstacles. It’s one of the best titles to really utilise VR’s unique controls. Stuff says ★★★★✩ A one-of-a-kind fable that’s perfect for VR
4
BARGAIN BUY
Thumper
★★★★✩ R320 / Oculus Rift, Vive, PSVR This mesmerising rhythm game is best played in VR, despite the lack of tracking.
Doom VFR
★★★★✩ R400 / Vive, PSVR Movement can be awkward at times, but this shooter is still bloody good fun.
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SYSTEM CAMERAS TOP TENS HOT BUY
Fujifilm X-T3
R24 000 (body) / myfujifilm.co.za It’s really hard to find anything bad to say about the X-T3 – it’s just consistently great in so many ways. Fuji has looked at virtually every feature on the X-T2 and upgraded it. With substantial tweaks made to the pro-level video options, the high-res EVF, the super-fast autofocus and the burst shooting, what you’re left with is an all-round beast of a camera in a small, beautiful form. As APS-C shooters go, it’s the best there is.
TIPS & TRICKS Pre-shot ES mode starts taking photos and adding them to the buffer as soon as you half-press.
Stuff says ★★★★★ An incredible stills shooter with video smarts to match
Sports Finder mode’s display enables you to see what’s about to come into frame for moving shots.
● NOW ADD THIS Manfrotto 190 Go! Carbon Fibre Tripod You no longer have an excuse for wobbly photos with this carbon-fibre tripod. It weighs just 1.65kg. R4 350 / ormsdirect.co.za
Tapping an area on the 3in touchscreen will let you set the focus point or take an instant shot.
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Sony A6500
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Fujifilm X-T30
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Panasonic GH5S
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Panasonic Lumix G9
The A7 III manages to pack in a lot of technology and desirability for less than R60k. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that’s well suited to a bunch of shooting scenarios, coping well with landscapes, portraits, and even a little bit of high-speed sport shooting. As a camera design it’s admitedly not the prettiest thing we’ve ever seen, but it handles well for its compact size.
The G9 is the best Lumix camera to date and a cracking choice for wildlife or action photography. This diminutive cam’s images aren’t up with the best, particularly in low light, but the plus sides are lightning shooting speeds and a great system of small, light lenses. With 4K video and handy shooting modes also on board, it’s one of most versatile high-end mirrorless cameras you can buy.
Stuff says ★★★★★ A fantastic all-rounder that excels in low-light conditions
Stuff says ★★★★★ The perfect companion for the travelling wildlife photographer
R38 000 / premiumbrands.co.za
R29 300 / panasonic.com/za
★★★★★ R14 200 (body) / myfujifilm.co.za You get the X-T3’s sensor in a cheaper, smaller body with more spare change for buying lenses.
★★★★★ R41 000 (body) / panasonic.com/za A compact system camera that’s a pro at video, if slightly disappointing for stills.
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Canon EOS 80D
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Nikon Z6
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Nikon D850
BARGAIN BUY
Sony A7 III
★★★★★ R20 700 (body) / premiumbrands.co.za A cracking system cam for action photography, but stick with the A6300 if your budget is tight.
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★★★★★ R17 000 / canon.co.za The 80D is so easy to use that even a toddler would get some great shots with it.
★★★★★ R37 300 (body) / nikon.co.za A top-notch and reasonably sized mirrorless camera from the optical experts.
★★★★★ R54 600 (body) / nikon.co.za This super-cam has enough fantastic features to excel in pretty much any situation.
Fujifilm GFX 50S
★★★★★ R93 300 / myfujifilm.co.za It’s not cheap, but no camera we’ve tested takes better photos than this.
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TOP TENS HEADPHONES
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Sony WH-1000XM3
SoundMagic E10BT
Sony’s WH-1000 series was already a top performer, and the WH-1000XM3s make for an even more compelling package. With Bluetooth wireless and great noise-cancellation, they’re the ultimate public transport stress killer… well, aside from a chauffeur or a lottery win that lets you retire. The leather pads make them incredibly easy to wear, not unlike sitting in one of those ultra-comfy leather chairs, and most importantly of all the sound quality is fantastic.
How do you kick our long-standing earbuds champ off the top of the list? By taking the same headphones and making them wireless, obvs. The SoundMagic E10BT in-ears are the same as the E10Cs, just sporting a lovely new Bluetooth finish which means they’ll play nice with those smartphones that have ditched the 3.5mm. Expect a spot of bass, as well as some very clean treble and detailed mids in a package that keeps the most important thing of all intact: The sub-R1 000 price tag.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Great wireless headphones with effective ANC and a sound that nails just about everything
Stuff says ★★★★★ We didn’t think that SoundMagic could provide more value than they did with the E10Cs but they’ve done it
R6 500 / takealot.com
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B&O H9i
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Sennheiser PXC 550
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Bose QuietComfort 35 II
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Sennheiser HD 4.50BTNC
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HOT BUY
R8 300 / makro.co.za Like all B&O products, these noise-cancelling cans scream luxury… but they’re not just a pretty face. There’s measured punch in the low end and timing is spot-on, with a crisp and expressive midrange. Stuff says ★★★★★ Some of the best noise-cancellers you can buy
R5 000 / mitechdirect.co.za To choose between these and the Bose below, you could flip a coin – both are wireless headphones with active noise cancelling, though Sennheiser’s touch controls, 30 hour up-time and cool factor are the decider here. Stuff says ★★★★★ Superb build, comfortable and stonking audio
★★★★★ R8 000 / makro.co.za Frequent flyers and long-range commuters: these are the headphones for you.
★★★★★ R2 900 / mitechdirect.co.za Priced right, wireless, and with noise cancelling. The catch? The noise cancellation is permanent.
R890 / sound-magic.co.za
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Jabra Elite Sport
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Apple AirPods (2019)
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Samsung Galaxy Buds
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Sony WF-1000X
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R3 400 / circuitcity.co.za For serious in-ear fitness tech, you have to get Jabra’s Elite Sport wireless buds. In-ear heart monitoring, up to nine hours of battery life, and a gnarly (and detailed) fitness-focussed app are the highlights here. Stuff says ★★★★★ The smartest fitness partner you’ll ever have
from R2 700 / myistore.co.za Yes, you’ll still look silly, but a new chip means the range is even more astounding, calls are still crystal clear, and you get extra battery life. Plus, there’s now the option of a wireless charging case for keeping them juiced-up. Stuff says ★★★★★ Still class-leading, still one-size-fits-all
★★★★★ R2 650 / samsung.com/za Android’s answer to AirPods, the Buds sound great, look subtler, and offer more fit options.
★★★★★ R3 000 / hificorp.co.za Sony’s Digital Noise Cancelling-featuing buds are keen on being your bud, er… bud.
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101 TIPS & TRICKS
With iPhones and Android devices, you can control your Sonos speakers from your lock screen.
WIRELESS SPEAKERS TOP TENS
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Sonos speakers use a feature called Trueplay that tunes the sound to your room’s acoustics.
HOT BUY
Sonos multiroom system from R4 000 / audiotronic.co.za If you want to pretend your favourite band is playing in your living room, there’s no better option than a Sonos wireless speaker. They look great, work with your smartphone and boom out your tunes with dazzling finesse – from the compact and Alexa-compatible One, to the flagship Play:5, and the TV-friendly Beam (our reigning gadget-of-the-year champ).
Stuff says ★★★★★ Infinite music in every room without the need for custom installers? Sign us up! ● NOW ADD THIS Spotify Premium Sick of playing your iTunes library on repeat? Sign up to Spotify for more new music than you could ever possibly listen to. R60/month / spotify.com
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HOT BUY
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HOT BUY
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UE Megaboom 3
★★★★★ R3 700 / takealot.com You’ll struggle to find a better, longer-lasting or more feature-laden portable Bluetooth speaker. UPDATE
JBL Xtreme
★★★★★ R3 300 / dionwired.co.za A killer speaker that’s also become a far more affordable one in recent months.
JBL Pulse 3
★★★★★ R3 500 / kloppers.co.za Pretty pricey, but potent for its size, and the LED light show is utterly mesmerising.
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Braven 705
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JBL Clip 2
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Fender Newport
BARGA UPDA BUY
UE Wonderboom
DreamWave Tremor
It’s waterproof, the rechargeable battery beneath its mesh exterior is good for eight plus hours, and the sound it produces is staggering given how compact it is. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also one of the most affordable portable speakers out there. Boom.
With 50W of thumping audio output, a humongous 20800mAh rechargeable battery that provides up to 18 hours at medium volume (or eight at full tilt), and the most rugged body we’ve ever seen in a speaker, the Tremor is a real beast of a portable noise maker.
Stuff says ★★★★★ It may look like a can wearing a jersey but don’t let that put you off
Stuff says ★★★★★ It’ll last all day: come rain, snow, sand or being rolled down a hill
from R1 200 / takealot.com
from R3 500 / takealot.com
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★★★★★ R1 000 / pclinkshop.com A massive price drop makes the 705 such a bargain it’s worth getting two to pair up.
★★★★★ R1 000 / capeunionmart.co.za A pocket-sized party package that delivers pounding performance while being pound-proof.
★★★★★ from 4 000 / takealot.com Great battery life, incredible sound and good looks make this amp imitator utterly irresistible.
Marshall Kilburn II
★★★★✩ R5 000 / makro.co.za The Kilburn II is a speaker with rock-god cred and a 20-hour battery. Weighs 3kg, though.
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TOP TENS CONSOLES
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HOT BUY
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GOT EARS? THEN CHECK OUT…
PlayStation 4 Pro from R8 000 / playstation.com/za
As a gaming platform, PlayStation 4 is the best around – which makes the PS4 Pro the best of the best. Games optimised for the new console look stunning on a 4K HDR TV, and are substantially improved by the extra grunt inside this slightly bigger machine. Sure, it can’t match the Xbox One X for sheer power or resolution, but it makes up for that with an impressive line-up of games – including Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn and Bloodborne – and virtual reality support.
Stuff says ★★★★★ The system for console gamers who have a 4K TV and want the best gaming experience possible Nintendo Switch
from R6 500 / store.nintendo.co.za Nintendo’s console earned a promotion in our list after it impressed us with a growing list of fantastic games. Plus, no other device here offers the joy of portable gaming. Long journeys will never be boring again. Stuff says ★★★★★ This 2-in-1 console is the real deal
Microsoft Xbox One X
from R9 000 / xbox.com/za There’s no doubt the Xbox One X is the most powerful console here, capable of producing stunning 4K visuals… but it simply doesn’t have the line-up of games to usurp the PS4 Pro from top spot. Stuff says ★★★★★ A 4K monster held back by its game catalogue
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PlayStation 4 Slim
★★★★✩ from R7 000 / playstation.com/za Haven’t got a 4K TV? This is the best way to enjoy PlayStation’s brilliant exclusives.
YOUR ESSENTIAL AUDIO GUIDE TO WHAT’S HOT IN GADGETS ● BITING COMMENTARY ● BRILLIANT INSIGHTS ● (BAD) JOKES! ● GADGET HANDS-ONS
FIND IT ON iTUNES, SOUNDCLOUD OR YOUR PODCAST PLAYER OF CHOICE SIMPLY SEARCH FOR “STUFFED”
Microsoft Xbox One S 1TB
★★★★✩ R6 000 / xbox.com/za No longer our Xbox of choice, but the One S remains a seriously affordable option.
www.stuff.co.za/hubs/podcasts-videos/
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GAMES TOP TENS
HOT BUY
Red Dead Redemption 2 from R700 / PS4, Xbox One
Believable characters, a world to lose yourself in, top-class voice acting and a story that intrigues all the way through. Warts and all, with improvements from other games ignored, this is Rockstar at its most arrogant but also its most powerful. Red Dead Redemption 2 trusts you to explore, to grow, and to let its world seep into your consciousness. This is a special game and one that was entirely worth the wait.
TIPS & TRICKS Make sure you talk to strangers more than once – you never know what they’ll reveal.
Stuff says ★★★★★ Ultra-addictive gameplay in one of the greatest open worlds ever created
Regularly brushing and feeding Arthur’s horse will increase their bond. It’s what all good cowboys should do anyway.
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● OR PLAY THIS Zelda: Breath of the Wild If you’re after a different kind of open-world experience that’s just as expansive and has a lot of heart, this is the one for you. R1 050 / Switch
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Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
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Forza Horizon 4
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Monster Hunter: World
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Resident Evil 2
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Super Mario Maker 2
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Kingdom Hearts III
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God of War
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
A lot has changed for PlayStation’s god-slaying champion, Kratos. He’s acquired a beard and a new magic axe… but while the action is as breathtaking as ever, it’s the surprisingly mature storyline that’s the draw here, with Kratos learning the ropes of parenting.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is hands-down the best Smash game yet. There’s just so much going on, with a huge array of fighters – it’s a fantastic way to enter into the world of Smash, and long-time fans of the series will not be disappointed.
Stuff says ★★★★★ The epic return of Kratos is yet another phenomenal PS4 offering
Stuff says ★★★★★ Smash is well and truly back, and it’s bigger and better than ever before
R1 000 / Switch
R700 / PS4
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★★★★★ from R1 000 / PS4, Xbox One, PC A brutally punishing action adventure that will get your heart a-pumping.
★★★★★ from R900 / Xbox One, PC This is a bar-raising sandbox-racing game experience that’s worth buckling up for.
★★★★★ from R370 / PS4, Xbox One, PC Fun for veterans and newcomers alike, World is one monster of a game.
★★★★★ R930 / PS4, Xbox One, PC Highly polished and much more than just a remake, this is the series’ best entry yet.
★★★★★ R1 000 / Switch One of Nintendo’s smartest ideas in years feels perfect for the Switch.
★★★★★ R850 / PS4, Xbox One This fantastical trip is a worthy tribute to its Disney heritage.
Devil May Cry 5
★★★★✩ from R700 / PS4, Xbox One, PC A strange blend of world-class combat and old-fashioned design.
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How alarming
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES 1980
Game & Watch eriously? All of Nintendo’s rich gaming history, and you pick this? Yep. Perhaps younglings might find it hard to comprehend how exciting the likes of Fire, Parachute and Octopus were back in 1980, but this was the dawn of mobile gaming. As an alternative to having a colossal console plugged into the back of your TV, or visiting an arcade with horrible sticky floors and suspiciously sticky people, this was nothing short of revolutionary. And besides, if Nintendo hadn’t cut its teeth with the Game & Watch, we wouldn’t have had the GameBoy, the DS and the Switch. So there.
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Fine. It influenced a lot of Nintendo consoles. Let’s never talk of it again. Well, hang on, because the Game & Watch in hindsight was more than a stepping stone for Nintendo to clamber to greater heights. This was gaming stripped back to its core. The limitations of the system – as few as two buttons, and an LCD with fixed positions for characters and objects – greatly reduced its scope. Yet this resulted in compelling games you’d want to play repeatedly – albeit in short bursts. If you can’t see the links with today’s best mobile games, there’s a book on gaming history we’d like to whack about your head.
Because it was the 1980s, Game & Watch games were also alarm clocks. This was loads of fun when the things went off at random hours and you had no idea what was happening.
So Canabalt and many other phone games have roots in Game & Watch. Can I go now? Sure. Go back to your Fortnite and Clash of Clans. To be fair, even though many modern Twitch classics exist on mobile, it’s not like Nintendo’s making the Game & Watch easy to revisit, despite the simpler two-button titles being ideal for phones. No, the company would rather mug your wallet with a freemium Mario Kart. Still, perhaps that’s for the best – we’re not sure we could take an ad-ridden version of Chef, begging for money every time you dropped some food on the floor.
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