Consumer tech Stories

Kiwi Stories

Consumer tech stories

Hands-on review: Oppo Reno 16 Pro 5G balances style

Its NZD $1,799 price brings flagship expectations, yet the compact handset falls short on chip speed and wireless charging.

By Sean Mitchell • 6 min read • Last week

Software-as-a-Service

Revolut partners OpenAI to add ChatGPT Go to plans

Millions of Revolut customers will get OpenAI's ChatGPT Go free for up to a year, as the fintech bundles AI into its paid plans.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last week

Global Stories

Consumer tech stories

Social Media

Japanese brands win US favour but struggle for visibility

Positive sentiment is not enough, as Japanese brands remain hard to spot in US travel and fashion despite broad consumer goodwill.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Today

Samsung

AULUMU unveils slim aramid case for Galaxy Z Fold8

Samsung foldable owners now have a slimmer protection option as AULUMU targets heat, grip and magnetic accessory support.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Today

Wearables

Snap revenue rises 19% as users near 1 billion mark

Snap is edging towards one billion monthly users as advertising and subscription sales help lift quarterly revenue 19% to USD $1.60 billion.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Social Media

XTU launches S7Pro action camera with 4K recording

Priced below many premium rivals, the new model aims at creators and riders seeking 4K stabilised footage without paying top-tier rates.

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

Robotics

LG Electronics posts record second-quarter profit rise

Higher-margin sales, cost cuts and US tariff refunds lifted operating profit 147 per cent as demand broadened across appliances, TVs and vehicle parts.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last week

Robotics

Robosen opens pre-orders for battle-worn Optimus Prime

Fans in Australia and New Zealand can now reserve a limited-run collectible that recreates the 1986 film's fallen Optimus Prime scene.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last week

eCommerce

Vtoman launches FlashSpeed power stations for backup use

Households facing outages could gain quieter backup power as VTOMAN adds two LiFePO4 stations with fast recharge and UPS support.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month

eCommerce

Europe smartphone sales rebound on Amazon Prime Day

Promotion-driven demand lifted Europe smartphone sales in Week 26, but analysts warn the rebound may fade once Amazon Prime Day discounts end.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month

Stories from Other Regions

Consumer tech stories

Data Protection

EZVIZ names Jamie Durie as Australian brand ambassador

The smart home maker is betting a household name will lift trust as it expands Australian retail sales amid fierce competition and privacy concerns.

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

Partner Programmes

Consistent launches Wave wired gaming headset in India

The new headset adds to India's crowded low-cost gaming market, where buyers are weighing sound quality, comfort and microphone clarity.

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

Internet of Things

TP-Link launches Tapo RV50 Omni robot vacuum in Australia

Priced at AUD $899, the new model targets pet owners keen to avoid tangled rollers and dirty mop pads in busy homes.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • 3 days ago

Smart Home

TCL launches Father's Day home entertainment gift guide

Big-screen TV buyers in Australia face prices up to AUD $14,999 as TCL pairs premium sets with a soundbar and monitor for Father's Day.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last week

Partner Programmes

Consistent launches magnetic wireless power bank in India

India's crowded power bank market gets a new entry as users gain 15W magnetic wireless and 22.5W wired charging in one unit.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Last week

Wearables

Hisense launches open-ear HiClips earbuds in Australia

The move widens Hisense's Australian consumer electronics push beyond TVs and appliances, as open-ear audio gains traction with commuters and runners.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Last month

Edge Computing

Fetch.ai & RedSquid TV launch agentic AI TV platform

Telecoms operators could keep more customer data and service revenue as the pair embed AI agents into television software.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month

Customer Experience

Human analysts still handle 46% of brand interactions

Brands are still relying on people for nearly half of social interactions, highlighting the limits of automation in customer-facing moderation and replies.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month