Amazon Echo (4th Gen) R2 000 / superbalist.com
Amazon has swapped the old ‘Pringles tube’ trim for a new spherical style. This means the latest Echo looks like a sci-fi crystal ball – especially as it now illuminates from underneath, giving it a vaguely ethereal feel when you ask Alexa a question.
But the real magic is inside: the Echo now comes with a Zigbee smart hub. This means you can hook up smart devices such as Philips Hue lightbulbs without having to install a separate bridge, which makes using the speaker with smart home tech even easier than it was already– ideal if you just want a simple plug-and-play setup.
You’re also able to take greater control of your devices with Amazon’s companion app. The new Routines automation feature lets you schedule different actions, such as your office lights turning off when it’s time to stop working. Handy. This builds on top of the 100,000 third-party Skills that you can download to really power up what Alexa can do.
THERE GOES THE SPHERE
This story is from the April/May 2021 edition of Stuff Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April/May 2021 edition of Stuff Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fujifilm X-S20
Product review
Sony A7C II
Product review
THE BEST IS SWEAT TO COME
Getting out and exercising in the opening months of the year can feel bleak, but you're not on your own: we've groaned and grunted on the latest training gear to help you achieve the fitness results you're looking for
DRONE / ACTION CAM OF THE YEAR INSTA360 GO 3
If the goal of an action camera is to be as lightweight and portable as possible (all the better to be mounted on your bike, head, body, surfboard or big toe), then the tiny Insta360 Go 3 is the best one around.
AFFORDABLE HEADPHONES OF THE YEAR - ANKER SOUNDCORE VR P10
Anyone still harbouring metaverse ambitions would do well to pay attention to Anker's virtual reality-ready VR P10 buds. Gamers in general and Nintendo Switch owners in particular should also be looking over here.
OVER EAR HEADPHONES OF THE YEAR - FOCAL BATHYS
Product Review
STUFF AWARDS 2023
The bad news is that everything is terrible and humanity seems to be spiralling towards several different varieties of destruction at once. The good news is that some great tech came out last year - and it's time for Stuff to reveal the very best. See, you've forgotten about the bad news already...
2023 GADGET OF THE YEAR - SONOS ERA 300
THE SONOS ERA 300 GLEEFULLY SERVES UP TRANSFORMATIVE SPATIAL AUDIO THAT COULD JUST SIGNAL THE START OF A NEW...ERA.
AFFORDABLE TABLET OF THE YEAR AMAZON FIRE HD 8 KIDS PRO
Product review
PREMIUM TABLET OF THE YEAR - APPLE IPAD PRO
No, bigger doesn't always mean better, especially when it comes to what is ostensibly a portable device - but Apple's 12.9in tab is large and in charge.