About Owen
Owen McCarthy
Reviewer
Owen McCarthy has had a long love affair with all things technical since the dawn of the computer age. A child of the 1960’s, he agrees with legendary author, Douglas Adams, that digital watches were a pretty neat idea. By the 1980’s Owen was learning how to code using C and by the turn of the century, he was teaching HTML to enthusiastic youngsters. These days, Owen can be found pestering editors for new technology to review on an annoyingly regular basis. In his spare time, he rides motorcycles of the three-wheeled variety, studies theology, aqua-jogs, and works hard to honour his late wife’s request to live a joy-filled life.
Stories by Owen - Page 2
Hands-on Review: The ASUS ROG Theta 7.1 headset
Mon, 9th Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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rog
ASUS ROG's Theta 7.1 headset delivers unparalleled comfort and sound quality, setting a new benchmark in gaming audio technology.
Hands-on Review: OPPO A5 2020
Mon, 9th Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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oppo
Priced at under $350, like me you'll be kicking yourself for spending more than twice that for a whole lot less phone.
Hands-on Review: The Nokia 7.2 smartphone
Mon, 2nd Dec 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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nokia
Nokia's latest Android 9 phone offers top-of-the-line software updates and security, along with impressive camera capabilities.
Hands-on Review: Ring Door View Cam
Fri, 29th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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wireless networks
Their products can also be integrated into your Smart Home Hub such as Alexa. For a very reasonable price you can have added security for your home.
Hands-on Review: OPPO ENCO Q1 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Thu, 14th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
OPPO's ENCO Q1 headphones offer stellar sound quality and noise reduction for NZD $199. Testers praise their design and comfort for both calls and music.
Hands-on Review: The OPPO Reno 2Z
Wed, 13th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital signage
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digital entertainment
The OPPO Reno 2Z amazes with durability and style. Priced under USD $700, it boasts a stunning camera, a 6.5” AMOLED screen, and dual-SIM capacity.
Hands (and body)-on review: The Dyson Pure Cool Me
Tue, 12th Nov 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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healthtech
The Dyson Pure Cool Me, retailing at NZD $549, offers allergen-sensitive individuals a personal, innovative, and quiet cooling solution. Here's the review.
Hands-on Review: The wireless headset with uncompromising sound quality
Tue, 29th Oct 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
Corsair's VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless headset astounds with its exceptional build and unrivalled audio quality, making every note and gaming moment a revelation.
Hands-on Review: The 10.2' Apple iPad (Seventh Generation)
Fri, 18th Oct 2019
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gaming
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semiconductors
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devops
Apple's 10.2 iPad (7th Gen) impresses with its versatility and performance, proving to be a powerful tool for both professionals and students alike.
Hands-on Review: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is sleek and sexy
Thu, 3rd Oct 2019
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gaming
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digital signage
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digital entertainment
To quote my favourite Jedi master, while not yet complete is my journey to the Android side, much closer to turning I am. Want one I do.
Mercy Ships: Bringing hope and healing to developing nations
Mon, 30th Sep 2019
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healthtech
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software development
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nfp
Mercy Ships, known for medical aid in developing nations, now seeks IT volunteers to support their floating hospital, Africa Mercy, in West Africa.
Hands-on Review: The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
Mon, 2nd Sep 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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speakers
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 impresses with its stylish design and rich sound, offering portability and eight hours of playtime for music enthusiasts.
Hands-on Review: The OPPO Reno Z in gorgeous Aurora Purple
Wed, 7th Aug 2019
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gaming
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digital signage
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digital entertainment
The OPPO Reno Z in Aurora Purple impresses with its standout design, high specs including 128GB storage and 8GB RAM, and affordable pricing under NZD $700.
Hands-on Review: The LIFX Tile's amazing colour combinations
Mon, 5th Aug 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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wi-fi lights
I can creep quietly into bed after a late night on my computer, without disturbing my significant other. No more bashed big toes for me!.
Hands-on Review: LIFX A60+ LED Smart Light brightens the day
Thu, 27th Jun 2019
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gaming
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smart home
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digital entertainment
LIFX A60+ smart bulb dazzles with colour, mood settings & app ease, enhancing homes sans hub. #SmartLighting #Review.
Hands-on Review: Edifier S880DB Active Speakers are little with big sound
Wed, 12th Jun 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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speakers
Edifier's S880DB active speakers deliver big sound in a tiny package, with superb bass and treble tones. Just beware, Windows users need a special driver.
Hands-on Review: The illuminating TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulbs
Mon, 27th May 2019
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gaming
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smart home
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digital entertainment
ve been feeling somewhat in the dark with developments in the growth of the 'smart home', so it was a great opportunity to find out how things work.
Hands-on Review: MiniTool Power Data Recovery Software
Tue, 21st May 2019
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gaming
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dr
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digital entertainment
MiniTool earns high marks for data recovery, with robust features for Windows users but a steep learning curve.
Hands-on Review: Visme transforms you into a graphical presentation guru
Mon, 13th May 2019
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gaming
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martech
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digital entertainment
Versatile design tool Visme wins praise with templates, webcasts, and a user-friendly experience for creators.
Hands-on Review: The Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Thu, 9th May 2019
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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corsair
The Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard delivers top-notch engineering, comfort, and style, ideal for serious gamers and avid typists alike.