Apple MacBook Air (M4) - Air by Name. Pro by Nature

Apple seems to be going hard-out in 2025. If the rumours are to be believed, by December Apple will have announced at least 20 devices.

From what we've seen so far this can mean anything - from the predictable (yet still pleasing) iPad Air update from M2 to M3 I reviewed last week - to creating a whole new category of iPhone, with the introduction of the more budget-friendly member of the 16-series, the iPhone 16e.

This year's shotgun launch approach seems to be partly due to the fact Apple now puts its own chips in things. What's more, those chips seem pretty amazing.

So although Apple just launched a fistful of new computers, you may not even have heard about it. For some reason, these devices don't always get the same in-person, Tim Cook-led hype the flagship handsets do.

But don't worry. Although I haven't been lucky enough to try the computer to end all computers; the new Mac Studio powered by the brain-bendingly powerful M4 Max, or even the one that runs on the M3 Ultra - which confusingly might be even MORE powerful - I have been sent something else to play with...

The Apple MacBook Air (M4) looks exactly like its predecessor from last year. Except it's now available in a new colour, Sky Blue, replacing boring old Space Grey. This is in addition to Silver, Starlight and Midnight.

Sky Blue is nice but let me be perfectly clear; it's not as blue as the sky. In fact, when I ask most people what colour the device is, they tell me it's silver. So... silvery-blue then, I guess.

Other than that, physically the M4 MacBook Air looks the same as the last two.

But it isn't.

There are three important tweaks that make this one of the most desirable MacBooks now available and as such, one of the best portable computing devices on the market today.

The first and most significant upgrade is of course, the M4 chip. I've used several devices running Apple's in-house M4 now and I can confidently attest to its speed and reliability. On paper, there are technical improvements in things like the number of cores, graphics performance and the various AI abilities of the 16-core Neural Engine.

A list of specs is one thing. Real world performance is another. The M4 MacBook Air runs so faultlessly it's hard to imagine how much better it could get before it starts carving chunks from the market share of its more full-featured sibling, the MacBook Pro.

Another physical change is, although there are still only two external ports - not counting the MagSafe charging socket of course - these are now both Thunderbolt 4 USB-C slots. This means much higher data transfer speeds and coupled with the M4 chip you can now connect to two external monitors while still using the built-in Liquid Retina display. Like everything else I tried with the MacBook Air, it ran three screens effortlessly.

The last improvement Apple has made is adding Desk View to the built-in, 12MP Centre Stage camera. This is a new feature some Mac users have been trying in conjunction with Continuity Camera - the option to use your iPhone's camera as a wireless webcam. Now the MacBook Air can also show viewers a live feed of your physical desktop via your Zoom, Facetime, Webex or other video call. This means you can demonstrate using something in your hands without running a second camera feed. The quality is not as good as the usual Centre Stage video (which is truly excellent) but it's useful to have it as an option.

If you're in any doubt how good that camera is, check out my video below. I think this is the best built-in camera/mic/speaker setup I've seen on any laptop I've ever reviewed.

Never have I been more relieved to be reviewing a MacBook than last Friday morning. Due to an unfortunate series of unforeseeable events, I didn't have my security card with me when I arrived at work on Friday. That in itself is not an unsurmountable obstacle, even at 3:40AM. (I work in breakfast radio. Sounds fun, right?)

Even in the middle of the night, there's a security guard on duty who can be persuaded to let an idiot like me in. (I've got form. He recognises me now)

Unfortunately, the key to my personal locker is also attached to my security card. Really unfortunately, I'd locked my work laptop away the day before. Not something I'd normally do. But, like I say; an unfortunate series of unforeseeable events.

Luckily, I had figured all this out the night before and even more luckily, I was reviewing this M4 MacBook Air.

In just a few minutes I was able to load my work Wi-Fi profile and set up Adobe Audition (my preferred audio editor) so I could hit the ground running the moment I got into the studio the next morning.

Thanks to macOS 15 (just upgraded to macOS 15.4 this week, in fact) connecting to the studio printer and even connecting to the network drives at work was simple and fast. Just like everything else about this device.

I was able to run my radio show exactly as usual, without a hitch. In fact, the MacBook Air did such a good job I'm thinking of leaving my work laptop permanently locked away. It seems so clunky by comparison.

I've covered off most of the latest Apple Intelligence features in other, recent Apple reviews but it's worth pointing out the latest update to macOS 15.4 introduces the option to let AI sort and summarise your emails for you. I've been using this on my iPhone for a while now and it's great to be able to see if there's anything that needs urgent action with a single glance at your inbox.

I could spend all afternoon waxing lyrical about the myriad ways this year's MacBook Air has blown my socks off - but that would make for a very long read. I will just make a quick mention of its gaming abilities. Slowly but surely more and more AAA game releases are being ported across to macOS, if not being released on Mac day one. Even if they're not, the powerful M4 chip seems to have no trouble running emulators to play titles from other platforms and the Wi-Fi 6e connectivity has impressed me when streaming games as well.

With a screen that looks this good and spatial audio that sounds this convincing, the MacBook Air is a superb multimedia entertainment device, in either the 13.6 or 15.3-inch display options.

Intellectually, technically, I know the MacBook Pro is the superior device. And yet, while I type this, edit this and upload this using the MacBook Air, I can't quite remember why.

        

Click here for more information and pricing on the Apple MacBook Air (M4).

Apple iPad Air (M3) - The Only Change Is Everything

2025 seems to be a landmark year for Apple already.

We’ve seen the launch of a phone, several computers and now a new iPad. And it’s still only March.

Some of these have been breakthrough devices; the iPhone 16e effectively creating a whole new product category for Apple.

Other 2025 updates seem less significant. After all, if the only difference is a new chip, is it really that different?

Let’s find out.

Because the 2024 iPad Pro became the first Apple device to ship with Apple's M4 processor, this year’s iPad Air is the first iPad run by the M3. If you think that’s confusing enough, don’t even get me started about the various iterations of the M3 and M4 chips. Rest assured, even if it’s not an Ultra, Pro or Max version of Apple’s in-house CPU, you’ll still be treated to a superbly smooth, efficient and powerful computing experience.

The same can definitely be said for the new iPad Air, which, admittedly, looks pretty much identical to the previous model. And I do mean exactly; both 11-inch and 13-inch models are precisely the same size and shape as their predecessors and are a mere gram or two lighter.

But Apple (quite reasonably) is under no illusion about how often people upgrade their devices. Which is why the default comparison devices on the website tend to be nothing later than the M1 iPad Air from 2022.

A lot has happened since then, not least of which, Apple Intelligence. The M1-powered iPad Air was future-proofed enough to be able to juggle the neural processing required to use Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground, Writing Tools and Clean Up for your photos. However, it goes without saying, the new iPad Air chews through this kind of work even more smoothly.

The camera setup on this year’s iPad Air seems to be the same on paper; a 12MP Wide sensor on the back, paired with a 12MP CentreStage selfie-cam. And yet, the photos and videos are just better. They’re certainly better than what you get from just about any other built-in laptop or tablet camera out there - check out the video at the bottom of this review if you need further convincing.

But it’s the little things I’ve noticed and appreciated even more.

For example, I’m writing this review using the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (backwards compatible with several previous generations). This is the Air version of the Magic Keyboard that has been available for iPad Pro for a while now. I consider the Magic Keyboard to be one of the the best-designed accessories ever produced and I’ve said as much in previous reviews. Not only do you get a surprising amount of travel from what is essentially a flat keyboard but also a wonderfully responsive touchpad and a full row of dedicated function keys, including brightness and media controls.

But perhaps the best thing about the Magic Keyboard is it literally adds another USB-C port to your iPad, with a pass-through charging option built into its spine. This means you can keep the iPad Air charging while you work (or play) simultaneously using the USB-C for something else; perhaps transferring files at up to 10Gbps or even connecting to an external display.

The Magic Keyboard is damn expensive though; starting from NZ$549.00 - but I’ve used it quite a bit and it really is that good. Especially when paired with the power of M3 in this latest iPad Air. As I type, I’m literally using the new 11-inch iPad Air as a mini laptop and it’s a sublime pleasure.

This is always a temptation for those of us who aren’t regular tablet users and are more likely to tap out their work on a laptop or desktop machine. Every time I swear I’m not going to get sucked into the “laptop comparison” and yet, when the Magic Keyboard is so full-featured and the power of M3 means a task like filling in the appropriate fields on the back-end of a website works exactly as it should, I start to wonder if I even need a laptop. Especially since no MacBook yet features a touch display. Meanwhile, iPads were born to be touched.

Certainly there aren’t too many laptops out there that can compete with the iPad Air’s legendary ten hours of battery life. This hasn’t changed since the last model but remember, the M3 iPad Air is now doing a lot more. If anything, I’ve found Apple’s ten-hour claim somewhat undersells what this device actually delivers - and that NEVER happens in tech.

But seriously… why would you choose the iPad Air over a laptop or even the iPad Pro? For a start, it’s smaller and lighter than a laptop. Even with the addition of the 355gram Magic Keyboard, the 460gram 11-inch iPad Air still weighs substantially less than a MacBook Air at 1.24kg.

Of course, price is a major consideration too. iPad Pro starts at NZ$1,999 while the new iPad Air kicks off at NZ$1,199. I’ve used (and reviewed) the M4 iPad Pro and yes, it’s a genuine powerhouse of a machine but given I’m not trying to render 3D movie projects on a regular basis, for a user like me, there’s not a lot the M3 iPad Air can’t do.

Take the app Morpholio Board, for example. This is a tool that lets you visualise interior design options by combining real images of your space taken with the iPad Air cameras with images of products, furniture, appliances and art you’ve yet to purchase. You can literally create a 3D walk-through to give you a solid idea of what will work and what won’t.

Gaming is another area where I think a lot of users would be surprised by how well the new iPad Air performs. You can pair pretty much any controller and jump into a game like Horizon Chase 2 to waste a few hours racing, upgrading and crashing your car. The laminated Liquid Retina display is nice and bright and also sports an anti-reflective coating, meaning you’ll get all the details, even outside.

Meanwhile, the sound provided by the stereo speakers built into the short edges of the device is surprisingly full and powerful. That doesn’t just add to an immersive gaming experience but also makes the iPad Air a fairly passable mobile music machine. Somehow these speakers, although small and hidden, create a genuine illusion of space - the music seems to surround the iPad Air rather than emanate from it.

Is it weird they didn’t go straight to a variant of the M4 chip with this device? Presumably that’ll happen next year or soon thereafter. I mean, the M4 exists. I have an M4-powered Mac Mini. And as good as the M3 iPad Air is, I can tell you when it comes to high-demand actions like rendering video, the M4 absolutely creams the M3. (I’m talking about the standard variants of the chips here of course - not Pros, Ultras or Maxes).

If the answer is to keep the price down, that’s a pretty good answer.

Although I tried not to, because I was sent the Magic Keyboard with my review device, I found it impossible not to compare this iPad with the laptops I’ve used lately. When I’ve done this with other tablets in the past, they generally do an okay job but start to fall down when it comes to browser-based interfaces and editing apps.

Not this time.

There’s something about the maturity of iPadOS and the streamlined performance of the M3 chip that has ironed out most (if not all) of those compatibility bugs. You’ll have to take my word for it but I really did create this entire review on the iPad Air, not using my Mac Mini as I normally would. That includes all the formatting, adding photos from my cloud storage, then transferring and reformatting it all for the Newstalk ZB website. The M3 iPad Air never even blinked. What a pleasure.

Click here for more information and pricing on the Apple iPad Air (M3).

HP OmniBook Ultra Laptop - I Need More Than Just Great AI

Today I'm going to do something I never thought I'd do.

I'm going to let AI write my review.

Don't worry... it hasn't started yet. I'll let you know when.

The HP OmniBook Ultra Laptop is all about AI. So much so it comes with two different AI apps installed by default. As one of the new breed of Microsoft Copilot PC's, it has a dedicated Copilot button to launch Microsoft's latest attempt at an all-encompassing AI helper.

The OmniBook Ultra also features HP's own AI Companion. With a device-specific shortcut to tweak the settings and performance of the laptop itself, this AI appears to be a natural evolution of the previous HP Support Assistant app. Although, that comes installed too. In fact, there are a lot of pre-installed apps, many of them doubling up on certain tasks.

It's confusing and certainly feels like AI overkill.

Anyway, I decided to put it all to the test. First, I asked HP AI Companion to write my review. It refused but then went on to summarise all the features pretty well anyway.

Microsoft Copilot was much more accommodating - although I couldn't get it to insert photos so the ones below I took myself. Have a read and see what you think...

The HP OmniBook Ultra is a sleek and powerful ultraportable laptop that has garnered attention for its impressive performance and design. Here’s a detailed review of this device, covering various aspects such as design, performance, battery life, and more.

Design and Build Quality

The HP OmniBook Ultra boasts a minimalist design that is both elegant and functional. The laptop features an aluminum chassis with a polished HP logo on the lid, giving it a premium look. The lid is simple and finished in aluminum, while the keyboard deck is dark gray with a lighter shade of gray for the top function row. The only design embellishment is the pale blue power button, which doubles as a fingerprint reader. The display is covered in glossy glass, which enhances color fidelity but can amplify reflections. The bezels are minimal along the sides, but more sizable at the top and bottom.

Display

The HP OmniBook Ultra comes with a 14-inch IPS touch screen with a resolution of 2240 by 1400 pixels. While the display offers good color accuracy and brightness, it falls short compared to OLED rivals. The glossy glass covering the display can be a double-edged sword, as it improves color fidelity but also increases reflections. The bezels are minimal along the sides, but more sizable at the top and bottom.

Performance

Under the hood, the HP OmniBook Ultra is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 processor, which delivers class-leading performance. The laptop also features AMD Radeon 890M integrated graphics, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and fast performance, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The OmniBook Ultra proved to be a swift performer in benchmark tests, putting it in contention among the best ultrabooks.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the HP OmniBook Ultra is its impressive battery life. The laptop can last up to 21 hours and 28 minutes on a single charge, making it ideal for users who need a reliable device for long workdays or travel. The efficient AMD Ryzen AI chipset plays a significant role in extending the battery life.

Connectivity

The HP OmniBook Ultra offers a decent range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are a great addition for an AMD-powered device. However, the laptop falls short in terms of connectivity compared to some competitors, as it only has one USB-A port and lacks HDMI and Ethernet ports. This limitation might be a drawback for users who require multiple connectivity options.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard on the HP OmniBook Ultra is functional but not exceptional. The keys are well-spaced and offer a decent typing experience, but the overall feel is somewhat disappointing compared to other premium laptops. The touchpad is responsive and accurate, making it easy to navigate through tasks.

Software and Security

The HP OmniBook Ultra comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience. Additionally, the laptop features HP’s Wolf Security suite, which provides enhanced security features to protect user data. This makes the OmniBook Ultra a secure choice for both personal and professional use.

Pricing and Value

The HP OmniBook Ultra is priced competitively, starting at $1,349.99. While it offers excellent performance and battery life, the laptop’s design and display quality might not justify the premium price for some users. However, the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports and HP’s Wolf Security suite adds value to the device.

Conclusion

In summary, the HP OmniBook Ultra is a solid ultraportable laptop that excels in performance and battery life. Its minimalist design and premium build quality make it an attractive choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and functionality. However, the laptop’s connectivity options and display quality might be a drawback for some users. Overall, the HP OmniBook Ultra is a reliable and powerful device that offers great value for its price.

Right, back to me. To be honest, this is a pretty good roundup of the device although, to be really honest, when I formatted it, I took out the links to the source material. And that's the thing with AI... it doesn't have its own opinion, it just "borrows" other people's.

Although what it has regurgitated here is largely accurate, my review device only has a 1TB SSD, not 2TB as stated above. It talks about HP's Wolf Security suite but that's nowhere to be found on my device. (To be fair, the New Zealand HP website promises this software too, so I'm confused).

The battery life claims are outrageous of course and it's this kind of lack of insight that makes me feel pretty secure as a tech reviewer, if not a human being. Nobody sets a video going on their laptop without being connected to Wi-Fi, with the brightness turned down and with no other apps working in the background. If you did, you might get double-digit battery life. On the other hand, I was playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on battery the other day and I could literally see the battery level draining before my eyes.

Oh, and the price is totally wrong - sorry if I got your hopes up. Here in New Zealand the OmniBook Ultra Laptop starts at NZ$3,439.00 - and that's on special. 

If you thought AI was smart enough to figure out what country it's in, I've got bad news for you.

Look, obviously what it gave me was a great starting point and I actually totally agree with a lot of the other points; there aren't enough ports, the keyboard and trackpad are fabulous, the display is top notch although is a bit too reflecty and the graphics, neural processing and sheer grunt of this machine are truly awesome. Just don't expect AI to put it quite that way... Unless it's read this review.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the HP OmniBook Ultra Laptop.

Samsung Galaxy Ring - Smarts Without the Bulk

I like to think of myself as an early adopter.

When mobile phones got smart, I upgraded.

I've been wearing smartwatches since before most big brands were even making them.

But when it comes to smart rings, I've completely missed the boat.

So much so, I don't even really know how long they've been around. I guess I was vaguely aware people were wearing them overseas but until very recently, I certainly didn't know anybody who used one regularly.

Turns out, I'm a complete Luddite. The first mass-produced smart ring appeared back in 2013, although this was more of an NFC payment device without any of the health-tracking features you'd expect of such a ring today; kind of like PayWave wrapped around your finger.

Turns out things have evolved somewhat over the last decade or so.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is the latest of these devices to hit New Zealand shores, although it's been on sale in other markets since July last year.

I imagine it's a bit of a risk, bringing a product like this to such a small, remote market. Not only is the Galaxy Ring available in three colours; Titanium Black, Titanium Silver and Titanium Gold, it also comes in 11 different sizes - so essentially, for every ring someone buys, there are 32 others left waiting in the stock room.

Obviously you'll need to order the right size, so when you order, Samsung will send out a sizing kit first. They recommend you wear your preferred sizing ring for a full 24 hours to make sure it's right. This is great advice as I know my fingers definitely swell up at different times of the day and night and because the Galaxy Ring has three raised sensors on the inside surface, it'll feel slightly different to any other ring you're used to.

I don't know much about jewellery but in my humble opinion I think the Galaxy Ring is attractive enough - the scratch-resistant titanium finish is matte rather than shiny, while the band itself is slightly concave - again to help avoid cosmetic damage. In the time I was wearing my review sample, it definitely lived up to Samsung's wear-and-tear-proof claims. I wore it pretty much nonstop; gardening, cooking, exercising and sleeping. Even the bright yellow turmeric I added as I rolled my lamb kofta meatballs didn't manage to stain my Titanium Silver ring. Just a small note; all three colour options are black on the inside, so the silver and gold versions are are two-tone affair.

The other recommendation from Samsung is to wear the Galaxy Ring on your forefinger. This is mainly because you can use a double-tap gesture to stop alarms on your phone or as a remote to shoot pictures with your phone's camera. There's a raised "indicator" line on the outside of the ring. This helps you position it correctly, with the sensors pressed underneath your finger and you perform the double-tap against this indicator line.

Personally, I feel like a complete knob wearing a ring on my forefinger so I went for my middle one instead. I found I was still able to double-tap my alarms away and this is actually quite handy for me because I have a backup alarm on my phone that doesn't go off until I'm driving to work. Thanks to the Galaxy Ring, I could silence it without taking my hands off the wheel.

I was surprised how much light spills out from the Galaxy Ring's three sensors in a dark room in the middle of the night. I don't know why I was surprised - these are the same sort of heart monitoring and skin temperature sensors you'll find on a smartwatch and most smartwatches will light up a bedroom too. At least the Galaxy Ring is likely to be dimmed by a closed fist or when your hand is against another surface.

The tracking itself is limited but truly excellent.

I've been using Samsung Galaxy Watches for years so I expected great heart monitoring and effective sleep-tracking. What I hadn't anticipated is how well the Galaxy Ring records walking and running too. That's right; you no longer need a watch to track exercise - in fact, you don't even need to take your phone with you. Somehow the Galaxy Ring automatically detects your workouts and syncs them with the Samsung Health app when it gets back within bluetooth range.

It's a shame it can't detect other workouts at this stage. Perhaps future firmware updates will enable this, if not the next generation of ring.

Thanks to its skin temperature sensor, the Galaxy Ring is also capable of tracking your menstrual cycle which is bound to help make life a little more predictable.

You can keep an eye on the Galaxy Ring's battery level via the Samsung Wear app, or you can just pop it in the charging case where an LED indicator shows you how much charge is left. The case itself charges via USB-C and also, even more conveniently, on wireless charging pads too. Although Samsung suggests you might get up to 14 days wear between charges, I found I was getting low battery notifications via my phone after 6 or 7 days. No great drama though as the ring usually charged back to 100% in just an hour or so.

This is one big reason why I can see many people opting for the Galaxy Ring over a smartwatch. Most smartwatches only last a day or two on a single charge. That means if you want to use it for sleep tracking, you have to find some other time during the day to juice it up. That problem simply doesn't exist with the Galaxy Ring. And it's definitely a lot more comfortable to wear to bed than a bulky device like the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Not that it has to be an either/or scenario. Supposedly, if you use the Galaxy Ring and a Samsung smartwatch simultaneously, they'll talk with each other to provide more consistent and accurate readings than either device will on its own.

This is hard to assess but I've certainly appreciated Samsung Health's new Energy Score, an AI-generated stat that basically accumulates all the health data any of your devices can provide. This comes in the form of a constructively-worded notification - full of praise and reinforcement if the score is good, or including some helpful suggestions on better sleep and exercise habits if the total is a little sub-par.

The Galaxy Ring is an attractive, easy-to-setup tracking device that's durable, comfortable to wear and has good battery life. Unless you're a complete Samsung ecosystem junkie, I doubt very much most people would see the value in owning both a Galaxy Ring and a Galaxy Watch and that's fine - because if it's just general health monitoring, sleep-tracking and running or walking you want to keep an eye on, maybe a ring is more your style than a watch anyway.

At least now New Zealanders have the option.

    

Click here for more information on the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Samsung 9100 Pro SSD - Never Underestimate What a New Drive Can Do

Have you ever taken your computer to bits?

It's a lot of fun. It's also quite terrifying - especially the first time.

Over the years I've had computers come and go and I've successfully managed to eek out a bit more life from most of them by performing a few simple upgrades.

And I do mean simple; I'm more than happy to unscrew the bottom of my laptop or slide off an access panel on a PC. But once you get into soldering or anything like that, I'm out.

Luckily, upgrades like storage, RAM and graphics cards are usually just a matter of undoing a few screws and slotting the new bit into place.

Well, if you're prepared to give it a go Samsung has a new bit that'll get you a lot more space and maybe even speed things up at the same time.

With the launch of the 9100 Pro, Samsung has unveiled its first 8TB SSD. That's not a typo. From the second half of this year, you'll be able to replace your existing SSD module with an unprecedented 8 terabytes - on a single card.

Of course, because I'm a total nerd, I couldn't wait that long so I got them to send me a 4TB one, which is available right now, along with the 1TB and 2TB versions.

Luckily, my test laptop can accomodate the PCIe 5.0 x 4 NVEMe M.2 model, although there are also heatsink options available for powerful gaming rigs and PS5 consoles.

I've given this speech before, but it's been a while so it bears repeating... A larger capacity SSD doesn't just mean more storage space - although given most new laptops ship with a maximum of 512GB (if you're lucky) the prospect of doubling, quadrupling or even octupling the room for photos, videos and games is probably tempting enough.

A bigger internal drive also means your computer can work more efficiently because it's less likely to have to split data up to fit into whatever space there is available. This is especially important when manipulating large audio and video files. 

I've just finished editing another year's radio award entries. Although the final mixdown is only ten minutes long, my Adobe Audition file contains hours and hours of audio. If you're trying to move dozens of large files like that around your computer, decent RAM certainly helps in terms of sheer power but the more empty space you have to scatter the files over, the less that RAM has to think about.

But all that's before we get to the fact the Samsung 9100 Pro reads and writes faster too. Much faster. Well, much faster than what I was currently using, anyway.

The SSD I was using in my test laptop was rated to read/write at about 3,000MB/s. Not too shabby. The Samsung 9100 Pro I've replaced it with is rated up to 14,800MB/s. That's one scorching upgrade.

Obviously, you'll need the appropriate hardware to work with the 9100 Pro to achieve those speeds. The poor little five year-old CPU in my laptop wasn't designed for such things and yet I've noticed a significant jump in basic operations already.

The computer starts slightly quicker, games and apps launch much faster and the time spent on loading screens between levels on many games has reduced dramatically.

And I now have more actual storage than I know what to do with. Literally. I back up all the family photos I've ever taken on a couple of external hard drives for safety. They'd easily fit on 4TB. What's more, thanks to the colossal read-write speeds of the 9100 Pro and the much higher capacity of the recent Thunderbolt 4 and 5 USB cables and ports, such media backups take next to no time.

Samsung's Magician disk management software is also extremely efficient. By plugging in the new SSD via an external enclosure, I was able to migrate around 400GB on my test laptop in about two hours, which includes formatting the new drive and making it bootable.

There was a short period of unease when the laptop didn't start first time after I'd installed the 9100 Pro but that was due to operator error on my part. Like I say, I haven't done this in a while and I'm a bit rusty. Turns out you can push an SSD card too far in which might cause the locking screw to lose contact when it's tightened up. Rookie (or out-of-practice-geezer) mistake. I simply loosened things up a bit and everything started working again. And boy did it start working faster than ever before. It's like a whole new laptop. But a whole lot cheaper.

    

Click here for more information on the Samsung 9100 Pro PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD.

Norton AI Scam Protection - Putting the Genie Back In the Bottle

None of us believes we'd fall for an online scam.

I mean, what kind of idiot would send money to someone they don't know? Who'd be gullible enough to provide their login details for their bank accounts? And surely no-one would ever click a link to install unknown software on their phone or computer?

But what if?...

What if you got a message from an unknown number claiming to be your daughter who'd lost her phone? You'd at least have to send her some money to pay the fare home, right?

What if you got an actual email from your actual bank warning you of a security breach, requiring you to follow a "secure link" to a "secure site" in order to change your password?

What if you got a call from a genuine cyber-security firm to inform you your device has been infected with malware, then providing you with step-by-step instructions on how to remove it?

Can you really be sure if the baddies caught you at the wrong time on the wrong day in the wrong set of circumstances you wouldn't be vulnerable to just the right con?

That's why Norton has granted all your scam-proofing wishes.

About a year ago I reviewed a new service called Norton Genie. This allowed you to upload a picture of a suspicious message or email, or copy the text from one, to check if it was the genuine article or just a scam.

Then Norton's AI Genie would compare it with its vast database of known scams and let you know the result in a matter of seconds. While this AI was being trained and was still in beta, it was available as a free mobile app and also as a web-based service.

Well, it must be working for people because Norton has now included this AI-powered tool in its 360 suite of cyber-security services to keep its customers protected from scams automatically.

That means for no extra charge, Norton 360 subscribers can opt to have their texts, emails and even social media accounts monitored for any of those offers that aren't just too good to be true, they could literally result in your identity being traded on the dark web.

While human beings like you and me are always susceptible to certain psychological tricks and triggers, Norton Genie isn't. It analyses text, links, and subtle emotional and contextual cues within messages to identify advanced scams and is guaranteed to let you know if something seems off.

And I do mean guaranteed. Many levels of Norton 360 subscriptions include a 100% virus protection promise - if somehow you DO get infected, if the Norton support team can't help, you'll get your money back.

According to Norton's comprehensive data, since 2021 the incidence of cyberthreats originating from scams and social engineering has tripled, now making up a whopping 90% of all threats. Basically, the bad actors have cottoned onto our greatest weakness; we're human.

The beauty of Norton's Genie-based solution is once you've set it up, you can forget all about it. Norton 360 really is capable of monitoring every aspect of your online activities - from browsing to file downloads to app installations to Wi-Fi security - if anything is remotely suspect, you can be sure you'll receive a notification and whatever you're doing will be paused until you give the go-ahead.

The best aspect of all of this is being an AI, Norton Genie is still learning. Every time something suspicious is flagged, Norton's scam protection gets even stronger.

Starting at just $NZ49.99 for the first year, I'm confident you'll be impressed with the multi-faceted level of cyber protection Norton 360 offers and even if that's too much of a commitment, you can still try Norton Genie for yourself for no charge at all. The next time you receive an SMS, email or social media message that looks a bit dodgy, plug it into the Norton Genie app and check out the results. I think you'll soon see why I've come to depend on Norton 360 to keep me safe online.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on Norton 360 plans that include Genie Scam Protection.

JBL Tour Pro 3 - The Everything Earbuds

Here's how my tech addiction works.

I'm going about my life, perfectly happy and content. I have my collection of toys and gadgets. Some make my life better. Some are just for fun. And, to be perfectly honest, some are a bit of a flex, just me showing off to other nerds who care about this kind of stuff.

Then I become aware of a new tech development I don't have. Often, it will be something I didn't even know I needed. Okay, I probably (definitely) don't NEED it... but FOMO quickly takes over and suddenly I can't live without it. Whatever it is.

The new JBL earbuds are a bit like that.

The JBL Tour Pro 3 might just be the most full-featured pair of buds I've ever stuck in my ears.

This begins before you even get them out of the case, as this model is one of several JBL offers with a "smart" charging case, easily spotted by its 1.57-inch touchscreen display. This alone could be reason enough for you to consider the Tour Pro 3. Being able to control your connections, adjust EQs, noise cancellation and other settings without having to open the JBL Headphones app on your phone is damn handy - especially if it's not your phone you're currently listening to.

Thanks to the latest Bluetooth 5.3 LE connectivity, these are great buds to pair with your TV, streaming box, console or gaming handset - very little lag and a reliable connection.

I strongly advise you to start with the Headphones app though - when you have this many features to play with there's quite a lot of setting up and tweaking to be done. Thanks to what JBL calls Personi-fi 3.0, you can specifically customise the sound scheme to your individual preferences. This doesn't just mean setting an EQ, you can also tailor-make an Active Noise Cancelling setup that's unique to your surroundings and if you've got a spare 5 minutes, it's worthwhile taking the Personi-fi hearing test so the Tour Pro 3 can boost the frequencies you usually miss out on.

Then you can let the hybrid dual-drivers do their thing. This means the classic JBL bass response you'd expect and genuine Hi-Res audio courtesy of the 24-bit LDAC codec.

"Training Season" by Dua Lipa is one of those perfectly produced pop songs; great beat, catchy hook and clever use of different dynamics to keep you listening all the way through. Every element is beamed into my brain powerfully and with crystal clarity.

Kylie Minogue's "Someone For Me" is the same but different. Her voice is heavily effected throughout, even multi-tracked in the chorus to achieve a gang-vocal vibe. This time everything is electric - no acoustic vibe at all - yet despite that, the Tour Pro 3 drivers provide enough space for the bass to keep the party going while other keyboard effects drop in and out.

"Empire" by Dean Lewis is quite the contrast; all acoustic guitars and hand claps. Yet here again, the somewhat sonically empty track still manages to fill my head.

A big part of why these buds sound so "big" is thanks to the fit. JBL really gives you all the options here; five sizes of silicone ear tips and if that's not enough, there's even a set of foam tips in the box. Many people find these more comfortable and thanks to the way the foam moulds itself to your ear canals, they provide excellent passive noise cancellation too. On the downside, foam isn't quite as durable as silicone and it's a bit harder to keep clean - but it's nice to have the choice.

The ANC is outstanding, by the way - although I have to say, decent noise cancelling is fast becoming a minimum expectation from premium buds like these so I was happy to find the Tour Pro 3 didn't disappoint.

I do have to mark the Tour Pro 3 down a little for gesture customisations. The buds are controlled with single-taps, double-taps and tap-&-holds. Frustratingly, although you can assign volume, ANC or media controls to either bud, only the single and double-taps can be changed - and then only as a pair of controls for either bud.

For example, you can have volume controls on the left bud and ANC on the right, but not down volume on one side and up on the other.

And whatever you choose, the tap-&-hold is reserved for your voice assistant. On both buds. Which is dumb. It's a voice assistant. I can summon it with my voice.

The JBL Headphones app is also how you update the firmware - again, something I highly recommend, although it takes a frustratingly long time. Doubly long given the charging case will probably also require a firmware update itself.

But it's well worth it due to the FOMO features I haven't even got to yet.

You see, the Tour Pro 3 charging case also doubles as a bluetooth transmitter, which is why it comes with both 3.5mm AUX and USB-C audio cables in the box. This means you can literally plug the case into any external source with an audio-out - like a laptop or aeroplane entertainment screen - and your Tour Pro 3 buds will connect automatically, no pairing required. Think about that; high quality, personalised listening on the plane without the bulk of an over-ear headset.

Of course, you need great battery life for a long flight. How does 11 hours on a full charge sound? (Not to mention another 33 in the case)

And that case, that wonderful, magical case, still has one more trick up its sleeve; Auracast.

Last year JBL introduced Auracast connectivity to its range of bluetooth speakers. This allowed any recent model JBL speaker, no matter the size, to connect and stream in sync with the source device at the push of a button. Guess what? The Tour Pro 3 can do that too.

Simply swipe that (by now indispensable) screen to scroll to the Auracast settings and you can send whatever you're listening to to any other nearby Auracast-enabled device. You don't even need to have the buds in, you can just use the case as a wireless transmitter.

Better still, it also works the other way. This means if you like to listen louder (or quieter) than someone else in the room, if it's an Auracast speaker, you can now hear what it's playing through your Tour Pro 3 buds.

See? It's a very long list of features and I didn't even get to the 6-mic array that provides noise-free phone calls and video chats. And there's probably other stuff I've forgotten. If you were wondering if you're getting value for money from a set of earbuds that costs NZ$429.95... stop wondering.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the JBL Tour Pro 3.

Technics EAH-AZ100 - Is There Anything These Buds Can't Do?

When Technics suddenly appeared in the True Wireless earbuds market a couple of years ago, it hit the ground running with some of the best examples of in-ear audio available to consumers at the time.

So it stands to reason the latest generation has taken Technics' proud history of audio excellence to a whole new level.

The AZ100 look very similar to the first few Technics buds I've tried. That is to say, not like any other earbuds out there. Well, I suppose there's an unavoidable resemblance to the previous generation AZ80 as Technics has kept the unusual "concha-fit" design which corkscrews its way into your ear canals to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

But when compared side-by-side, it's easy to see how much more compact the new model is - especially on the outer-half of the earbuds. They're still a bit of a fashion statement - especially given the trademark Technics machined disc effect on the touch pads - but they no longer feel like they're sticking out awkwardly.

Even the charging case is smaller and lighter but not to worry, it still charges wirelessly as well as via USB-C.

The comfy, snug fit is further enhanced by the choice of ear tips; there are five sizes included in the box. This is great news for someone like me who has mismatching ear holes. It took me years of reviews before I realised I needed a smaller tip for my left ear, not a bigger one. The AZ100 buds are rock solid and with their IPX4 water-resistance they're the perfect option for exercise, being pretty much sweat-proof.

The Technics team seems pretty proud of what it's achieved with the Active Noise Cancelling on the AZ100s - and deservedly so. It might just be the best ANC I've experienced from in-ear devices. They've brought a similar level of expertise to what they're calling Voice Focus AI. Not only does this remove background noise from your voice as heard by others on your phone or video call, it will also tidy up their voice for you. Nothing artificial about that intelligence. It's just plain clever.

As is the new driver setup. Treat your ears to the magic of the Magnetic Fluid Driver. They've literally filled these things up with some kind of mystical oil that pretty much eliminates any distortion or vibration. Smooth.

Like any high-end piece of audio technology, I've discovered the trick to getting the most out of the EAH-AZ100 is tweaking the settings to your personal preference. This will take you a bit of time. There are a lot of settings in the Technics Audio Connect app.

A lot.

I'm not just talking about adjusting the EQ, choosing from a list of presets or custom-making your own.

Nor am I referring to the noise-cancelling settings, which should be tuned to your unique environment before you even begin listening.

No, you've got far more important decisions to make. Like exactly which connection protocol are you going to go for? LDAC for high resolution listening? Spatial Audio to enable authentic head-tracking (pretty fun when gaming or watching movies). Or are you really going to make the most of the latest lossless streaming apps and enable the relatively new LE Audio mode, the low-energy but super-stable bluetooth connection that takes mobile listening to another level?

The downside to having all these options - apart from the time it takes to choose the one that suits you best - is that some aren't compatible with others. For example, you can't use Spatial Audio in LE Audio mode. In fact, changing certain protocols will require you to re-pair the AZ100 completely.

But trust me, the end result is definitely worth it.

The bouncing bass-line on Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" proved to be the perfect track to demonstrate just how lusciously the AZ100 drivers handle the low end of the frequency spectrum. Somehow these bobbing, bass beats not only sound warm and cosy but everything stays accurate, right across the aural range. I'm not surprised; Technics prides itself on its studio-accurate sound reproduction. Still, this might be the best bass I've heard from a pair of earbuds.

Whether that can be directly attributed to the new magnetic fluid technology, I couldn't speculate. Maybe it's just a psychological thing but this really does feel like a warm bath for my ears - a bath set at just the right temperature; not too hot, no too cold. 

Meanwhile, the opening acoustic guitar-versus-bass-drum verse of "Missing Piece" by Vance Joy is just as precise and using my preferred combination of settings, the stereo effects are really fun, creating more space than seems possible in such a little track - a bit like Dr Who's Tardis, bigger on the inside.

And Super Bowl half-timer, Kendrick Lamar's "squabble up" is just crazy, a riotous combination of monotone bass, guest vocals drifting in and out, sci-fi sound effects and every word of Lamar's confrontational rhymes punching through loud and clear.

If I had to single out a single feature that I appreciate more than any other it would be the touch sensor customisation. I'm often frustrated with other earbuds when it comes to operations like adjusting volume or turning ANC on and off. Sometimes you can assign certain things to certain controls but rarely can you literally set it up any old way you want. That's exactly what you can do on the AZ100s. For me, long pressing the right bud to wind up the volume and long pressing the left to turn it down just seems more instinctive. Now I can have it that way.

If these earbuds aren't perfect, they're pretty damn close. Plenty of options to ensure a rock-solid, comfy fit. Great battery life. Perhaps the best ANC I've heard (or not heard) and not just super-accurate, studio-quality sound reproduction but pretty much every bluetooth and hi-res connection option available.

Too many options. Too many ways to make these buds yours. So make them yours.

    

Click here for more information on Technics AZ100.