Spring is in the air in New Zealand! While many of us are thinking about cleaning out the garage or tidying up the garden, have you ever thought about spring cleaning your digital life?

Over the year, our digital spaces—our laptops, phones, and online accounts—can get just as cluttered as our homes. This digital mess can slow down your devices, cost you money you didn't know you were spending, and even pose a security risk.

But don't worry! The I.T. Bear is here with a simple checklist to help you tidy up your tech, making it run smoother, safer, and more efficiently.

For many Kiwis, living independently is a point of pride. It’s about being in your own home, enjoying your own space, and living life on your own terms. But for family members, it can come with a quiet worry. What happens if there’s a fall, or an accident, and no one is around to help?

For years, the answer has been a personal alarm, often worn around the neck. While helpful, they come with two significant drawbacks: they almost always require an ongoing monthly subscription fee, and more importantly, you have to be conscious and able to push the button to call for help. What if you can’t? And what if you could have a better solution, without being tied to another monthly bill?

With the cost of living on the rise, many New Zealand households are feeling the grizzly pinch. One of the biggest and most variable household expenses is the monthly power bill, which can be a real bear to open. The good news is that you have more control over it than you might think! With a few smart adjustments to your habits and a little help from technology, you can make significant savings and keep more honey in your pot.

Here are our top, well-researched tips to help you cut down your electricity costs.

Are you paying too much for your power, internet, or mobile? The honest answer for most Kiwis is probably "yes." We get comfortable, life gets busy, and we stick with the same providers for years, assuming we're on a decent plan. This is what providers count on.

But what if you could find out, in about 60 seconds, just how much money you're leaving on the table? Link to the calculator below:

Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the lambs are frolicking, but that doesn't mean our power bills are taking a holiday. In the hunt for savings, you've probably seen the ads: "FREE hour of power!", "FREE power from 9pm to midnight!". It sounds like a sweet deal, a real honey pot for the savvy consumer. But is it all it's cracked up to be, or is it a cleverly disguised bear trap? Read more to learn if you’re right for ‘free hour’ plans. Free blog sign up.

Now, I'll be honest, this is a bit of a read. But if you've got a heat pump and you're tired of those un-bear-ably high winter bills, I promise it's worth it. This article is based on a heap of New Zealand and global research, and you'll find all the links to the original studies and articles in the reference list at the end. We're going to bust some myths, look at real New Zealand research, and get your home warm and your wallet happy. Free sign up to read more.

Hey everyone, The I.T. Bear here! In the big, wide forest of home security, it’s easy to get lost. There are so many brands growling for your attention, each promising to be the ultimate guardian of your den. Today, I’m going to sink my claws into one of the most popular brands out there: Eufy. Is it the right choice to protect your honey pot? Let's find out.

Let's be honest, who enjoys using the air pump at the service station? You pull up, the machine is inevitably wedged in an awkward spot, it's probably covered in grime, and half the time the gauge is broken or you're left guessing if it's even working. You end up driving away wondering if your tyres are better or worse off. Plus, there's the golden rule of tyre pressure: you should always check them when they're cold for an accurate reading. Driving to the servo heats them up, the air expands, and the reading you get is wrong anyway!

Maintaining correct tyre pressure isn't just a chore; it's crucial for your safety on the road and for your wallet. Under-inflated tyres wear out faster, affect your car's handling, and can increase your fuel consumption by up to 3%. With today's petrol prices, that could easily be over $75-$100 wasted each year, just on fuel!

For ages, The IT Bear has been on the hunt for a better way. And I think I've found it: the Bosch EasyPump.

Rawr! It's your friendly neighborhood I.T. Bear, woken from a perfectly good nap by the scent of... old, insecure Android phones. Seriously, the number of you walking around with security patches older than a forgotten L&P bottle in the back of the ute is giving me a massive headache.

I see two types of humans out there in the digital wilderness.

First, there are the Tech Enthusiasts. You lot are always chasing the latest shiny thing from the moment it hits the shelves. New camera? Fastest chip? You're practically lining up outside Noel Leeming before it's even announced.

Then, there are the Pragmatists. You'll use a phone until the screen is more cracked than a dry paddock in summer. Your motto is "she'll be right." You're trying to save a few bucks, and fair enough.

But here's the hard word for both of you: there's a ticking clock on your phone's safety, and you're ignoring it. Those "annoying" software updates aren't just for new emojis. They are the digital security guards for your data. Ignoring them is like leaving the chilly bin open at a BBQ. You're just asking for trouble.

Trying to figure out the best internet plan in New Zealand can feel like navigating a maze. Do you go for a classic fixed-line connection, or is wireless the way to go? And where does a new, satellite-based service like Starlink fit into the picture? The answers aren't one-size-fits-all. They depend on where you live and what you need.

This article, written by the team at The I.T. Bear, breaks down the current state of New Zealand's broadband, from the government-led fibre rollout to the disruptive rise of a new player.

You might have seen the notifications popping up: Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.

It sounds a bit dramatic, doesn't it? For many of us across New Zealand, Windows 10 has been a reliable workhorse on our laptops and desktops for years. So, what does "end of support" actually mean? Will your computer suddenly stop working? Is it all just a big scheme to get you to buy a new machine?

Let's cut through the noise. Here at The I.T. Bear, we're all about providing clear, no-nonsense advice. Here’s the real deal on the Windows 10 retirement, the genuine risks, the myths, and what you should do next.

You’ve probably seen the news. By the end of 2025, New Zealand's 3G network will be switched off for good. The official advice is simple: to see if your phone is ready for the switch, text ‘3G’ to 550. You’ll get a message back letting you know if your device needs an upgrade.

This is all part of a global move to repurpose the 3G spectrum for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G networks. For most people in the cities with a recent phone, this will be a non-event. But here at The IT Bear, we’ve been digging a bit deeper. And it turns out, there’s a bit more to this story than just texting a number.

Your phone is on its last legs. The battery lasts about as long as a chocolate fish in the sun, and opening an app feels like it takes a week. You’re staring down the barrel of a new phone purchase, which means facing the biggest question in tech: do you join the Android army or take a bite out of Apple?

It’s a rivalry more intense than a Bunnings sausage sizzle debate. Both sides have their die-hard fans, and frankly, both make fantastic phones. But they are about as different as jandals and gumboots. Here at The IT Bear, we’re cutting through the noise to give you the lowdown on what a Kiwi really needs to consider.

Ever wondered how that video call with family overseas, or your latest Netflix binge, makes it all the way to your device in New Zealand? It's a journey that spans continents, crosses oceans, and weaves through a complex web of technology right into your home. Let's break down how the internet works, from its global backbone to your personal Wi-Fi signal.

At The I.T. Bear, we believe everyone deserves a fast and reliable internet connection without the frustrating dead zones. While premium mesh systems are fantastic, sometimes you need a solution that's kind to your wallet but still gets the job done. That's where the Mercusys Halo H50G comes in, and it's the star of our starter package for a very good reason.

Are you tired of Wi-Fi dead zones in your home? Does your internet connection drop out when you move from one room to another? You're not alone. In today's connected world, a reliable Wi-Fi signal is essential. That's where a mesh Wi-Fi system comes in, and at The I.T. Bear, we recommend TP-Link Deco.

Hello, tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious foodies! Your favourite I.T. Bear here, taking a brief detour from gadgets and tech speak to talk about something equally vital in these "cost of living crisis" times: delicious, affordable food! Yes, even I, The I.T. Bear, have to eat, and with prices soaring, there's no better time to get smart in the kitchen and start saving some serious money.

Today, we're diving into one of my favourite budget-friendly hacks: substituting some of your minced beef for humble, yet mighty, lentils. Trust me on this one – if you do it right, your kids (and even the "big kids" you live with) won't even notice the difference, and your wallet will thank you!

Hey Bears! You've probably seen the headlines buzzing about new government rules to sort out our power bills. Sounds pretty good, eh? On the surface, it seems like we might finally get a break from those bills that make you want to hibernate through winter.

But before we all start planning what to do with our extra cash, let's get down to the bare facts. Will these changes actually leave more honey in your pot at the end of the month?

For many Kiwis, an Xtra email address has been a part of their online identity for decades. It's been with us through the evolution of the internet, from the days of dial-up to the fibre speeds we enjoy today. But as you may have recently discovered, the era of a free Xtra Mail account has come to an end, and Spark is now charging a monthly fee for the service.

If you've been wondering what this means for you and whether you should continue paying, you're not alone. The good news is that you have options, and moving to a new email provider might be easier and more beneficial than you think. In this post, we'll explore the changes to Xtra Mail, the alternatives available, and how The I.T. Bear can make the transition seamless for you.

In our hyper-connected world, the lines between work, family, and personal life are constantly blurring. For busy parents shuttling kids to activities, or dedicated business owners managing calls and emails on the go, the temptation to glance at your smartphone while driving, even at a stoplight, can be incredibly strong. You might think, "It's just a quick check," or "I'm only at a red light, it's fine." But this seemingly innocent habit carries significant risks, not just for your safety, but for your reputation and your wallet.