IT Brief New Zealand - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers

Technology Gifts stories

The demand for technology gifts is significantly increasing as we begin to rely on new innovations. According to the Consumer Technology Association, 74% of U.S. adults plan to buy at least one tech gift this year, highlighting that it is one of the most prominent types of gift that is given.

Technology gifts can range from standard appliances and computer hardware to gaming and entertainment items. They are sold through a variety of channels and retail stores across the globe.
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Google Cloud unveils agentic enterprise infrastructure tools

3 days ago
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virtualisation
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firewalls
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devops
Google Cloud adds agentic AI infrastructure across compute, networking, data and sovereign deployment as it courts enterprise workloads.
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Cogna appoints former Amazon AI leader Sam Ng as CTO

3 days ago
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digital transformation
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smart home
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partner programmes
Cogna taps former Amazon AI engineering leader Sam Ng as Chief Technology Officer to steer its platform as it expands beyond its core markets.
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Hands-on review: Dynabook Z40L-N business laptop

4 days ago
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uc
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hybrid & remote work
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agentic ai
Dynabook's new Portégé Z40L-N business laptop blends sub-1kg portability, Copilot+ AI features and IT-friendly serviceability, but battery life lags.
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Trend Micro rebrands consumer arm as TrendLife with Kaleida

4 days ago
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data protection
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ransomware
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digital transformation
Trend Micro's consumer revamp puts families at the centre of AI safety, as TrendLife rolls out Kaleida to tackle fraud, privacy and children's use.
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Dreame launches H16 Pro Steam in Australia and New Zealand

4 days ago
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smart home
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harvey norman
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pets
Dreame brings steam-powered wet-and-dry vacuum to Australia and New Zealand, targeting families and pet owners with premium hygiene claims.
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Tuned Global launches streaming manipulation detection

5 days ago
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gaming
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data analytics
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digital entertainment
Tuned Global rolls out Service Manipulation Detection for streaming clients as labels demand tougher controls on fake plays and royalty fraud.
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Hands-on review: JBL Quantum 650 Wireless Gaming Headset

Last week
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
JBL Quantum 650 review hails modular wireless gaming headset with standout sound, removable parts and up to 45 hours' battery life.
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TP-Link launches Tapo DL105 smart door lock in Australia

Last week
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iot
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smart home
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google
TP-Link broadens its Australian smart lock line-up with the Tapo DL105, a cheaper keyless entry model offering fingerprint access, doorbell and app control.
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Hands-on review: Casa Pop-Up Desk for hybrid work

Last week
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hybrid & remote work
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clean technologies
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bluetooth
Logitech's Casa Pop-Up Desk is a tidy hybrid-work kit, with a clever stand and comfortable keyboard offset by an average touchpad.
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Game review: Clean Up Earth (Xbox Series X)

Last week
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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clean technologies
Xbox review: Clean Up Earth turns rubbish clearing into a calm, co-op scavenger hunt, but its repetition and battery-gated gadgets test patience.
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Game review: Marathon (PS5)

Last week
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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microsoft
Marathon review: Bungie's extraction shooter boasts slick gunplay and sharp visuals, but sparse launch content and a console fee blunt its appeal.
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Game review: Crimson Desert (PC)

This month
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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assassin's creed
Crimson Desert impresses with a sprawling fantasy world, refined launch-day fixes and deep systems in a standout PC role-playing adventure.
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Game preview: Saros (Playstation 5)

This month
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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console gaming
Saros preview: Housemarque's PS5 exclusive mixes fast-paced gunplay, roguelike death loops and brutal boss fights.
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Game review: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC)

This month
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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steam
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach lands on PC with ultrawide support, unlocked framerates and slick visuals, but remains an odd, divisive journey.
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Samsung launches AI heat pump to cut New Zealand bills

This month
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iot
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smart home
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power / energy
Samsung rolls out AI Smart GEO WindFree Heat Pump in New Zealand, offering app-based controls and energy tracking as households brace for winter costs.
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Ring launches five new video doorbells in New Zealand

This month
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storage
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iot
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smart home
Ring brings 4K to battery doorbells as it launches five New Zealand models from NZD $109, with pre-orders now open.
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Hands-on review: Apple AirPods Max 2 refined upgrade

This month
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wearables
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digital entertainment
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headphones
Apple's premium over-ear headphones gain stronger noise cancellation, USB-C lossless audio and new smart features, but keep the same familiar design.
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Synology adds private home monitoring to BeeStation Plus

This month
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storage
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data protection
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edge computing
Synology extends BeeStation Plus with local camera monitoring for homes and micro-businesses, offering AI alerts and no subscription fees.
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Game review: Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park (Switch 2)

This month
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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nintendo
Nintendo's Switch 2 re-release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder adds Bellabel Park, tougher boss fights and slick 4K visuals for fans.
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Hands-on review: OPPO Find N6 foldable flagship

This month
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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mobile gaming
OPPO's Find N6 foldable brings slimmer design, stronger battery life and refined multitasking, with NZD $3,299 pricing in New Zealand.