Consumer tech Stories

Kiwi Stories

Consumer tech stories

Spark Upgrader lets users stack phone trade-in offers

Many New Zealanders could be sitting on valuable handsets, with Spark saying 70% of households have at least one unused mobile phone.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Commerce Commission

Card fee regulations are here, so why are card surcharges more common than ever?

Consumers are still being hit by hefty card surcharges as retailers say lower interchange fees are hard to track and not yet filtering through.

By Susan Edmunds • 4 min read • Last week

Global Stories

Consumer tech stories

Gaming

Hands-on review: Apple iPhone 18 Pro refines the formula

Battery life and sustained performance are better, but the iPhone 18 Pro's AUD $2,499 price still makes upgrades selective for owners of recent models.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Yesterday

Xbox

Hands-on review: JBL Quantum 520 Wireless Headphones

Gamers on a budget get 37 hours of battery life and clear sound for $169 NZD, though Xbox owners are left out.

By Damian Seeto • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Gaming

NVIDIA launches RTX Spark for Windows PCs with local AI

Its push into on-device AI on Windows PCs aims to woo creators and gamers while reducing reliance on cloud services for everyday tasks.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Headphones

Hands-on review: Apple AirPods 5 make ANC more affordable

Active noise cancellation now reaches Apple's entry-level earbuds, but fit, battery life and open design still limit their appeal.

By Sean Mitchell • 6 min read • 4 days ago

Unified Communications

FedEx study sees Asia Pacific semiconductor expansion

Geopolitical risks are prompting chipmakers to spread production across Asia Pacific, with 35% planning expansion into new regional markets.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • Last week

Enterprise Resource Planning

Euromonitor adds Passport Connect to AI assistants

The move could let clients blend Euromonitor research with their own data inside AI tools, speeding decisions and widening use beyond the portal.

By Raphael Veloso • 3 min read • Last week

Smart Home

Ecovacs brings roller mopping to UK & Ireland stores

Shoppers in Britain and Ireland will now be able to compare roller mopping systems in person as demand for robot cleaners rises.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • This month

Stories from Other Regions

Consumer tech stories

Generative AI

Plaud NotePin S named in TIME's best inventions list

The recognition gives Plaud a mainstream endorsement as wearables that turn conversations into notes seek wider business and consumer adoption.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Hybrid & Remote Work

Logitech unveils Christmas gift guide from AUD $99.95

Shoppers can buy Logitech's holiday range from AUD $99.95 to AUD $1,499.95, spanning work, gaming and audio gifts across its portfolio.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • 4 days ago

5G & Beyond

Ai+ Smartphone launches Pulse 2 FE, NovaTab & LapTab

The launch broadens Ai+ Smartphone's line-up ahead of Diwali, with devices priced from INR 9,999 to INR 24,999 for budget buyers and students.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • 4 days ago

Smart Home

MOBI launches home health bundles for ageing & GLP-1 users

Older adults and GLP-1 users can now buy bundled connected devices for tracking vitals and medication routines at home.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • 5 days ago

Samsung

Footy finals drive surge in Samsung's giant TV sales

The seasonal boost has made 75-inch-plus sets a bigger profit driver, with Samsung Australia reporting a 20% lift in TV sales before last year's finals weekend.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 6 days ago