FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future

About Owen

Owen McCarthy mugshot photo
Owen McCarthy
Reviewer
Owen McCarthy has had a long love affair with all things technical since the dawn of the computer age. A child of the 1960’s, he agrees with legendary author, Douglas Adams, that digital watches were a pretty neat idea. By the 1980’s Owen was learning how to code using C and by the turn of the century, he was teaching HTML to enthusiastic youngsters. These days, Owen can be found pestering editors for new technology to review on an annoyingly regular basis. In his spare time, he rides motorcycles of the three-wheeled variety, studies theology, aqua-jogs, and works hard to honour his late wife’s request to live a joy-filled life.

Stories by Owen - Page 2

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Hands-on review: JBL Flip 6 portable speaker
Mon, 15th Aug 2022
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Once you switch it on, and listen away for up to 12 hours, you will quickly realise that this is a little speaker looking for a party.
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Hands-on review: Arlo Go 2 security camera
Thu, 11th Aug 2022
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gaming
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reviews
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partner programmes
In my humble opinion, Arlo Go 2 offers security for anyone needing to keep a remote eye on prized possessions or premises at different locations.
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Hands-on review: James Donkey RS4 Knight Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Thu, 4th Aug 2022
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
I have always liked mechanical keyboards, and this is no exception. I find the action much easier to use than the modern keyboards with limited travel.
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Hands-on review: Norton Secure VPN
Thu, 21st Jul 2022
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gaming
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uc
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vpns
Norton Secure VPN offers enhanced online security and privacy, with features such as anonymous browsing and split tunneling.
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Hands-on review: HP Evo Spectre X360 Flip Ultrabook 13.5” laptop
Tue, 19th Jul 2022
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gaming
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digital signage
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reviews
HP's Spectre X360 Ultrabook impresses with its ergonomic design and seamless performance, making it a versatile laptop worth considering.
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Hands-on review: Samsung S22 Ultra
Tue, 14th Jun 2022
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smartphones
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gaming
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martech
Samsung's S22 Ultra phone offers impressive camera capabilities and a stylus with multiple uses, but lacks some expected features.
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Hands-on review: Morphée
Thu, 9th Jun 2022
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gaming
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reviews
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partner programmes
Life in the twenty-first century has become a 24-hour affair. Morphée promises to help restore some balance to your life.
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Hands-on review: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Wed, 11th May 2022
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
In almost every respect it works like a book, apart from the fact that it weighs next to nothing, fits in my hand perfectly, and is soothing on my eyes.
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Hands-on review: JBL Partybox 110 Bluetooth speaker
Thu, 28th Apr 2022
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
My first review in a long time is sure to create a lot of noise, if the experience in my household has been anything to go by.
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Hand-on review: Sony X-Series XG500 Portable Bluetooth Speaker & Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
Tue, 14th Dec 2021
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
For as long as I can remember, Sony have been known as purveyors of quality sound. I leapt at the opportunity to review two of their latest products.
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Hands-on review: Twelve South StayGo Mini USB Hub
Mon, 13th Dec 2021
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Twelve South's mini USB hub offers a clutter-free workspace solution, connecting all peripherals to one neat hub.
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Hands-on review: JBL LivePro+ TWS
Fri, 10th Dec 2021
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
JBL Live Pro+ TWS earbuds offer impressive features, including noise cancelling and hands-free access to voice assistants.
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Hands-on review: Satechi Trio Wireless Charger & Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard
Fri, 10th Dec 2021
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Satechi's Trio Wireless Charging Pad and Slim X3 Bluetooth Keyboard offer sleek and efficient solutions for charging and working with multiple devices.
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Hands-on review: Ecovacs Deebot N8 Pro
Mon, 6th Dec 2021
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gaming
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robots
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reviews
Ecovacs' Deebot N8 Pro robotic cleaner has won over hearts with its impressive suction power and convenient features.
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Hands-on review: JBL Live 660NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headset
Thu, 18th Nov 2021
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
JBL's Live660NC headphones deliver high-quality sound and comfort, with noise-cancelling features for a distraction-free experience.
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Hands-on review: Nokia X20
Tue, 9th Nov 2021
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smartphones
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gaming
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reviews
The Nokia X20 offers a mid-range smartphone experience with impressive camera quality and a focus on sustainability, all at an affordable price.
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Hands-on review: Swann SecureAlert 4 Camera 4 Channel 4K Ultra HD Wi-Fi Security System
Thu, 4th Nov 2021
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gaming
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surveillance
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reviews
The Swann SecureAlert4 Camera 4 Channel 4k Ultra HD Wi-Fi Security System offers robust features for home security, writes a reviewer.
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Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde
Thu, 21st Oct 2021
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reviews
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dyson 360 eye
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technology gifts
A few years ago, Dyson products began to change my life for the better. Constantly reaching for Kleenex and inhalers are now memories.
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Hands-on review: Wacom One Creative Pen Display
Thu, 7th Oct 2021
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
At around $630 to $674 at various resellers, it will be a go-to for many creative types, from the amateur to the professional.
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Hands-on review: Acer ConceptD 3 Ezel CC315-72G
Mon, 30th Aug 2021
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Acer's ConceptD 3 Ezel is a dream device for artists and creators with its versatile features and powerful performance.