Doc Edge is back for 2025, spotlighting Aotearoa’s sharpest documentary filmmakers and globe-spanning gems from Ireland to Indonesia. With a lineup spanning features, shorts, and immersive works, the stakes are high: winners score not just cash, but a shot at Academy Award® glory.

The Oscar®-qualifying festival runs in Auckland from 25 June to 13 July, then tours Wellington and Christchurch (16–27 July), before streaming nationwide in The Virtual Cinema (28 July–24 August). Awards night takes centre stage on 3 July. Full programme at docedge.nz.

DIY design platform Cricut has teamed up with three Maori artists—Josh Kiwikiwi, Tayla Hartemink, and Talia Musson—for a powerful Matariki collaboration. Their custom digital artworks are now live on Cricut Design Space, blending traditional storytelling with modern creativity.

Each time a Cricut user cuts one of these designs, proceeds go to local charities like Maori Women’s Welfare League and Nga Rangatahi Toa. Cricut’s even matching donations through July. Search “Cricut ANZ Designs” in the app to check them out.

To celebrate 80 years of audio excellence, Sennheiser’s slashing prices on its top-rated EW-D wireless systems until 30 June. Clean sound, rock-solid UHF reliability, and app-controlled ease — now for less.

And here’s the cherry on top: they’re giving away just 80 pairs of limited-edition Ruby Red HD 25 headphones. To enter, just share your Sennheiser wireless story at sennheiser.com/rubyred. No purchase needed, just passion. Open globally till 31 August.

On the back of yesterday’s Microsoft Xbox announcement… ASUS’s new ROG Ally X packs AMD’s Ryzen Z2 muscle — including the AI-loaded Z2 Extreme with Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5. Think console-grade performance, on the go. AI upscaling, smarter frame gen, longer playtime. Handheld gaming just got a proper upgrade.

Xbox and ASUS have pulled the wraps off the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X—a pair of sleek, Windows-powered handhelds that promise to bring your entire Xbox and PC library to your backpack. Think Steam Deck with Xbox DNA and none of the ecosystem headaches. Cloud, console, or native installs—if it plays on Xbox or PC, it plays here.

The Ally is the “just right” model for most gamers, while the Ally X is pure handheld muscle: more RAM, more storage, more battery, and yes, impulse triggers for that full Xbox feel. Both units boot into a new full-screen Xbox mode built for handhelds, with smart UX tweaks and Game Bar upgrades that make navigation snappy, not fiddly.

Launches holiday 2025 in NZ and other global spots. Prices? Not yet. But if you’re tired of choosing between comfort, performance, and platform access on the go, this could be the one device to rule them all.

From punk to pop to proper rock swagger, this week’s album drops are packed with attitude. Pulp are back with More, proving they’ve still got plenty to say. Queens of the Stone Age go subterranean with the live-heavy Alive In The Catacombs, while Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes roars into his 21st (!) studio album with the aptly named Defiant.

On the local front, Wellington’s Love Party crash in with their scrappy, electrifying debut WOW!, and T?maki Makaurau’s Phoebe Rings deliver a lush dream-pop gem with Quietly Beautiful. Across the ditch, Ocean Alley float out their fifth LP Love Balloon, full of sun-drenched grooves, while NYC’s King Princess gets raw and real on Girl Violence. Rounding things out, UK post-punks SHAME slice deep with new record Cutthroat.

One for every mood—spin them loud and see what sticks.

Hisense has just dropped its tiniest, mightiest 4K projector yet—the M2 Pro—and it’s a serious flex in portable home cinema. Packing AI-driven 4K upscaling, triple-laser colour tech, optical zoom, and Dolby Audio into a pint-sized package, this featherweight firecracker turns any wall into a massive, razor-sharp screen up to 200 inches. Setup is a breeze with autofocus, auto keystone, and smart wall adaptation, and it runs VIDAA OS with all the streaming goodies built in.

Big-screen brilliance you can sling in a backpack? It’s a game-changer for movie nights, road trips, or Kiwis tight on space. Pricing and local release dates are still under wraps—but this one’s worth watching.

…in case you were missing anybody. The $799.95 piece of kit has a 1080p 7.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh and HDR compatibility. It also supports up to 4K output at 120Hz when docked. The new controllers have better ergonomics and a new GameChat function.

Whether it’s a midnight migraine or a weekend woe, you can now consult a doctor from the comfort of your home. Average wait times are under three hours, and fees aren’t cheap. But when you need it, you’ll be really grateful for it. www.tend.nz

Finally bringing crisp, high-def telly to the dish crowd. TVNZ is leading the charge, with more HD channels on the way. No subscription, just sharper screens for everyone.